HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOW Meeting Packet 11/23/1993MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
SEPTEMBER 14,1993
CALL TO ORDER
R E V I S E D
11/17/93
The meeting was called to order by Village Manager Michael Janonis at 7:40 p.m.
Present adthe meeting were: Trustees George C|owew Timothy Corcoran, Paul
Hoefe¢ Michaele Skqwnon and |rvama Wilks. Absent from the meeting were:
Mayor Gerald Farley and Trustee Richard Hendricks. Also present were:
Assistant to the Village Manager David Strahl, Public Works Director Herb Weeks,
Deputy Public Works Director Glen And|er. Solid Waste Coordinator L|ao Ange||,
K8e| Both and Jerry McIntosh, Public Works personnel, Finance Director David
Jepmon, Police Chief Ronald Pav|orh, Crime Prevention Officers Bill Roeoop and
John Wagner.
OnaMotion byTrustee |nanaWilks and Seconded byTrustee Hpeha¢Trustee
Timothy Corcoran was unanimously voted as President Pro Tern for the meeting.
11. MINUTES
AMotion was made byTrustee Corcoran for acceptance ufMinutes nfAugust 24.
Trustee Hoefert asked to defer Minutes until clarified and Trustee Skowron pointed
out the date is wrong. Motion was withdrawn. Review in detail for next meeting.
Ill. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Ms. Lswsu Rmxhke, 506 Na-Wa+Ta,appnomohed the Board tndiscuss the Park
District/School District, She said that citizens should voice opinion and asked
whether the land was for sale before School District asked about property. What
does Village mean byswapping? Effect ofland not asopen land onall residents '
study? Wants to see the original contract - has not received; not the same notice
as School District residents, What cern the School District not use Lions Park?
Trustee Corcoran read the Village's statement regarding the Park site.
Pat Wolf, 810 South Willi stated that the School District is desperate to find a
site. This hurts the Village Board. She submitted a Petition signed by 100
residents of Mount Prospect and Deis Plaines to keep the site as a Park. No
notification has been given to the public. Park is in flood plain. They are
concerned about flooding into personal property. Traffic study has increased and
with school, traffic will be increased further. More o3nsideration is necessary.
Don Maxwell, 632 South Edward, stated that if new schools are necessary, this
site will kill the Referendum. He does not want to lose the park to a school. He
feels property values will be affected with a park site versus a school. Where
would the school have gone if the previous referendum had passed.
Trustee Corcoran stated that the Village Board and other Boards are considering
all comments and a copy of our tape would go to other Boards.
Trustee George Clowes stated the Village Board did not release the information
on the School site, The decision to release the information was made by the
School Board itself. The School Board has the ultimate decision on the site.
Resident Pat Wolf said School District 57 has the ultimate decision but if the
Village does not sell the site to them, then construction of a school on this site
would not be an option to the School District.
Trustee Hoefert stated that if the School site was under consideration then the
Village would have a Public Hearing to determine citizen input. There would be
no closed door meetings or approvals of selling this site to the School District
without such input.
IV. FUGITIVE MOUNT PROSPECT
Trustee W" said that she had seen a similar program in Florida while on
vacation which prompted her to write the memo requesting the staff investigate the
possibility of starting such a program in Mount Prospect. She also stated that
based on the information of the program in Florida, the program only had been on
for one week and had already caught two fugitives. The program would be taped
for replay. Trustee Wilks has talked to the appropriate staff that would be involved
in such a project. Follow-up comments from the staff have been positive. There
would be a dedicated phone line for recording calls from citizens.
General discussion followed among the Trustees. One oYthe questions that was
raised was the start-up cost.
Cheryl PemmWc stated that the only additional cost she could arrive edwould hethe
cost ofthe dedicated phone line.
Chief Ronald Pawlomkmbted he thought it was an exmaksrd idea and it would
improve crime prevention. Hnthought that the cost could beminimized and there
would not be any expenditure of Police overtime for putting together the program
byrearranging the work day,
Officer Bill Romcepfelt that the program idea fits into the overall crime prevention
program aaestablished bythe Village. He. also stated that itwas agood idea to
focus the program tnMount Prospect residents. Many times the local newspaper
may not provide the coverage necessary tofocus oncrime prevention aspects
necessary that this program would provide. OffimarHnsoop also stated that he
thought the program should initially be approximately ten to fifteen minutes and did
not necessarily have to focus only on crime. It could also ba|h about prevention
tips and other -information for the public. Then after, the program could expand
based onthe amount pfinformation available.
Trustee Hoefmrt said apparently the coat is minimal. He questioned the foot
whether we had enough fugitives to justify running e lengthy program or not.
Chief Pavlmck stated hewould prefer mshorter program atfirst due toshort staff
and full program.
Officer Rms:op stated that we could include bond jumpers and other individuals
that would have connections toMount Prospect.
Village Manager Michael Jamwmis stated that wecould utilize awider audience to
determine interest and expand over time bystarting small.
Trustee Corcoran asked whether it would be viable to check with any sponsors to
help defray any possible costs.
Cheryl Pasalic stated they are bound not to get sponsors for paid -for -public access
programs but there iaapossibility tnsolicit donations.
Trustee Corcoran stated whatever options for additional revenue he would be
interested in.
Trustee Wilks thanked the staff for their support and stated that any money saved
in crime prevention is well worth the program itself. This program would give the
residents an opportunity to identify the bad guys and it is important to stress that
crime is not running rampant in Mount Prospect.
Chief Pavlock stated that they are always looking for new ideas.
Resident Ernie Lassie at 305 South Elm spoke. He stated that he cannot
understand why the Village Board is so concerned about spending $1300 for a
program when they hired the Assistant Village Manager when the position does
not show up in the budget document.
Village Manager Michael Jannis stated the Assistant position was budgeted for
an approved by" the Village Board. The document that Mr. Lassie is referring to
appears to be the draft budget.
Tmistee Corcoran stated that every item has to be funded and approved by Board
approval.
V. DEPARTMENT REVIEWS - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Village Manager Michael Janonis stated that the purpose of these meetings with
the Departments is to provide basic information and educate the Village Board
about the Department operations in preparation for upcoming Budget Hearings.
Public Works Director Herb Weeks stated he appreciates the opportunity to provide
insight into the Public Works' operations. He stated that the Public Works
Department operates as a true Public Works Department with all employees cross -
trained thereby creating a labor force that is very flexible. Adding additional
services and programs would create a drain on resources based on the level of
staffing that the Public Works Department current has. Staffing levels have not
changed in five years according to the Park Ridge survey.
Public Works Department let 30 contracts which ariounts to approximately $15
million in Public Works projects over the last fiscal year. Some of these contracts
included water and refuse. The mission of the Public, Works Department includes
preserving the infrastructure, therefore, they have to work with at least 22 other
governmental agencies and adhere to numerous unfunded Mandates which have
stressed resources.
Village Manager Michael Janonis pointed out to the Village Board on page 11 of
t
the report showing the staffing levels which have not changed in the last five
years. This points out that the Public Works Department is getting more out of
employees without adding employees for services.
Tnafte Hoefert stated this appears to be a lot of ,material. He also asked the
question, "What is being done about the old well sites? Can we sell these off?"
Herb Weeks stated that under the JAWA requirements, the Village must maintain
a reservoir to supply needs. Therefore, if JAWA goes down, they are able to draw
from the wells. For example, they test the wells every two months to make sure
they are in operating order so that not all well sites are viable for selling. The
Village also turns over all the water in the storage tanks every two days.
Trustee Hoefert said are any sites capable of being sold.
Herb Weeks stated that not all sites have buildable capabilities, therefore, their
value would beverylimited.
Trtufte Hoefert asked if JAWA goes down, how long a supply does the Village
have?
Herb Weeks stated he could provide water to the Village for two weeks.
Michael Janonis stated that JAWA is looking at emergency alternatives to wells
because they have decided that wells are not the long-term solution for emergency
situations. They are also looking at interconnections.
Trustee Hoefert asked what are the costs of repairing wells that have gone bad.
Herb Weeks stated that due to the depth of the wells, they can easily be fowled
and the maintenance cost is substantial. He also stated that the Village has
limited interconnects with Des Plaines and Arlington Heights for additional water
if necessary.
Michael Janonis reminded the Village Board the interconnects cannot supply the
entire town. They are for limited use only.
Trustee Wilks stated that she noticed the point brought up in the report about the
problems at Village Hall.
Herb Weeks stated that when the Village purchased the building from its original
owner, the bank, numerous changes were made to construct offices. Since the
building is being used for a purpose it was not designed for, it has stressed the
heating and air-conditioning system and the system itself is almost 30 years old.
There is a substantial cost in maintaining and repairing the heating and air-
conditioning system. Many windows leak and they have major heat transfer
problems due to the size of the windows.
Tnudee Hoefert asked if the Village staff had looked into the possibility of hiring
a space planner to review the utilization of space in 'Village Hall.
Herb Weeks stated that much of the equipment in the Village Hall is obsolete and
there are numerous deficiencies. It is difficult to determine where he should start
in trying to address some of these problems.
Tnistee Skowron stated that many things need to be looked at and possibly
upgraded in the review of the Village Hall.
Michael Jannis stated that the intention was not to talk exclusively about the
Village Hall but the other services that Public Works provides.
Trustee WNks asked how recycling was working in the,multi-family dwelling units.
Lisa Angell stated that they are receiving approximately 70% participation. Some
of the larger complexes they have limited cooperation. She is working on some
of the problems attributed with multi-farnily recycling specifically with contamination
of materials due to mixing of materials.
Trustee Wilks asked if the size of the containers are still a problem as before.
Lisa AngeN stated that the container size has been solved but there are problems
with people takung the containers when they move out of the apartment.
Tnatee WOm complimented the staff on the recycing program itself and has
noticed that other communities have used Mount Prospect as an example of a
responsive recycling program. Trustee Wilks also asked how the public education
is going.
Tnistee Hoefiert stated that since Mount Prospect was one of the leaders, they
must maintain that lead over the other, cities. He suggested in taking the lead with
contract negotiations next year. He also asked the staff to consider including other
materials in negotiations of the contract including s(xap metal and construction
debris.
Lisa AngeN stated that she is interested in looking at all areas of waste in order to
reduce the waste stream.
Trustee Clowes questioned the cost of the recycling program and specifically
where the $29,000 comes from as pointed out in the report.
Lisa Angell stated that the $29,000 is the average net recovery from the sale of
recyclable materials.
Trustee Clowes asked what is the avoided cost of the recycled materials compared
to the cost of landfilling the materials.
Lisa Angell stated it was approximately $26 per ton,
Trustee Cloves asked if that cost figure is based on the cost of avoidance of the
material as if it was landfilled.
Lisa Angell stated it currently costs more to recycle than to landfill. The Village will
receive a diversion credit from SWANCC when SWANCC comes on line.
Trustee Clowes asked if the Village staff had any idea about the fee paid to
SWANCC.
Lisa Angell stated that it may cost more for SWANCC compared to landfilling it.
However, it is anticipated that it will become cost effective over time.
Trustee Corcoran stated that it appears as if the rate for SWANCC is very close
to the commercial rate. The Transfer Station is the long-term cost which is paid
for over time.
Trustee Skowron said the program reflects Mount Prospect's commitment to
residents. It might be a good idea to provide the residents with information about
where to send their waste in the future and opportunities to recycle.
Lisa Angell stated residents are provided a complete list of available recycling sites
in the northwest suburbs.
Trustee Corcoran stated that the staff should consider reviewing the hauling
contract and focusing on three years or longer or to amortize costs over time.
SWANCC should provide draft language for other participants in the organization
and look at economies of scale with other towns. Allow SWANCC to provide any
information Mount Prospect may need in order to take some of the burden off the
Mount Prospect staff.
Lisa Angell stated that SWANCC has improved services recently in this effort.
Trustee Corcoran stated that hopefully there will be no duplicated effort and the
staff should be especially aware of avoiding this possibility.
Use Angell stated that she does not know whether there are any duplication of
services, however, much of the money is going into education at schools and
trying to get the residents at the most basic level to participate in recycling. As far
as she knows, there are no duplicated efforts in terms of education.
Village Manager Michael Jannis stated that one of tle areas of interest was the
multi -family educational materials has been provided in different languages in an
effort to reach all residents.
Trustee Wilke said she had toured the Transfer Station and said that a good
neighbor agreement was in place in order forresidents to monitor operations at the
Transfer Station. SWANCC offered to test waterwells in the River Forest
Subdivision but had only one well owner take up the offer,
Dave Jepson said they are looking to firm up the figunss at this time and it appears
that a large increase is on the horizon. However, there are some possibilities of
cost offsets and will refine the figures in the near future in order to prepare for the
budgeting process.
Trustee Wilks stated it was her understanding that SWANCC is looking at
residential and commercial waste to reduce the cost of the capital project of the
Transfer Station.
Lisa Angell stated that as far as she knows at this time, the focus is on residential
only with the anticipation of adding commercial as necessary.
Trustee Corcoran thought it was a good idea to bring as much waste as possible
and to lower the cost of the facility. Trustee Corcoran suggested that we bring
Public Works back for another night since there is quite 6 bit of material yet to be
gone over.
V11. APARTMENT COMPLEX ISSUES - POTENTIAL FUNDING MECHANISM
Trustee Corcoran stated that it was his understanding that the staff is looking into
a Special Service Area for apartment services funding as the preferred mechanism
to fund additional services.
Village Manager Michael Jannis stated that the funding proposal is to address
concerns that are occurring in the south end of town. The Village Board has
attempted to address some of these problems through three additional Police
Officers. The staff has created an internal task force to look at the problems
concentrating "on reviewing occupancy limits and property maintenance issues. It
was found through this review that in order for the services to be provided, there
needs to be a means to fund the necessary services. This funding mechanism of
creating the Special Service Area was brought up tonight primarily because it must
be in place by the end of the year. The Village Board has the option of creating
a Special Service Area and determining the use of the funds at a later date. The
staff will track all expenses to justify the Special Service Area.
Dave Jepson stated the mechanism for the Village Board to adopt the Ordinance
includes a Public Hearing and a publication of the Notice in order for the persons
in the Special Service Area to have an opportunity to voice their concerns.
Residents in the Special Service Area can terminate the Special Service Area
option if they have 51 % of the signatures of the registered voters and 51 % of the
signatures of the property owners within the Special Service Area. This proposal
has been reviewed by the Village Attorney and meets all necessary legal
requirements for creating a Special Service Area. This is a different type of District
which is typically created.
It is usual for most Special Service Areas to be created to fund Capital
Improvement Projects instead of just services. To meet the necessary deadline
in order for this Special Service Area to get on the Levy for next year, it must be
completed by the end of this year. Therefore, we are presenting the proposal
tonight with a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 5 and it is projected the
Ordinance will approved at the second reading on December 7. Based on this
time frame, the Village should begin receiving funds from the Special Service Area
in late August or September of 1994.
Based on the review of the value of the property contained within the Special
Service Area, it is expected an average of every $.10 per hundred would generate
approximately $48,000. The current Landlord/Tenant fee of $7.00 per unit was put
in approximately 1983 and it has not changed since then. The Village gets
approximately $39,000 from this fee but it is still difficult to raise the fee to
generate the necessary revenue to provide the services necessary to keep this
area in a proper condition. By establishing the District, the Village Board can
establish the Tax Rate at a later date. Prior to the Village Board establishing the
actual rate, the staff should have some type of estimates on the cost and services
expected to be provided in the Special Service Area.
Trustee Corcoran stated that it appears to make sense to him to identify the
sources of revenue prior to utilizing the revenue. This is very similar to what most
businesses do.
Dave Jepson stated in reviewing the site and the services provided, this area
appears to be receiving more services than other areas in the Village.
Trustee Clowes asked why is Boxwood not included within the Special Service
area.
Trustee Skowron asked if staff had any idea of the number of property owners
within the proposed area.
Dave Jepson stated he was not exactly sure of the number based on inaccurate
records from the Township and the County. AI&D, the properties must be
contiguous.
Trustee Wilks asked what are the general expectations, of additional services which
these funds may be used for.
Dave Jepson suggested the possibility of additional Police Officers, additional
Inspectors and funding additional Human Services. Also, currently the Public
Works Department is expending services in this area for clean up and vehicle
removal. It is estimated the Village could obtain from $280,000 to $300,000 per
year to fund these additional services.
Trustee Wilks asked if there must be a tracking mechanism in order to show where
the funds are going.
Dave Jepson stated that all services will be identified and tracked as money is
expended.
Trustee Will asked if there had been any feedback from Commonwealth Edison
concerning, this Special Service Area.
Dave Jepson stated he has contacted Commonwealth Edison but has not received
any official reply.
Village Manager Jannis stated that the Village has already put in services and
capital improvements within the right-of-way itself.
Trustee Wilks stated she supports the program, however, she is concerned about
the current disparity of taxing rates of apartment owners compared to other
businesses and asked if there is a possibility of legaV action that could block this.
Trustee Wilks further stated she felt it is important to maintain affordable housing
10
stock in the Village, however, in an area that is demanding additional services, she
is concerned about the inequities of that service being delivered.
Resident Merrill Cotton, of 2710 BrIarwood Drtve West, commented that he
supports the Special Service Area and stated that it was important to identify the
problems and services that are provided. Increase services if there is a funding
mechanism. He stated he is surprised the Village is proceeding faster than he had
expected to address this problem.
Resident Frank Vasney, at 2103 Jody Court, spoke. He stated he had some
concerns about the Special Service Area. As he remembers, when there was a
water problem for all residents, all residents paid and all residents paid to buy land
in the downtown. He felt that we had over -hired Firefighters and did not like the
idea of Special Service Areas because itis selective taxation for services to be
provided. He felt resources could be reallocated to provide these services without
additional taxes for this area. The cost should be borne by all Village residents.
It is the responsibility of the Village not to drive people out of the Village. He
would recommend against the Special Service Area.
Trustee Willits commented on Mr. Vasney's comments. She stated that some of
his comments sounded a little bit contradictory. She stated the Village had put in
Special Service Areas for water improvements and curb improvements.
Mr. Vasney stated Capital Improvements can be measured but not services. It
is much more difficult to define services provided for the additional costs. He
stated it was the responsibility of the general government to use other means
necessary to generate enough revenue to spread the costs out among all
residents.
Trustee Hoefert stated there is a difference between homes and apartments.
Apartments are typically businesses where land owners make a profit while
homeowners typically are not renting out their home for a profit. The level of
Police service provided to both residents is approximately the same, however, the
demand is much higher in apartment areas.
Trustee Cloyms stated he was concerned about the cost being passed on to
renters. He illustrated this by stating that renters are currently paying more than
other residents in town based on the amount of taxes within their monthly rent.
He further stated that this problem should be addressed as a Village -wide problem.
11
He said it would be important for the staff to review the possibility of shifting
resources prior to establishing a Special Service Area.
Trustee Hoefert asked Trustee Clowes if he was opposed to Special Service
Areas.
Trustee Clowes stated he was not opposed to it, however, when the Village Board
talked about Flood Control as a Special Service Area, this option was not put forth.
Trustee Hoefert stated that many areas within the Village do have curbs and
gutters and Special Service Areas for curbs and gutters are not that unusual.
However, in this case where an area is getting additional services, the assumption
is that they should pay more for the additional services. There is a possibility that
the increased cost will be passed directly on to the renters, however, it is difficult
to determine whether that is actually the case. Fie agreed with the project
because of the additional services. He suggested that the staff research the
possibility of creating an Ordinance and requiring owners of apartment buildings
to provide private security for their buildings.
Trustee Cloyms felt the cost could be absorbed by increased efficiencies or passed
on to the renters.
Trustee Skowron suggested since there was no requirement to levy the tax for the
Special Service Area, the staff could identify the basic services and recommend
the level of the Levy annually beyond the basic level of services. She also stated
that this area is demanding more services, this group is taking more than its fair
share of services. It is important to look at long-terrn solutions for this problem.
She did not think the residents would like resources :being shifted to other areas
and reducing resources and services from their area. Apartments are businesses
which are asking for more services. She supports the concept.
Trustee Corcoran stated he supported the concept. The difference between this
issue and the flooding issue is flooding typically occurs over land so there is
numerous property owners involved and it would be much more difficult to identify
Special Service Area for specific location for flood control. The Village Board did
identify the Sales Tax revenue to go directly to flood control, therefore, the Board
has established the precedent of determining a funding source prior to paying for
the services. He stated he agrees the Property Tax is not the best way to
generate revenue. However demand used on head i:ount is also not necessarily
the best means to generate revenue. He does not believe that apartment owners
are paying more per capita than homeowners for services. He thinks the problem
is the lack of reinvestment back into the buildings themselves keeping them in a
livable condition. If this tax will change the investment decision of property
owners, then he supports it.. This area is stressing the balance of resources and
0
it is important to address this problem. It is a step in the right direction in a
positive way to minimize impact on the rest of the Village.
Tntafte WWw stated she used to live in the area and it was a nice place. it is
important that residents want to keep the quality of living and it is the Board's
responsibility to maintain that.
TnMee Corcoran stated this is a first in a series of discussions and this was a
very good discussion concerning this issue. The Public Hearing on the Special
Services Area is scheduled for October 5. All interested parties are invited and
property owners are invited also to voice their concerns about the Special Service
Area 7.
VII, OTHER BUSINESS
Truistee Willim stated that a resident called her concerning the Millers Station
project. Workers had been working after hours. There was some concern about
getting Village employees to respond due to the weekend hours. However, a
Police Officer did come out to talk to the resident. She just wanted to make sure
there was some follow-up to the residents concerning this problem.
This meeting adjourned at 11:03 p.m.
DS/rcc
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID STRAHL
Assistant to the Village Manager
13
Minutes
November 9, 1993
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gerald L. Farley at 7:30 p.m. Present at the meeting
were Trustees George Clowes, Richard Hendicks, and Paul Hoefert. Trustee Michaele Skowron
arrived at 8:25 p.m. Trustees Tim Corcoran and Irvana Wilks were absent. Also present were
Village Manager Michael E. Janonis, Public Works Director Herbert L. Weeks, Inspection Services
Director Chuck Bencic, Engineering Coordinator Jeff Wulbecker, Inspection Coordinator Dan Jakes,
Environmental Health Coordinator Robert Roels, Inspection Services Office Supervisor Ruth
Maychszak, Commander Michael Salatino, and Finance Director David Jepson. Additionally, Richard
Bachhuber, Chairman of the Finance Commission, two Village residents and three members of the
print media were in attendance.
U Minutes
The minutes of the October 26, 1993 Committee of the Whole meeting were accepted and filed.
Trustee Clowes requested that paragraph 4 and paragraph 7 on page 11 of the Revised Minutes of
September 14, 1993 be corrected to read as follows:
Paragraph 4 - Trustee Hoefert asked Trustee Clowes, if he was opposed to Special
Service Areas.
Paragraph 7 - Trustee Clowes felt the cost could be absorbed by increased efficiencies
or passed on to the renters.
III Citizens To Be Heard
Jed Peeler, 316 North Elm Street addressed the Board and said he had additional information
regarding the Cook County Firearm Ban that will become effective November 18, 1993. He stated
that he is opposed to the County Ordinance and requested the Village to adopt an ordinance repealing
the County Ordinance.
Michael Domrzalski, 1330 Indigo Drive also stated that he is opposed to the Cook County Firearm
Ban and requested the Village to use its home rule power to pass an exemption ordinance.
IV Departmental Reviews - Inspection Services
Inspection Services Director Chuck Bencic presented information on the three divisions of the
Inspection Services Department: Building, Environmental Health, and Engineering. He stated that
the work load of each division is increasing with the greatest number of permits on record issued in
1992. He pointed out that the types of building permits that were being issued was changing. In
the 1980's, the permits were predominantly for ;new construction, whereas in recent years many of
the permits have been for building additions or remodeling.
Mr. Bencic stated that the change in the types of permits being issued has resulted in alower dollar
volume, but review and inspection time has actually increased. He attributed this to the fact that
each permit is for a unique project compared to the Lexington -Old Orchard Project where numerous
permits were issued for similar structures. Additionally, more homeowners are now doing their own
-work and it generally takes more time to explain the various codes to individuals rather than dealing
with contractors. Also, new regulations associated with A.D.A., asbestos removal, soil
contamination, and backflow preventors have increased staff time for permits and inspections.
In the area of Environmental Health, Mr. Bencic stated that the time required for food service
inspections has increased due to the culturally diverse nature of the restaurants in Mount Prospect.
He added that cooperation of the restaurant owners is very good but that they often need to use an
interpreter to discuss food handling requirements.
Another responsibility of the Environmental Health Division is the inspection of multi -family
apartment units. Mr. Bencic said that due to the aging of many of the multi -family structures, much
more time is required for inspections, re -inspections and court time where citations are issued. He
added that the adoption of the BOCA Code and the Property Maintenance Code has also added staff
time. He stated that an additional 2 to 6 inspectors would be needed to effectively enforce the
provisions of these codes.
The Environmental Health Division personnel are also responsible, for animal control regulations and
service requests regarding insects, rodents, property maintenance and landlord/tenant problems.
Environmental Health personnel also have had additional responsibilities due to new restrictions on
smoking in public places.
Mr. Bencic said that the Engineering Division has also realize ' d a change in the types of development
projects in the Village. He stated that most of 1he larger parcels, of land have been developed and
that there are often more engineering problems with smaller, less buildable parcels. The Engineering
Division is responsible for all road projects, review of development plans, project inspection, flood
plain studies and community rating system studies. He said that one position was eliminated in 92/93
and this has resulted in less available time for special projects. However, he added that the computer
aided design (CAD) system and other new technologies have helped to increase productivity.
Mr. Bencic stated there are three general concerns regarding the operation of Inspection Services:
1) The need for additional space; 2) The level of staffing is less than in most other Villages; and 3)
There is a need for continued automation. He concluded by saying that Inspection Services will
continue to search for ways to improve services,, but additional programs could only be undertaken
if more staff is provided.
Mayor Farley asked if the same inspector was assigned to follow-up inspections for a specific
project. He added that he has heard that different inspectors sometimes have different requirements.
Mr. Bencic responded that they try to cross -train inspectors so that an individual inspector can do
multiple inspections, but that some projects require an inspector with a special skill. He also said
that each job has a project card so that each inspector can see the comments of any other inspector
assigned to that project. Mayor Farley also asked about the requirement for wire mesh in windows.
Dan Jakes responded that wire mesh is only .required for certain rated structures.
Mayor Farley then asked about the road program. He said it appeared that we were moving in fits
and spurts and asked if more resources should be invested in the road program. Mr. Bencic
responded that the Village has over 135 miles of streets and this fiscal year only 5.5 miles of
resurfacing and 1.5 miles of reconstruction were achieved and at this rate we will fall behind. He
stated that more funding is needed.
Trustee Hoefert complimented Mr. Bencic's staff for doing an excellent job. He said there is a
misconception that the inspector is your enemy, but actually he is trying to help you, he is your
friend. Trustee Hoefert asked for an explanation of garage sale permits, swimming pool inspections
and animal control activities. Ruth Maychszak explained that garage sale permits take 15 - 34
minutes each and they come during the busiest time of the year. Bob Roels stated that only public
pools are inspected and that live traps are loaned out to residents primarily for squirrels and
opossums. He added that the creeks are baited and checked for rats during June - September. He
said there are few complaints with this program.
Trustee Hoefert then asked how much engineering work was outsourced. Jeff Wulbecker responded
that most of the major engineering projects were initiated by Public Works and as a result they used
outside sources more than Engineering. Mr. Bencic added that the road resurfacing program and
some water mains are done in-house but bigger projects such as the Linneman Road Project have
been contracted out. Trustee Hoefert asked if the Village was maintaining a list of contractors who
worked without a permit. Mr. Bencic responded that "word is getting around" and the problem is
not as bad as it has been.
Trustee Clowes asked if it was worthwhile to issue garage sale permits. Mr. Bencic responded that
a permit is issued and recorded to be able to effectively control the number of garage sales a resident
has. Mr. Janonis added that before permits were issued, follow-up was on a complaint only basis
but it became too difficult to track. He added that this is one of the areas where the Village is
looking at an automated process. Trustee Clowes said he would like to see information from other
Villages on garage sales.
Trustee Clowes asked if the Village needed to make the food inspection procedures and requirements
easier to understand. Bob Roels responded that the Village has adopted the State Food Code which
is modeled after the Federal Code. He said the problem was more a language barrier than
understandability of the Code.
Trustee Clowes also asked about the number of reinspections required for multi -family units and if
there was a penalty for extra inspections. Bob Roels responded that it usually took at least two
reinspections to get compliance and that currently the Village did not charge a penalty for extra
inspections. Trustee Clowes said he would like information on what other municipalities do in
regard to charging extra for reinspections or imposing penalties for excessive reinspection.
Trustee Clowes suggested that Engineering staff comparisons may be better based upon the miles
of roads in the community rather than on the basis of population. Additionally, he suggested that
the number of multi -family inspections should be, based on the number of multi -family units rather
than population.
Trustee Hoefert stated that it appeared that the Village expended 1/4 of an employee's time on
garage sale permits and that he supported a fee of $5.00 to $7.50 per permit. He also asked if
selective street resurfacing is effective and if there was a beneRt to sealing roads. Mr. Bencic
responded that it is not cost effective to selectively resurface streets because the highest costs are for
curb replacement and restoration. Mr. Wulbecker stated that sealing does extend the fife to a degree
but it does not improve the basic structure. He added that crack sealing is more cost effective than
sealing the entire street.
Trustee Skowron stated that she would like to see funds included in the 94/95 budget to obtain
software and hardware for automating Inspection Services. She added that she would like to see the
necessary miles of streets resurfaced and reconstructed each year,b * ased on a predetermined need
rather than on the funds available. Also, Trustee Skowron said she thought the Village should
continue to issue garage sale permits.
Village Manager Janonis pointed out that there was valuable information that had been provided on
the Village's Road Program. The report shows a total of 44.9 miles of resurfacing at an estimated
cost of $5,409,303 and 18.6 miles of reconstruction at an estimatVA cost of $8,810,388. The report
lists the streets in each area of the Village and the work needed cc a priority basis. He added that
the Village is considering borrowing funds to be able to complete a greater number of reconstruction
projects in 94/95.
Trustee Clowes said he would like to know the percentage of streets that deteriorate each year to
the point of danger. Mr. Bencic responded that the Village is using data that is eight years old and
that they are looking at ways to update this information.
V Preliminary Discussion - 1994/1995 Budget
Finance Director Jepson stated that one of the first steps in the development of the 94/95 budget is
the determination of the 1993 Tax Levy. Mr. Jepson said that in relation to the 1993 Tax Levy,
certain procedures needed to be followed to comply with Truth In Taxation requirements. The first
requirement was the determination by means of a resolution of the expected amount of the proposed
tax levy. This resolution needs to be approved at least 20 days prior, to the public hearing for the
1993 Tax Levy. Based on the regular meeting dates remaining in November and December, it would
be necessary to pass the resolution on November 16, 1993, introduce the 1993 Tax Levy Ordinance
on December 7, 1993, publish a notice on December 10, 1993, and then hold the public hearing and
adopt the ordinance on December 21, 1993.
Mr. Jepson reported that preliminary figures for the 93/94 fiscal year indicated an estimated
$1,250,000 deficit and a projected $1.3 million deficit for 1994/95. Under these circumstances,
Mr. • Jepson requested that the Board consider increasing the proposed 1993 levy to an amount greater
than 5 % higher than the 1992 levy.
Mr. Jepson informed the Board that a decision on the amount of the 1993 Property Tax Levy could
be deferred to November 30, 1993 if the November 16, 1993 meeting would be adjourned to
November 30, 1993.
Mr. Jepson reported that during the Mount Prospect 2000 discussions prior to the development of
the 93/94 budget, it was proposed that the Village increase vehicle license fees as of May 1, 1994.
The current $20 fee for a passenger vehicle has not been changed since May 1, 1987. The
recommendation is to increase the passenger vehicle fee to $30 and to increase fees for other vehicles
proportionately. Itis expected that the proposed increase would raise approximately $310,000. The
purpose for the increased vehicle fees is to provide additional funds for the street resurfacing and
reconstruction program. Mr. Jepson explained that a decision must be made by the first week in
December so supplies could be ordered.
Trustee Hoefert stated that he supported the increase in the vehicle license fee to fund additional
street projects.
Trustee Hendricks asked Mr. Jepson what current vehicle license fees are used for. Mr. Jepson
responded that the monies are deposited in the General Fund and used for street related projects.
There was consensus to defer the decision on the amount of the 1993 Tax Levy and the increase in
vehicle license fees to November 30, 1993.
VI Manager's Report
No report was given.
Trustee Hoefert complimented the staff on the thoroughness of the request for proposal for
development of the Pine/Wille Block.
Trustee Clower stated that Been Manno represented the Village on the CNN newscast on TAP
Mount Prospect. He also mentioned that an editorial in the Chicago Tribune on Monday, November
8, 1993 was very positive.
Village Manager Janonis stated that he had received calls from many communities nationwide who
requested information on TAP Mount Prospect. He asked for permission to prepare a packet of
information to send to interested communities. The Board concurred and Trustee Clowes responded
that he would be glad to help put the packet together.
Mayor Farley reminded the Board of the 9:00 a.m. meeting Saturday, November 13, 1993 with the
Solid Waste Commission.
VM Adjournment
There being no further business to be discussed, the meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
DCJ/sm
R
Respectfully submitted
David C. Jepson
Finance Director
Director
Herbert L Weeks
Deputy Director
Glen R Andler
Administrotivo Aide
Sean Dorsey
Solid West* Coordinator
M Lisa Angell
Wetor Superintendent
Jerry W McIntosh
Street
Melvyn L. Both
Forestry Superintnd*nt
Sandra M. Clark
Equipment Suporintoaft"t
James Guenther
lAwfilount Prospect Public Works Department
1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229
Phone 706/1370-5640
Dear Resident:
REF: Development Melas Park
FAX 706/253-9377
November 10, 1993
At 7:30 p.m. on November 23, 1993, the Mount Prospect and
Arlington Heights Park Districts will be making a presentation
to the Mount Prospect Village Board on their proposed future
development of Melas Park. The meeting will be held at the
Senior Center, 50 S. Emerson and Interested citizens are invited
to attend.
The Melas Park site which is approximately 70 acres was pur-
chased by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District in the
70's. The intent was to use the acreage as part of a flood
control program. originally the MWRD excavated for the reten-
tion basin to -store excess water from Arlington Heights. While
this basin periodically has water in it during and after a major
rainfall the water does not recede by gravity and must be pumped
out.
The original agreement was between the Villages of Mount Pros-
pect, Arlington Heights and the MWRD. As part of the agreement
the MWRD developed the site for flood control, the Village of
Arlington Heights was and still is responsible for maintenance
of the pumping station and Mount Prospect was responsible for
maintenance of the underground drainage system in the basin,
plus maintenance of approximately 35 acres of land and trees on
the east side of the access road.
In 1981 the Village of Mount Prospect entered into a 10 year
lease with the MWRD to have the east half of the site used for
recreational purposes and the Mount Prospect Park District was
to monitor the programs. At about the same time the Lions Club
requested permission to move their 4th of July carnival from
Lions Park to Melas Park. In 1991 the Village of Mount Prospect
entered into a 20 year lease for the entire 70 acre site with
the MWRD. We then entered into a separate agreement with the
two park districts to develop the site for recreational purpos-
es. The village of Mount Prospect purchased 7 acres of land in
1984 for construction of the Public Works facility. Everything
Recycled Paper
now is in place for development of the area. Some other topics
which may be of concern to the adjacent neighoors are outlined
below.
Q.1 What Park District will develop the area?
A. Both Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights Park Districts
will be involved. Park District boundary line runs approxi-
mately through the center of the park and they are using
the access road as the unofficial boundary. East of the
road is Mount Prospect Park District and west is Arlington
Heights Park District.
Q.2 What control does the Village, of Mount Prospect have on the
park?
A. The Village has a 20 year lease from the Metropolitan Water
Reclamation District on this 63 acre parcel of land. The
village in turn has ,en agreement with the two Park Dis-
tricts to develop the property for recreational use. In-
stallation of any structures, utilities, or parking areas
will require approval from the Village and MWRD.
Q. What is planned for parking by park patrons?
A. There will be two parking lots in approximately the same
location as the present ones. They will. have a capacity of
250+ cars.
Q.3 Are there plans, including Lighting, for use of the park
after dark?
A. Yes. Arlington Heights Park District is; proposing having
lighted softball/soccer field/diamonds west of the access
road behind the Public Works facility. Mount Prospect Park
District has no proposals for lighting on the east side of
the access road.
Q.4 What are the general uses the Arlington Heights Park Dis-
trict are proposing for the site?
A. Four combination softball and. soccer ficads, four sand
volleyball courts, play area for smaller children, maintain-
ing existing wooded area as a picnic grove, jogging/walking
paths, and concession bui-ldi-,ag plus, maintenance and storage
facilities.
Q.5 When will the development begin and be completed?
A. The Arlington Heights Park District's recreation area may
be open for use by the Spring of 1995. Preliminary work
during 1994 will include installing utilities, regrading
and shaping the area, and adding any structures. The east
half of the park will be managed by the Mount Prospect Park
District and for the foreseeable future there is no further
uses planned other than those currently in place.
Q.6 When, will the existing construction site be completed?
A. This is a sewer project by the Village of Arlington
Heights. The projected completion period for the Metas
Park area is by the Spring -of 1994.
Q.7 Will the Lions Club 4th of July festivities still take
place at Melas, Park?
A. For the foreseeable future there are no plans to change the
location.
Q.8 several months ago the Mount Prospect Park District was
considering the use of the storm water basin as a golf
driving range. Is this plan still pending?
A. No. Park District staff have told us this is no longer
being considered.
Q.9 Will Central Rd. be the only entrance/exit to the park?
A. The Arlington Heights Park District is proposing an addi-
tional access/egress point at the north end of the park
behind the pumping station which will connect to Davis
Street in Arlington Heights. This proposal will require
them to receive permission from the Village of Arlington
Heights to go across their property. This issue has not
been resolved at this time.
Q.10 Who is to respond to Police calls for service?
A. The entire park area is within the corporate limits of
Mount Prospect, hence they would be the responding agency.
If the access road would be extended beyond the north bound-
ary then that portion would be within the Village of
Arlington Heights and their police would be responding.
Q.11 Would alcoholic beverages be dispensed at the proposed
concession stand?
A. The terms of the lease between the Village of Mount Pros-
pect and the Metropolitan are that alcoholic c beverages may
be sold 5 times per year. one of those times would be for
the annual 4th of July carnival. Permits for issuance of
these beverages would only be allowed with permission of
the Mount Prospect liquor commissioner who is. Mayor Farley.
Any other concerns or assurances that need discussing should be
brought up at the public meeting on November 23, 1972. Final
approval of the proposed plan will have to be made by the Metro-
politan Water Reclamation District.
Sincerely,
Herbert L. Weeks
Director of Public Works
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COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
Saturday, November 13, 1993
10:00 a.m.
Trustees Room, Village Hall
Mayor Gerald L. Farley convened the monthly Coffee With Council
meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Those present were: Mayor Gerald L. Farley, Trustees George
Clowes, Timothy Corcoran, Richard Hendricks, Paul Hoefert and
Michaele Skowron, Village Manager Michael Jannis and Police Chief
Ronald Pavlock.
This meeting was overlapped by a joint meeting between the Village
Board and the Solid Waste Commission (see those minutes for the
Commission members and residents in attendance).
After the joint meeting that ended at 10:30 a.m. all residents left
and only the Mayor, Board Members and Police Chief remained in
attendance for the Coffee with Council meeting.
Mayor Farley and the Village Manager brought up several items for
general discussion or informational purposes only. Those items
were:
Special service district (south side)
Louis Street parking
Train station - Metra Wisconsin Central tracks between
Euclid and Camp McDonald, east side of Wolf - parking for
500 vehicles - negative & positive impact
M & M Subdivision - info only on new proposal
Policy discussion on private/public sewer and water
connections
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
#4
OM40 W- 90-J"
Ronald W. Pavlock
Chief of Police
RWP: i d