HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/12/2009 CWC minutes
MINUTES
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
9:00 AM
VILLAGE HALL, 50 SOUTH EMERSON STREET
Mayor Irvana Wilks called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 AM. Trustee Steve Polit
and Trustee Paul Hoefert were also in attendance. Representing Village staff were Assistant
Village Manager David Strahl and Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey. Village
residents in attendance were:
Mal Holec
Jim Chylic
Walter Szymczak
Pat Szymczak
Steve VanArsdale
Elaine Nekritz
Carol Tortorello
Martin Krumske
Rich Huff
Carol Huff
David Schein
Mel Pietraszewski
Quince Lane
Locust Lane
Eastwood Avenue
Eastwood Avenue
Can Dota Avenue
River Road
South Elmhurst Avenue
Windsor Drive
Oakwood Drive
Oakwood Drive
Nawata Avenue
Ironwood Drive
Mayor Wilks welcomed all in attendance.
Mal Holec stated he is attending this meeting to explain that he is concerned about the lack of
progress on the construction of a compensatory storage reservoir for Levee 37. He was
specifically concerned that a lack of compensatory storage could increase the potential for
flooding in Mount Prospect. Mayor Wilks advised Mr. Holec that the Metropolitan Water
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) has accepted responsibility for
construction of the compensatory storage reservoir. She also indicated that the MWRDGC is
very close to finalizing arrangements to start design and construction of the reservoir on land
owned by the Wheeling Township and the Wheeling Park District.
Jim Chylic wanted to discuss his friend's storm water drainage problem. He presented
photographs of his friend's backyard on Oakwood Drive. He noted that the backyard of his
friend's neighbor contained a storm drain. He also related that his friend's backyard retained
storm water because his neighbor has constructed elevated planting beds that prevent water from
flowing to the storm drain. Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey accepted the
photographs, noted the properties in question, and advised Mr. Chylic that a public works
department representative would contact his friend on Monday to examine the problem in greater
detail.
Walter and Pat Szymczak stated that they had no issues to discuss and were in attendance to
observe.
Elaine Nekritz also stated that she was simply attending to observe. Mayor Wilks identified Ms.
Nekritz as the state representative for the 5ih district and asked about anticipated outcomes from
the state legislature's upcoming veto session. State Representative Nekritz responded that the
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primary objective will be the development of a state budget. Assistant Village Manager David
Strahl mentioned Senate Bill 2011 and noted that it will result in an estimated $800,000 increase
in property tax levy for Mount Prospect residents due to the bill's requirements for funding public
safety pensions.
Carol Tortorello complimented Representative Nekritz for her service to the residents of the
district.
Steve VanArsdale complimented the public works department in general and grounds foreman
Michael Fellow in particular for good quality work on the "rain garden" structure recently
installed in his backyard to alleviate storm water flooding. He also presented an invoice from his
lawn sprinkler contractor. The invoice was for the repair of damages to his underground lawn
sprinkler system caused by the Village's rain garden installation contractor. He related that he
had been unsuccessful in getting the Village's contractor to remit payment for this invoice and
was becoming concerned because his lawn sprinkler contractor was beginning to assess finance
charges to the bill. Deputy Director of Public Works accepted a copy of Mr. VanArsdale's
invoice and advised him that public works department staff would investigate the matter.
Dave Schein inquired about flu shots. Carol Tortorello responded that seasonal flu shots will be
administered October 7 at the Village Hall. Mr. Schein also asked ifhe could still respond to the
Village's video gaming survey. Mayor Wilks responded that he could and advised that the
Village Board is currently considering an ordinance that places a prohibition on video gaming for
an indeterminate period. Mr. Schein also related that his neighbors are reporting a lot of skunks
in the neighborhood. He wanted to make the Environmental Health Division aware of this
concern. He noted that they are a major rabies carrier. Mr. Schein also suggested that he might
have observed a potential cross connection plumbing problem near the public bathrooms at the
Garden Fresh grocery store. He asked if the Village's plumbing inspector could be made aware
of this concern. Mr. Schein also noted that a seminar on flood insurance and sewer back-up
insurance will be held at the Mount Prospect Public Library at 7:00 PM on Monday, September
16th.
Rich and Carol Huff explained that they were in attendance to seek assistance with a backyard
storm water drainage problem. Mr. Huffnoted that his problem had previously been explained to
the assembled audience by his friend Mr. Chylic. Mr. Huff provided additional details about the
scope and potential causes of his backyard drainage problem. He also provided additional
photographs. Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey advised Mr. Huff that public works
department representatives would contact him on Monday, September 16th to examine the
problem more closely.
Mel Pietraszewski observed that the proposed new location for the Social Security
Administration offices on Kensington Road across from Home Depot could be problematic for
senior citizens and other customers due to difficult roadway access. He suggested that a more
convenient and accessible site might be one of the vacant buildings in the Kensington Business
Center. Trustee Polit responded that property owners must come forward and make their
properties available for the Social Security Administration's consideration. No property owners
in the Kensington Business Center have yet indicated such interest. Trustee Polit also noted that
several other properties in Mount Prospect are interested in hosting the new Social Security
Administration offices. He also commented that the Village really plays no role in the decision
to site the new offices.
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Martin Krumske expressed dissatisfaction about the cost of water from the Illinois American
Water Company (Illinois American). He noted that it is substantially more costly than water
purveyed by the Village. He inquired if the Village has any authority to regulate the rates
charged by Illinois American. Mayor Wilks responded that the Village, in conjunction with
efforts made by State Representative Nekritz, will be hosting an Illinois Commerce Commission
(ICe) meeting on October 8th. Mayor Wilks also explained that the Village has no regulatory
authority over Illinois American. She related that the ICC has sole authority to regulate Illinois
American rates. Mr. Krumske also inquired about the potential for the Village to purchase the
Illinois American system in Mount Prospect. Trustee Polit related his experience during the
1990s as an activist for this same cause. At that time, Mount Prospect residents voted against the
idea at a public referendum. State Representative Nekritz noted that the Illinois Attorney General
is also investigating the matter of Illinois American rates and might be interested in research
information Mr. Krumske has uncovered. Mr. Krumske also noted that he did not receive any
information from Dr Hsu concerning the potential development of the lot he owns on Kensington
Roads that abuts the homes on Windsor Drive.
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Wilks adjourned the meeting at II :05 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
_5P~?
Sean P. Dorsey
Deputy Director of Public Works
C:IDocuments and Settingslsdorsey.DOMAINIMy DocumentslCOFFEE WITH COUNCILIMinuteslSEPTEMBER 12 2009.doc
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