HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/08/2010 CWC minutes
MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
COFFEE WITH COUNCIL
SATURDAY, MAY 8,2010
Community Center
151 Floor Village Hall
Trustee Juracek called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. Trustee Polit, and Trustee Hoefert were also
present. Representing staff were Assistant Village Manager Strahl and Police Chief Dahlberg.
Residents in Attendance
Louis Goodman
Ken Koeppen
John Elenberger
Jim Chylik
Sheldon Tabas
Jan Kent
Thomas Tezky
Dan Turenne
Maria Theisen
John Fisher
Steve & Barbi Vanarsdale
Carol Tortorello
Jill Friedrichs/Mark Pope
David Schein
Mike Alaimo
N. School
S. Linneman
S. Redwood
Locust Street
Wheeling Road
Briarwood
North School Street
Boxwood
Dogwood
N. Boxwood
Can-Dota Avenue
South Elmhurst Avenue
S. School
Na-Wa-Ta Avenue
N. Westgate
Trustee Juracek opened the meeting and asked for introductions from the Trustees, staff and visitors.
Louis Goodman. N. School
Mr. Goodman was at Coffee with Council to ask about our Village Board's form of government and their
involvement in the day-to-day operations of the Village. Specifically, do the department heads hire their
own people or is that done by the Village Board. Trustee Juracek informed Mr. Goodman that the Village
Board is responsible for making the Village policies. The Village Board hires the Village Manager and he
is responsible for hiring department heads to assist him in running the day-to-day operations of the
Village. Department heads with the approval of the Village Manager hire department staff. Trustee
Juracek went on to say the Board has a very dedicated and long serving senior staff working for them.
Ken Koeppen. S. Linneman
Mr. Koeppen asked about an article he read in the Chicaqo Tribune stating that any homes being
remodeled which were built prior to 1978 must adhere to new building rules and asked if the Village would
be enforcing this through the building permit and application process. Trustee Polit was familiar with the
law and stated any contractor should be aware of the rule, as it carries a rather large fine. Mr. Strahl will
check to see if this change is reflected in the Village's permit application.
John Elenberaer. S. Redwood
Mr. Elenberger asked Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl which department he can go to regarding
flooding and damage to his property, as the property next to him has overbuilt their backyard which he
believes is flooding his yard. Mr. Elenberger has contacted the Public Works and Building Departments
regarding this problem and is not satisfied with the Building Department's response. He also stated that
there were no building permits or JULIE flags displayed on the property. Mr. Strahl will check with the
Building and Public Works Departments to insure the property is within code for proper drainage and that
any necessary permits were obtained by the homeowner. Trustee Juracek asked Dave Strahl to see that
work procedures regarding making established appointments with residents are reviewed.
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Jim Chvlik. Locust Street
Mr. Chylik had no issues to discuss.
Sheldon Tabas. Wheelina Road
Mr. Tabas had the following issues to discuss: He asked if the Village has a schedule for resurfacing of
streets. He was advised that roads are on a 20 year maintenance/replacement cycle, but Village roads
are also evaluated annually.
Mr. Tabas inquired if the Village had a dandelion ordinance. Mr. Strahl responded, dandelions must be 8
inches before the Village can do anything.
Mr. Tabas asked if the Village Forestry maintains the trees in the parkways and if they would replace a
tree with a split tree trunk. There was a general discussion on participating in the Shared Cost Tree
Planting Program.
Mr. Tabas discussed an incident where he found a disabled cat on the driveway at his home and
contacted the police for help. An officer did respond but nothing could be done because the cat was on
private property. He asked if the Village had an animal control officer and Chief Dahlberg responded,
"No." If there is a dead animal in the roadway, Public Works will remove the animal, but they do not
remove animals from private property. Trustee Polit advised the Village does not have an animal policy in
place. Trustee Juracek also advised that Trustee Polit and Mr. Strahl have done extensive research on
this subject and the Information will be presented to the Village Board on Tuesday, May 11th, and there
will be a discussion on what can be done under ordinance to ameliorate the stray cat problem.
Mr. Tabas is also concerned about people rummaging through recycling bins and taking a possible
source of revenue from the Village. Chief Dahlberg said Theft of Recyclables is a citable offense and
residents should call 9-1-1 if they observe same.
The last issue was regarding the redevelopment of Randhurst and the new parking deck they are
building. Mr. Tabas asked if any security steps were being taken, as this may become a gathering place
for youth and there could be an increase in crime. Trustee Polit advised Randhurst security is being
moved to the eastside of the garage and will have ample cameras and monitors. Chief Dahlberg
confirmed the location of the security office and mentioned some preliminary discussions have taken
place with Casto Development regarding the use of surveillance cameras.
Mr. Tabas stated he is very appreciative of the Village and feels great strides have been made in the
Boxwood neighborhood. Trustee Polit stated citizen involvement and taking ownership is an invaluable
asset to the Village and the Village Board appreciates it.
Trustee Juracek left the meeting at 9:57 a.m. and Trustee Polit took over as chairman for the meeting.
Jan Kent. Briarwwod Avenue
Jan Kent attended to ask for an update on the Briarwood sewage and backup problems in their
neighborhood. Mr. Strahl said it is still being reviewed and once a plan is developed, they will be notified.
There was a brief discussion on the paperwork flow for reports when a backup is reported.
Thomas Tezkv. North School Street
Mr. Tezky had no issues this morning.
Dan Turenne. Boxwood
Mr. Turenne was only in attendance to listen.
Maria Theisen. Doawood
Maria Theisen attended to ask where she could find some help in dealing with Comcast and
Commonwealth Edison. Mr. Strahl advised he is the representative for the Village will do what he can to
help. She was also advised to speak to someone at the Com cast Center.
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John Fisher. Boxwood
Mr. Fisher mentioned the Mount Prospect Townhome Owners Association is addressing security issues
by asking the building owners to leave outside lights on from dusk to dawn. The association also
appreciates the increased activity and presence of the Police Department in the area.
Mr. Fisher also discussed the association's concerns with the streets, sewers and drainage in this area.
He said a study needs to be done for proper drainage prior to redoing the streets. Trustee Polit stated the
streets are the responsibility of the homeowners because they are private roads. Mr. Fisher asked if the
Village could provide assistance in planning. Mr. Strahl responded that Public Works, Engineering and
Building should be contact before starting the project and they will provide the Village specifications and
standards based on codes.
Steve & Barbi Vanarsdale. Can-Dota
The Vanarsdale's asked if there was anything happening with the gas station on Rand & Central. Mr.
Strahl stated there has been some interest.
Carol Tortorello. S. Elmhurst Avenue
Carol Tortorello had nothing other than to mention the meeting on May 11th about feral cats.
Jill Friedrichs & Mark Pope. S. School
Jill Friedrichs has concerns regarding traffic backing up by Lions Park School when children get out of
school at 3:00 p.m. Even with the No Stopping-Standing-Parking sign in the school zone traffic there are
still problems. There was a general discussion on this topic and what the Police Department is doing to
get everyone to comply.
David Schein. Na-Wa-Ta
Mr. Schein mentioned he has heard that Flossmoor and other towns are sending bills to nonresidents
involved in auto traffic accidents and wondered if the Village has considered this. Chief Dahlberg said he
is aware of it, but the Village of Mount Prospect does not do it and he is not in favor of recommending this
policy change to the Village Board.
Mike Alaimo. N. Westaate
Mr. Alaimo attended the meeting to ask if the traffic sign for no right turns on Westgate could be modified
or removed, as he feels it is counterproductive. Trustee Po lit said the residents in Harvest Heights
originally asked for the sign because they did not want people cutting through their subdivision. Mr.
Strahl said the subdivision can request the sign be removed. Trustee Hoefert suggested making this a
topic of discussion at their neighborhood meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John K. Dahlberg
Chief of Police
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