HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/13/2007 CWC minutes
MINUTES
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13,2007
9:00 AM
VILLAGE HALL, 50 SOUTH EMERSON STREET
Mayor Irvana Wilks called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 AM. Representing Village
staff were Village Manager Michael Janonis and Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey.
Village residents in attendance were:
Diane Peterson
Julita Urban
Derek Steinweg
Daniel Milewski
Donald Burger
Rodger Kruse
Carol Tortorello
Kim berly Skic
Pitsa Lamprinakos
Demetria Lamprinakos
Jerry Clauser
George Haas
Fairview Avenue
Greenwood Avenue
Barberry Lane
Barberry Lane
Bob-O-Link Road
Louis Street
Elmhurst Avenue
Owen Street
Goltburst Avenue
Goltburst Avenue
Kenilworth Avenue
Emerson Street
Mayor Wilks welcomed all in attendance.
Diane Peterson expressed concern that village codes do not adequately regulate redevelopment
in existing residential neighborhoods. She presented her thoughts to the Mayor. She related a
specific concern about the emission of furnace and water heater exhaust from the new house
constructed next to her home. She understands that the home was built in compliance with codes
but remains concerned that the codes do not effectively consider the placement of such exhaust
vents and their impact upon existing neighbors.
Mayor Wilks responded that the she believes the village codes do regulate the placement of
exhausts on new single family residences. She advised Ms. Peterson that Building Commissioner
Bill Schroeder would contact her about her concerns.
Julita Urban expressed dissatisfaction with overnight on-street parking on Greenwood A venue.
She stated that the people who utilize the parking are not honoring the parking restrictions.
Specifically, she stated that they are parking past 2 am; they move the cars early in the morning to
avoid enforcement efforts; are loud, and confrontational. She also felt the police department has
not adequately addressed her requests.
Mike Janonis advised Ms. Urban that Police Chief John Dahlberg would call her directly to
discuss her concerns.
Derek Steinweg and Daniel Milewski identified themselves as members of the Mount Prospect
Youth Commission. They stated they were attending to learn more about how the Village
operates and what types of issues are discussed at coffee with council meetings. They noted that
they intend to report about their experience at this meeting to the rest of the youth commission.
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Mayor Wilks thanked them for attending and expressed her gratitude to the commission for the
work that they do.
Don Burger complained about the noise emanating from the AutoBarn facility on Rand Road
near his home. Specifically, he has concerns about the noise coming from the building's exhaust
fans, noise from the pneumatic tools, and car alarms sounding in the middle of the night.
Mr. Janonis responded that the Village has responded to Mr. Burger's complaints about
AutoBarn in the past. He stated that the Village has enforced all applicable codes to the greatest
extent possible. He stated that if Mr. Burger and his neighbors were willing to sign a complaint,
the Village would pursue the matter in the Cook County Circuit Court.
Rodger Kruse thanked the Village for their response efforts to the August 23rd thunderstorm. He
also thanked the police department for recent traffic enforcement efforts. Mr. Kruse also asked
why the new home being reconstructed on the corner of Central and Albert has two (2)
driveways. He also commented that many residents rake their leaves out too early.
Mr. Janonis responded that the driveway exiting to Central Road will be removed when
construction is completed. The house otherwise conforms to all building codes.
Mrs. Peterson wanted to compliment PW for cleaning the storm sewer in front of her home. She
related that she didn't have any problems with street flooding during the August 23rd storm.
Carol Tortorello stated that she had no issues to discuss.
Kim Skic stated that she also had no issues to discuss.
Demetria Lamprinakos complained about dog droppings in her yard. She reported that she
consistently finds an inordinate amount of pet waste on her property. She asked if the Village
could help educate dog-owning residents in her neighborhood about the problem. She also asked
if the Village could install a sign warning that failure to cleanup dog defecation is a violation of
village code.
Kim Skic related that she had a similar experience at her home but discovered that a raccoon was
the culprit.
Mr. Janonis suggested that the public education effort might be a worthy endeavor for the Mount
Prospect Youth Commission. He also assured that the Village would intervene if a specific
offender or offenders could be identified.
Ms. Tortello noted that there is a spray available at Petsmart that can be applied to a lawn that is
effective at repelling dogs.
Ms. Urban commented that she has used a "sour apple" spray and found it to be effective
repelling both dogs and cats from her yard.
Jerry Klauser suggested that there is a need for a leash law for cats. He related that cats in his
neighborhood frequently roam unattended. He explained that he is a bird enthusiast and has
observed unattended cats stalking birds on the feeders in his back yard.
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Mr. Janonis acknowledged that there is not a leash law for cats. He also commented that there
may be a need for a public information campaign to remind pet owners about their stewardship
responsibilities.
Don Burger asked if the Prospect Meadows water main and storm sewer improvements would be
completed next year.
Mr. Dorsey responded that the project is scheduled and budgeted for construction next year.
George Haas related concerns about an unfavorable experience he recently had with building
inspectors while remodeling his home. Specifically, he was disconcerted that he was not
informed about the need for a floor drain in his crawlspace until well after work was completed.
He also related that he had to have three (3) final inspections and new discoveries were noted
after the second inspection. He explained that he did not raise his concerns while his project was
underway but would like to discuss the matter now. He commented that he would like to have a
clear understanding of the plan review and inspection process before he begins his next project.
Mr. Janonis responded that building inspectors and plan reviewers often have the difficult task
of divining the things that a good contractor should know and the things that most homeowners
do not know about construction. He also stated that he would ask the Building Commissioner to
contact him to discuss his experience with Village inspectors.
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Wilks adjourned the meeting at II :00 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
_5P~?
Sean P. Dorsey
Deputy Director of Public Works
Ene (2)
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