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Home My WebLink About12/12/2008 CWC minutes MINUTES VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, December 12,2008 9:00 AM Community Room, Village Hall The meeting was called to order at 9: 13 AM. Those present: Mayor Wilks, Trustee Pol it, Trustee Matuszak, David Strahl, Assistant Village Manager and Paul Valentine, Fire Marshal. Residents in Attendance: Carol Tortorello South Elmhurst Ave. Ken Koeppen Linneman Road Mal Holec Quince Lane David Schein Na Wa Ta Mike Polera Prospect Manor Jim Chylik Locust Alex Matuszak Golfview There was general discussion regarding how the current turmoil in the State Government can portray other honest public officials in an undeserving bad light. Trustee Matuszak explained his work experience in developing ethics seminars. Mayor Wilks indicated this is something we should incorporate as part of our strategic planning session and discuss. Mayor Wilks thanked Alex Matuszak for attending the meeting with his father. She emphasized it is kids such as him that makes Mount Prospect so great. Mal Holec indicated how pleased he was to hear Fire Station 14 is moving forward. Mayor Wilks indicated there will be opportunities for public input. Mr. Holec expressed concern the poor economic climate is impacting the existing stores open at Randhurst, especially the theater. Mr. Holec indicated many residents may not realize the businesses are open during construction. Trustee Polit indicated we need to let citizens know the out lots are still viable for shopping. Trustee Matuszak indicated additional signage maybe warranted. Mayor Wilks indicated signage is something to evaluate and asked Paul Valentine to explain the status of the demolition and how the developer needs to maintain some of the mall infrastructure for a period of time. Paul explained how the utilities are all connected and the proposed phasing of the demolition. Mr. Holec expressed concern how this could impact the Village revenues. Trustee Matuszak identified a concern for a State Senate Bill regarding "Emergency Budget Act of 2009" and how it would impact the local revenue. Mayor Wilks acknowledged this is a State Bill to follow and reply as appropriate. Mr. Holec inquired about the old Monica's restaurant and former Ramada Inn. Mayor Wilks indicated the hotel is under permit and asked Paul Valentine for any additional information. Paul responded the new tenant for Monicas has applied for a business license and staff is working with the owner of the former Ramada Inn. Trustee Polit indicated to Mr. Holec to be patient with developers during economic difficulties because it may just take them longer to complete the work with less capital funding available. Mr. Holec feels the development at Wolf and Euclid is too close to the power lines. Dave Strahl indicated this is a Com Ed right of way issue and they have evaluated the building location. Mayor Wilks asked Paul Valentine if he was aware of any code related issues for the placement of the building near the power lines. Paul responded they rely on the expertise of Com Ed in the placement of building near their power lines. Mr. Holec asked if sidewalks were going to be installed at this location. Dave Strahl responded he believed sidewalks were part of the development. Mr. Holec inquired about the status of the Kensington Road condition. Mr. Strahl indicated it is a future Committee of the Whole topic of discussion. Mr. Holec expressed his concerns of having awards for holiday lighting because this is not a good use of resources in this economic climate. Mayor Wilks indicated there are awards for those with and without holiday lighting. The lights in the downtown draw focus to a gathering place for residents in our retail area. Mayor Wilks gave an overview of the history of the awards. Trustee Polit indicated this was not an economic issue. Ken Koeppen inquired if Busse Road belonged to Mount Prospect. Dave Strahl replied the majority of it does not. Mr. Koeppen expressed concern over the potholes on Dempster and the potential for someone to get a flat tire or struck by a loose lane marker. Dave Strahl recommended contacting Cook County and expressing his concern to them so it is well documented. Mr. Koeppen indicated people do not stop at the stop sign located at Linneman and Huntington Commons. Furthermore, individuals don't adhere to the stop sign at Willow and Linneman. Mayor Wilks indicated she will forward the concern to the traffic unit and have the traffic engineer visit the intersection of Willow and Linneman. Mr. Koeppen stated Des Plaines has an ordinance requiring sidewalks to be shoveled and so should we. Mayor Wilks replied we also have an ordinance but it is difficult to enforce. There was then some general discussion many sidewalks are uneven and a trip hazard. Dave Strahl informed those in attendance to contact public works if they have specific locations where sidewalks are a concern. There was also discussion that some businesses do not remove snow for their patrons. Mayor Wilks recommended the Village send a letter reminding businesses to shovel snow. The Mayor also indicated it may be possible to use sand in lieu of salt in the downtown area where sealed brick pavers are in place. 2 Mike Polera stopped by to see what goes on with coffee with council. He commented on how approachable the Village of Mount Prospect staff is and praised the services of the Village. He indicated his positive experiences with the building permit and zoning process is just one example of how approachable Village staff is to answer his questions. Carol Tortorello indicated the winter parade was a success but it would have been nice to have speakers along the parade route. Dave Strahl suggested she join the parade committee where she can have more direct input in the planning of the event. Jim Chylik is impressed by having the opportunity to come with coffee with council. Mr. Chylik indicated the street light is out on Willow and Laverne. Mr. Chylik asked if there was an ordinance prohibiting extension cords on the sidewalk and lights on the parkway trees. A resident at 1836 Locust has an extension cord across the sidewalk. In addition the house directly across the street from 1836 has multiple vehicles and a possible home based business. Mr. Strahl responded that he will have staff follow up. Mr. Chylik inquired if there was an ordinance against jaywalking. There is a problem in the downtown area near Michaels and the Library. There was some general discussion regarding zone parking and parking regulations during snow fall. Mr. Chylik asked why the crosswalk stripping at Willow and Busse were so wide. Mr. Strahl responded that was the requirements. Mr. Schein indicated Hanukah starts December 21. He indicated there were large amounts of snow dumped in the street by residents. There is a significant amount of snow on We Go between Lonnquist and Sunset. Mr. Strahl indicated this is an on going problem throughout the Village and citizens could be issued a citation for dumping or putting snow into the street. Trustee Polit indicated he had received an email from a business person who was upset over refuse removal prices. It appears the person was misinformed and he resolved the miscommunication by putting the resident in touch with staff. Trustee Polit asked Mike Polera to inform his business colleagues to spread the word how the commercial refuse rates are declining and creating revenue for the Village. Mike Polera responded he would let other colleagues know of the program but has not heard of any complaints. The meeting was adjourned at 10:36 AM. Respectfully Submitted, R. Paul Valentine Fire Marshal 3