HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2009 CWC minutes
MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009
9:00 AM
Community Room, Village Hall
Meeting convened at 9:00 AM. Those present: Mayor Wilks, Trustee Paul Hoefert, Trustee John
Matuszak, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl and Fire Chief Mike Figolah.
Residents in Attendance:
Carol Tortorello
Mal Holec
Rodger Kruse
Steve Van Arsdale
Jim Chylik
Thomas Tezky
Bob Boros
Greg Paradowicz
Don Ruetsche
Henry Torchalski
Davis Schein
Jean Skrzynski
Richard Huff
Joanne Dhein
Millie Trapani
Daniel Milewski
Lisa Pacini
South Elmhurst Avenue
Quince Lane
South Louis Street
Can Dota Avenue
Locust Lane
North School Street
Azalea Lane
South Cherrywood Drive
South Cherrywood Drive
South Cherrywood Drive
South Na Wa Ta Avenue
North Elmhurst Avenue
Oakwood Drive
South Willie Street
South Pine Street
Barberry Lane
South Elmhurst Avenue
Mal Holec raised concern about his recent real estate bill because he calculated a 12% increase
over the previous year. After a lengthy discussion Mr. Holec realized that the Village portion of
the increase was an estimated 3% increase.
Mr. Holec brought up the Levee 37 project along River Road. He specifically wanted to know if
sandbagging was still a possibility even though the levee wall was completed. Mayor Wilks
explained that the levee is not a panacea for all flooding. Another component of the project is
compensatory storage, which is not complete yet.
Bob Boros stopped by as a curious resident to see what went on at Coffee with Council
meetings. He asked when Randhurst Village is scheduled for completion. Mr. Strahl stated that
April 2011 is the current completion date.
Carol Tortorello questioned whether the holiday tree lights could be kept in place all year long.
She stated this could save money by not having to replace them annually and the lights could be
turned on for special occasions other than the holidays.
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Mayor Wilks explained that these lights are not of a high enough quality to work year after year,
but it may be worth looking at a higher quality light that would be cost effective over multiple
years.
Greg Paradowicz complained that his next door neighbor at 1104 South Cherrywood Drive is
discharging their sump pump into an area that causes water accumulation on his property. He
further stated that the neighbors' property always has standing water. Mr. Strahl said that staff
would follow-up.
Mr. Paradowicz also complained that the streets at the corner of Cherrywood and Palm
continually flood. He stated that the water on several occasions over the last two years has been
knee high. The water floods their garages, basements and property; even making the streets
impassible. Neighbors Henry Torchalski and Don Ruetsche echoed Mr. Paradowicz's concern.
Mayor Wilks recommended scheduling a neighborhood meeting to discuss the situation.
Don Ruetsche stated that there are many vehicles in his neighborhood that do not have current
vehicle stickers. Mr. Strahl told Mr. Ruetsche that, while police can canvass the neighborhood,
he would like to be provided with specific addresses. Mr. Ruetsche will contact Mr. Strahl with
the addresses.
Mr. Ruetsche went on to complain about the large number of feral cats in his neighborhood. He
said they are a nuisance and would like to see something done about them.
Henry Torchalski also complained about the feral cats. He asked that the Village step in and go
after the residents residing at 1111 Cherrywood as they are feeding the wild cats. Mr. Strahl
stated that there are over 40 registered feral cat colonies in Mount Prospect. He further stated that
it is illegal to feed wild cats unless they are a registered colony. Mr. Strahl said will check on the
address provided.
Mr. Torchalski expressed concern that there is a house in his neighborhood that has too many
cars in their household. In fact the cars don't all fit on the driveway; they are parked on the lawn.
Mr. Strahl asked Mr. Tochalski to provide him with the address so the police can investigate.
Jim Chylik asked the group if all cars on Busse Road, south of Golf Road had to stop for a
loading school bus. He was concerned that the cars heading in the opposite direction of the
school bus had to stop. Mr. Strahl stated that cars in the opposite direction do not have to stop on
a 4-lane highway. Mr. Chylik thanked Mr. Strahl for his answer.
Mr. Chylik also thanked the Village for the road repairs recently completed on Lavergne Drive.
Jean Skrzynski wanted to let the Village know that the street light at Ridge & Henry Streets has
been out for a while. Mayor Wilks stated that this is likely a ComEd light. Mr. Strahl will follow-
up with the proper authority regarding the street light.
Richard Huff stated that this is his second time at Coffee with Council. Last time he attended
CWC he requested assistance with storm water being discharged from his neighbor's home
(1102 South Oakwood). He was visited by the Village Engineer. The engineer told Mr. Huff to
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take away his sandbags that were directing water away from his yard. Mr. Huff brought pictures
showing that his neighbor is still discharging storm water onto his property and he wants this
remedied.
Mr. Huff also expressed concern over the feral cat problem in his neighborhood.
Thomas Tezky just stopped by to see what was going on.
Rodger Kruse expressed thanks to the Police Department for citing drivers without a valid
license.
Joanne Dhein wanted the Board to know that she is fearful that the wild cats are a threat to the
children in the neighborhood. She is concerned that they carry disease and may bite an
unsuspecting child.
Millie Trapani stopped by to echo the concerns of many about the feral cats.
Lisa Pacini also wanted to let the Board know she is bothered by the large number of cats in her
neighborhood. Specifically, she is concerned that the colony host is not taking proper care of the
cats.
David Shein talked in general terms regarding the storm sewer issues experienced in the area of
Palm & Cherrywood. Mr. Shein also answered some questions in regards to flood insurance.
Steve Van Arsdale indicated that he attended the last Committee of the Whole meeting where
the Village budget was discussed. He complimented everyone on the information that was
disseminated at this presentation and recommended that more people listen to the issues the
Village deals with.
General Feral Cats Discussion Items Not Covered Above - many of the meeting attendees
were present to express concerns over the cat population and how it affects them. In addition to
the items identified above under specific attendees, there were additional items the group
discussed that were not specific to anyone individual. For recording purposes the following is a
list of issues that were also discussed:
· Motion sensors used to keep cats off property
· Trapping of wild animals
· Feral cats urinating and defecating on neighbors' outdoor furniture
· Poop clean-up
Additionally, the Mayor and present Board members stated that they will bring the issue of feral
cats to a Committee of the Whole meeting in the near future.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael 1. Figolah
Fire Chief
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