HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/10/2008 COW minutes
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JUNE 10, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Irvana Wilks called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Present: Trustees Paul
Hoefert, Arlene Juracek, John Korn, Michael Zadel. Trustee Timothy Corcoran joined
the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Staff members present: Village Manager Michael Janonis, Police Chief John Dahlberg,
Fire Chief Michael Figolah, Human Services Director Nancy Morgan, Community
Development Director William Cooney, Human Services Deputy Director Jan
Abernethy, Senior Planner Clare O’Shea and Village Clerk Lisa Angell.
Mayor Wilks stated Trustee Richard Lohrstorfer had resigned from office effective
June 6, 2008 for personal reasons. First elected in 1997 Trustee Lohrstorfer was in
his third term of office. Noting his valuable role as a member of the Village Board,
Mayor Wilks thanked him for his eleven (11) years of dedicated service.
Each of the other Village Board members expressed their appreciation for having the
opportunity to work with Trustee Lohrstorfer, and stating his presence on the Village
Board would be greatly missed. The Trustees commended him for his dedication and
insight that benefited the community.
Trustee Zadel - recognized Trustee Lohrstorfer for his uncanny ability to focus on the
heart of an issue. Approached community issues with sound reasoning and without
prejudice.
Trustee Juracek – described Trustee Lohrstorfer as a true statesman. Recognized
him for his ability to articulate and synthesize the facts.
Trustee Korn – stated he will miss Trustee Lohrstorfer’s insight and contributions to
Village Board discussions.
Trustee Hoefert – stated Trustee Lohrstorfer was a thoughtful and dedicated public
servant who is deeply interested in the outcome of this community and other
organizations.
Mayor Wilks stated that according to statute she has sixty days to fill the vacant seat.
II. MINUTES
April 22, 2008 meeting minutes.
Trustee Zadel, seconded by Trustee Hoefert, moved to approve the April 22, 2008
meeting minutes. The minutes were approved.
III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
None.
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IV. NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER FEASIBILITY STUDY UPDATE
Community Development Senior Planner Clare O’Shea provided background and
updated information on the feasibility study for a neighborhood resource center.
Since the early 1990’s the Village of Mount Prospect has considered a neighborhood
center for South Mount Prospect but did not have the resources to implement the
project. The 2000 Census identified South Mount Prospect as a port of entry for
foreign born residents and the number of foreign born residents increased by 10%
from the 1990 census.
In 2007 the Village of Mount Prospect received a grant from the Chicago Community
Trust under its Immigrant Integration Initiative to conduct a Neighborhood Resource
Center (NRC) feasibility study. Since implementation of the feasibility study in the fall
of 2007, the Village with the assistance of Millennia Consulting has completed an initial
needs assessment of the community supplemented with a review of best practices
utilized nationally in similar programs and initiatives. The feasibility study was
comprised of three (3) components: 1) Needs Assessment; 2) Development and
Operating Budgets; and 3) Sustainability Plan.
During this process a strategic planning session was held with several community
organizations and service providers to understand the commitments and interest in
partnering with the Village in a neighborhood resource center. There was strong
support for the NRC as a strategy to deliver services, integrate residents into the
community and remove cultural and language barriers. She stated the sessions
included discussion of coordination of services and referrals to avoid duplication of
community services.
Ms. O’Shea provided an overview of a preliminary budget that included rental of a
2500 square foot site, utilities, staff/benefits and program supplies. She stated the
cost of the center is dependent on how community members participated with the
Village.
In closing Ms. O’Shea stated the Village was just received notification that it was
awarded another $50,000 grant from the Chicago Community Trust, and at this time
staff is requesting direction from the Village Board on the next steps for the Chicago
Community Trust grant and neighborhood resource center.
In response to questions from the Village Board Ms. O’Shea provided the following
additional information:
Services - the NRC would be a south side outpost for existing Village Services;
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Social Worker, CSO, Environmental Health Inspection. The NRC would also
have space for workshops conducted by Police and Fire Departments, meeting
room for other organizations. Potential for food pantry.
Other services available would be dependent on which organizations partnered
with Village. Organizations have expressed interest in “going” where the needs
are, bringing services and opportunities to residents who because of
transportation issues may not receive services.
Ms. O’Shea also stated that, for now, the NRC would be under the leadership of
the Village of Mount Prospect.
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Budget/Operating Costs – Ms. O’Shea stated the budgeted amounts were
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preliminary and agreed expenses including utilities, rent, staff time, etc. required
further analysis. She stated costs are dependent on the number of
organizations partnering with the Village.
Hours of Operation may vary depending on participants
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NRC in North Mount Prospect – based upon success of South NRC may seek to
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implement a smaller site
Duplication of services – have reached out to Elk Grove Township to avoid
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duplication of services
Referrals – will contact other agencies for services not provided at NRC
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Physical activities – no option for physical activities at NRC location
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Village outreach - Library, local Park and School Districts; literary classes with
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Township School District #214.
Village Manager Michael Janonis stated the medical clinic operated by Alexian
Brothers on Algonquin Road which had served as a defacto outpost for the
community was now closed. He added the physicians moving into that space will
provide some medical services to the south part of the community.
Representatives from the Mount Prospect Public Library, School District #59 and
Northwest Community Hospital spoke in support of the Village moving forward with a
NRC.
Ms. Nancy Wagner - School District #59
The district’s Board of Education is very interested in the coordination of services
with the Village. She stated families in the area look to the schools as their resource
for services; it is taxing on school staff and school doesn’t provide some of the
sevices these families need. NRC would provide needed resource for families in
south Mount Prospect.
Ms. Dale Draznin – President Mount Prospect Library Board
The Library Board discussed the libraries ability to partner with the Village at a recent
COW meeting. The Board is very interested in providing services to those residents
who cannot come to the downtown library. It would be the library’s intent to use the
NRC as a vehicle to show residents what the library has to offer and get them to
come to the main library. Suggested working with township to provide transportation.
The library must also look at their costs but is excited to partner with Village.
Mr. Ron Buck – NW Community Hospital
Mission is to provide services to people who can’t pay. Currently have programs in
Rolling Meadows and Palatine. Important focus at resource center is to provide
health education to moms.
Ms. Jackie Hinaber – Mount Prospect Public Library Board
Thanked Village for leadership and initiative. The NRC would be a win/win situation
for all agencies that participate. The library’s strategic plan always includes outreach
efforts; challenged in providing services to south and north ends of Village.
Partnership with Village opportunity for outreach to residents in those areas.
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Ms. Patricia Byrd - 314 North Elmhurst Avenue
Ms. Byrd questioned if the services were limited to immigrants and if the Village
would require documentation for proof of citizenship before providing services.
She is concerned with the efforts the Village is doing to for the status quo and
believes the Village should address other community issues.
Village Board members, Village Manager Janonis and Ms. O’Shea responded to Ms.
Byrd’s questions and concerns.
Ms. O’Shea – Citizenship is not required; programs and services help integrate
individuals into community and work toward citizenship. (NRC services and
programs consistent with services currently available to Mount Prospect residents
including immigrants.)
Village Manager Janonis – Hope is that people become legal residents. Citizenship
requirements are a Federal issue; state and federal requirement need to satisfied.
Trustee Corcoran – Village doesn’t ask citizenship status of residents – federal
matter. No new services are proposed – simply to offer existing services at a
location where residents can access. Services allow residents to integrate into
community. We are a country of immigrants – the more we integrate into society the
stronger our county becomes.
Trustee Juracek – Offering services and programs to immigrants not new. This type
of service has been going on for over a hundred years; Jane Adams Hull House.
Churches have long served as providers of services and assisted with immigration
integration. Integration is important and expending funds to enhance and strengthen
services is a positive investment in our community versus having to use funds to
address negative issues such as gangs.
Based on the comments from the Village Board there was a consensus to move
forward with the neighborhood center concept. At the direction of the Village Board
staff will: 1) refine estimated operational costs and incremental costs to Village; 2) full
assessment of current staff time - determine what services could be delivered with
existing staff before hiring additional full-time staff for NRC. In addition to finances
staff will work with the Village Board in determining site location.
V. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PURCHASE
Village Manager Janonis provided background information stating, after the August
23, 2007 storm Village staff conducted an extensive review of their response to the
wind, flooding and loss of electrical power emergency. He stated staff request
Village Board approval to purchase equipment and supplies recommended in the
report. The purchases are to be made with reimbursement money from FEMA for
costs incurred by the Village after the storm.
Fire Chief Mike Figolah provided additional details regarding the After-Action Report
which included recommendations for policy development, training, equipment and
supplies. Fire Chief Figolah stated the vast majority of recommended equipment
and supplies are intended to support Village employees while at work when a
disaster strikes. Specific items included flashlights, first aid kits, bottled water, food
and storage containers and communication equipment.
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A portable message sign board that would be used to notify residents with special
instructions was also requested. The estimated cost of the equipment and supplies
is $30,000.
In addition, staff requests approval to purchase replacement trees for the 339 public
trees destroyed during the storm. The cost for 339 1 ½ “replacement parkway trees
is $70,000. Staff requests Village Board approval for the purchase of equipment,
supplies and replacement trees for an estimated amount of $100,000. Funding for
these items are available from the $698,000 reimbursement funds received from
FEMA as a result of the August 2007 storm.
Trustee Zadel recommended staff research the use of other display sign models;
trailer/truck mounted. He stated mobility of signs is essential and trailer/truck
mounted could be relocated as needed. He also suggested looking at solar powered
signs.
He also requested staff confirm number of parkway trees to be purchased.
Residents like himself may already be participating in cost-share program; should not
be included in 339 tree count.
Trustee Hoefert confirmed that items would be kept in employee evacuation areas.
He also stated the money from FEMA was not new money but rather reimbursement
for money the Village had already expended for recovery costs following the storm.
Trustee Korn questioned why C batteries were being purchased. Fire Chief Figolah
stated he had also questioned their purchase but “C” batteries are required for
equipment requested for purchase. Trustee Korn suggested the purchase of
emergency items that are hand cranked and rechargeable flashers.
Trustee Corcoran stated communication and education is critical. Village should
continually reiterate to the community how emergency communication will be
handled. In addition to message boards he recommended purchase of staple guns
for low-tech communication – staple emergency notices to light poles.
Recommended a procedure be established for routinely checking emergency items
with shelf life.
Mayor Wilks shared her experience during the August 2007 while in Village Hall. She
recommended items such as lanterns and flashlights be readily available in adequate
quantity.
The Village Board concurred with Trustee Zadel’s recommendation for staff to
research other message board models including solar powered.
VI. VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT
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Village Manager Janonis encouraged residents to attend the June 14 Coffee with
Council, at Village Hall. This informal meeting is an excellent opportunity for
residents to discuss issues of concern, share suggestions and find out what is
happening in the Village.
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II. OTHER BUSINESS
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Trustee Korn stated the Lions Club Farmers’ Market opened June 8.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The Village Board convened at 8:35 p.m., moved into Closed Session and returned
from Closed Session at 9:21 p.m. As there were no other items for discussion the
meeting was immediately adjourned.
M. Lisa Angell
Village Clerk
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