Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout4965_001MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SEPTEMBER 26, 1989 I. ROLL CAL The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Gerald L. Farley; Trustees Ralph Arthur, Mark Busse, Timothy Corcoran, Leo Floros, George Van Geem and Theodore Wattenberg. Also present at the meeting were: Assistant Village Manager Michael Janonis, Finance Director David Jepson and Planning and Zoning Director David Clements. Also present were three persons from the print media. 11. MINUTES The Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting of September 12, 1989 were accepted and filed. III, CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There were no citizens present wishing to address the Board and the Committee moved on to the next item of business. IV. REVIEW— OF VEHICLE SIICKEg$ Finance Director David Jepson reviewed with Committee members his memo regarding recommended amendments to the Village Code governing the sale of Motor Vehicle Stickers as well as recommended procedural changes, in this area. Mr. Jepson was recommending that the Village Code be amended so as to establish a flat $10.00 fee for commercial bus companies operating school buses. Mr. Jepson indicated that this $10-00 fee was established as part of ongoing discussions with Cook County School Bus Company which was annexed to the Village a few years ago. Mr. Jepson stated that the County of Cook only levies a fee of $5.00 for school buses. Also, Mr. Jepson indicated that many other municipalities, including Roselle and Schaumburg, do not charge any vehicle sticker fees for companies operating school buses. Mr. Jepson indicated that the $10.00 fee would be more than adequate to cover administrative costs associated with the registration of such vehicles. General discussion among Committee members resulted in a consensus that the $10.00 fee be established. Trustee Timothy Corcoran questioned the rationale for exempting a commercial enterprise from having to pay normal fees. Among other things, it was noted that these fees would ultimately be passed on in the form of higher costs to School Districts who contracted with these types of bus companies. Further, Mr. Jepson indicated that this type of treatment was consistent with some of the other exemptions which the Village had previously established for churches, other public school and not-for-profit organizations. Also discussed was potential relief for full-time college students who not only must purchase a Village vehicle sticker but are also required to purchase some type of parking sticker on the campus of the college or university they attend. This issue was raised via a Speak Out in which the parent of a college student pointed out that it seemed unfair to require this expenditure. This citizen's rationale was that the increasing costs of college tuition, room and board and other miscellaneous items placed an undue hardship on such students and that this type of relief was in order. Mr. Jepson addressed this issue in his memorandum and reviewed his recommendations with Committee members. Basically, Mr. Jepson indicated that it would be very difficult to administer a reduced rate program because of difficulties in verifying the full-time status of a student. Rather, Mr. Jepson indicated that most complaints customer service clerks receive from college students is that the deadline for purchasing vehicles is often before the end of the spring semester and as a result, the students are often assessed a 50% penalty for failing to meet the statutory purchase deadline. Mr. Jepson suggested that the penalty provision of the Ordinance be waived with regard to full-time college students who purchased their vehicle stickers within 30 days of the end of the college term. Mr. Jepson indicated that this was a more equitable resolution of the problem and one that could be easily administered. Discussion among Committee members indicated that there was wide support for the waiving of the penalty provision of the Motor Vehicle Sticker Ordinance with regard to full-time college students. Mr. Jepson indicated that this particular item could be handled administratively and would not require an official amendment to the Ordinance. Staff was directed to draft the necessary amendments to effectuate the change Committee members reviewed a memorandum from Planning and Zoning Director David Clements outlining his recommendations for changes to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow basketball standards to be erected in front yards. Currently, such "recreational equipment" may not be erected and maintained in dedicated front yards. -2- However, Mr. Clements indicated that in practice, the prohibition is largely ignored and, in any event, would be very difficult to administer. After review by staff, it was concluded that the erection and maintenance of this type of recreational equipment would not have an adverse impact upon property values nor would it be injurious to the health, safety and welfare of residents. After brief discussion, Committee members concurred with the recommendation of Mr. Clements to remove the prohibition. Mr. David Schein, 512 South Na-Wa-Ta Avenue appeared before Committee members to voice his support for the decision of the Board and to indicate that he felt that reasonable regulations regarding the placement of basketball standards in front yards would be warranted. Mr. Clements indicated that those issues would be subject to discussion by the Zoning Board of Appeals who would conduct the necessary public hearings and make recommendations to the Board regarding the ultimate scope of the change. Mr. Clements also inquired as to the timing of this amendment. It was the Board's consensus that this item be addressed as part of periodic Code updates rather than as a special item. However, the Board indicated that it desired the change be made prior to spring, 1990. VI. BICYCLE PATHS Committee members reviewed proposed bicycle paths established by the Plan Commission as part of the implementation of the Village's Comprehensive Plan. The Plan Commission, working through staff, had established a number of bike routes located throughout the Village that would facilitate the safe movement of bicyclists throughout the Village as well as connecting with established bike paths in neighboring communities. Committee members -unanimously endorsed the bike paths as designated. Mayor Farley questioned staff regarding the timing and expense involved in erecting the necessary signage identifying these paths. Planning and Zoning Director David Clements indicated that those figures would be compiled in conjunction with the forthcoming Village Budget Hearings and would be available for discussion at that time. VII. MANAGER'S REPORT There was no discussion under this item. -3- VIII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Trustee George Van Geem asked fellow Committee members to consider the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund for victims of Hurricane Hugo. Trustee Van Geem felt that as a sister municipality, the Village and its residents could best show its concern by providing monetary or "in-kind" relief for these disaster victims. IX, ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Committee of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m. MEJ/rcw Respectfully submitted, MICHAEL E. JANONIS Assistant Village Manager 4-