Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/11/2023 COW MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 11, 2023 / 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Paul Hoefert called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. in the boardroom at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson Street. a. Roll Call Members present upon roll call by the Village Clerk: Mayor Paul Hoefert, Trustee Vincent Dante, Trustee Agostino Filippone, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi and Trustee Colleen Saccotelli Absent: Trustee John Matuszak (arrived at 7:55 p.m.) 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1 Minutes of the Committee of the Whole - June 13, 2023 Motion by Colleen Saccotelli second by Vincent Dante to approve the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting - June 13, 2023 Aye: Vincent Dante, Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: John Matuszak Final resolution: Minutes approved. 3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD The following residents addressed the Board to express concern regarding safety at the intersection of Emerson Street and Central Road. Among the requests presented was an evaluation of the intersection and the addition of a stop light or flashing yellow beacons. Jason Raymond 19 N. Emerson Anne Petillo 17 N. Emerson John Mallory 1 N. Emerson Allison Yoder 110 N. Russell Village Manager Michael Cassady responded to their comments and concerns, expressing empathy and understanding. Improvements at this intersection require support and cooperation from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Mr. Cassady expressed staf 's frustration with IDOT's reluctance to work with the Village, but promised staff will continue to fight for a light at the intersection. Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey stated the subject intersection does not meet IDOT's requirements to warrant a traffic light or flashing beacon due to the proximity of the traffic light at the intersection of Main and Central. Mr. Dorsey stated staff has pursued the request for a light or flashing beacon, but the State will not allow it. In response to a question from Mr. Cassady asking for the State's rationale, Mr. Dorsey stated IDOT's mission is to keep traffic moving; the addition of a traffic light would not only slow the movement of traffic but coordination with the Main/Central light would be tricky. Mr. Cassady again expressed his frustration with IDOT and urged residents to write our legislators to make them aware of this situation. Mayor Hoefert added a letter on behalf of the Board to IDOT asking them to review the intersection would be helpful to bring this issue forward. In response to a concern from resident Jason Raymond regarding safety at the Pine Street/Central Road intersection, Mr. Dorsey stated intersection crossing improvements are very expensive and IDOT's requirements to improve this intersection are cost prohibitive. Manager Cassady added the Village would need to seek a compromise with IDOT due to requirements that include restricting turn movements. Mr. Cassady added a traffic signal would create cut -through traffic on other streets in this neighborhood which is not desirable outcome. Resident Allison Yoder urged residents to slow down when approaching this intersection and stated community education and awareness are needed. Louis Goodman 310 N. School Street • Suggested a community meeting between IDOT and concerned residents to help IDOT better understand the situation and need for a solution John Mallory 1 N. Emerson • A flashing yellow light would be helpful to slow traffic Steve Polit 601 N. Wilshire Drive Motorists are traveling at speeds that exceed the limit; thus, estimated segments between cars are altered and the time for pedestrians to safely cross the street become limited Sarah Raymond 19 N. Emerson • Stated she attended a Transportation Safety Commission meeting, along with her fellow neighbors, to request a restriction on left turns at all times when intersection was improved and were told the Village would conduct a one-year pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of this turning restriction; to her knowledge, no pilot was conducted Trustee Grossi responded, stating the Village Board voted against this restriction based on the recommendation from the Transportation Safety Commission Board Comments: • Agrees it will take a multi -pronged approach to achieve a solution; this issue will remain on the Board's radar • Agrees that education and raising awareness are important • Supports idea to invite IDOT to a meeting; not every community and situation are the same Mayor Hoefert concluded the discussion by reassuring residents that their concerns are valid, and the Board understands this safety issue and shares their concerns. Mayor Hoefert added the Board is committed to seeking a resolution with IDOT. Carole Martz Resident • Asked when the report regarding revised/updated response times from the Fire Department since their location change will be available to the public Manager Cassady responded, stating a report is expected in the 3rd quarter. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4.1 Meyn-Busse (pocket) Park Holiday Decoration Discussion Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey presented a proposal to re -imagine use of the Meyn-Busse Pocket Park during the winter holiday season. The idea is to make this the focal point for the holiday tree lighting and celebration event instead of Founders' Plaza which can become overcrowded during this popular event, creating safety concerns. Mr. Dorsey stated the practice of accepting annual tree donations from residents would be discontinued in the proposed plan. Instead, a live 20-ft. Spruce tree would be transplanted in the pocket park. Trustee Matuszak arrived at 7:55 p.m. Mr. Dorsey displayed a map of the pocket park and the proposed location for the tree. Mr. Dorsey stated staff considered other locations but determined this was the best option. Mr. Dorsey provided other details for the overall holiday experience planned for the pocket park that include creating a "winter wonderland" scene. Proposed plan also includes new tree ornaments, LED lights and large display ornaments suitable for photo opportunities. Mr. Dorsey stated the decorations would be leased to cut down on cost and maintenance. Mr. Dorsey stated plans also include adding a wireless sound system that can be used throughout the year. The installation of camera is also proposed. Mr. Dorsey shared the costs: $7,000 - one-time cost for new live tree $11,000 - lights for tree and other trees in the park $12,000 - cameras $20,000 - sound system $35,000 - decorations (leased) Total: $85,000 Mr. Dorsey proposed a phased approach, beginning with transplanting the tree this year. He announced the Mount Prospect Downtown Merchants Association have offered to pay for the cost of purchasing and transplanting the tree, saving the Village $7000.00. The cameras and sound systems will likely be installed next year. Board Comments: • Great idea to move the tree from Founders' Plaza to the pocket park; cameras and speakers are nice additions • Option of leasing the large ornaments is a good idea • Supports idea of planting a tree in the pocket park; a more sustainable option and will create an experience for residents • This will attract people to downtown; good return on investment; will pay for itself Mr. Dorsey provided the following in repose to questions from the Board: • Founders' Plaza would continue to be decorated for the season; and is an anticipated location for proposed statue of William Busse • Goal is to shift the holiday event away from the area around Rt. 83 for safety concerns • Cost of decorations package can be adjusted by altering options (in response to a concern the cost is too high) Public Comment: John Mallory • Supports permanent tree idea but is concerned that as the tree grows larger over time, square footage in the park will be lost; also concerned that the pine tree's needles will cause a mess in the park Steve Polit Resident • Suggested the Village wait one-year after the tree has been planted to allow the tree to strengthen before we apply lights and ornaments Mayor Hoefert responded, stating the Village's Forestry Department has professional arborists on staff who will oversee the planting and care of the tree Martha Nava 514 S. Albert Great idea • Suggested the Village reach out to the community for feedback regarding what holiday symbols they would like included in the display Carol Martz Resident • Asked if the large ornaments would be displayed before or after the tree lighting; placing them in the park before the tree lighting event might take up valuable space needed for those attending the event Manager Cassady responded, stating staff is working on the operational plan Mayor Hoefert concluded the discussion by stating his support for this initiative. He noted the importance of including and incorporating holiday symbols from other cultures. Mayor Hoefert noted some of the costs presented are one-time costs. The Board provided unanimous consensus to move forward with this concept. S. VILLAGE MANAGERS REPORT No report 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Dante thanked all those who helped make the Lions Fest a success and for the support from the Village of Mount Prospect. Trustee Dante thanked the Police Department for keeping everyone safe. Trustee Dante also expressed gratitude to the residents who attended the event. Trustee Grossi noted the parade was also a big success and thanked all Village departments who helped ensure the safety and enjoyment for both parade participants and spectators. Village Manager Cassady expressed his deep gratitude to the Lions Club for all they do for the community throughout the year. Mayor Hoefert echoed Mr. Cassady's sentiments and also thanked the residents for coming out to celebrate and gather as a communtiy. Trustee Filippone thanked the Downtown Merchants Association for their considerate donation of the tree. Trustee Filippone also thanked the Association for hosting the "Movies on the Green" events throughout the summer and for hosting the donation drive for military care packages. Trustee Filippone noted upcoming movies include Minions and Sonic 2. 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Gens, seconded by Trustee Dante moved to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous roll vote of the Village Board, the July 11, 2023, Committee the Whole meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk