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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 Page 1 of 3 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. Page 2 of 3 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 Page 3 of 3