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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/14/2001 CWC minutes MINUTES FLOATING COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2001 9:00 AM LOCATION NO. 1: VILLAGE HALL, 100 SOUTH EMERSON STREET Mayor Gerald L. Farley called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 AM. Trustee Irvana Wilks, Trustee Michaele Skowron, Trustee, Trustee Tim Corcoran, and Trustee Paul Hoefert were also present (NOTE: Trustee Hoefert arrived at approximately 9:30 AM). Representing Village staff were Assistant Village Manager David Strahl and Deputy Director of Public Works Senn Dorsey. Village residents in attendance were: Ramon Rubio Celine Birnbaum Cecilia Radic Sandy Langenfeld Robert O'Donnell Anne O'DonneH Bernie Hudec David Schein Kathy Hudec Nancy Hipple George Clowes Don McBride 412 North Elmhurst Avenue 1101 Hunt Club Drive 1101 Hunt Club Drive 809 See Gwun Avenue 608 Na Wa Ta Avenue 608 Na Wa Ta Avenue 503 West Shabonee Trail 512 Na Wa Ta Avenue 503 West Shabonee Trail 506 Hi Lusi Avenue 604 South Elm Street 303 South Emerson Street Ramon Rubio. Mr. l~ubio stated that he was attending for informational purposes and had no issues for the Board's consideration. Celine Birnbaum. Ms. Bimbaum explained that she resides in one of the senior citizen residential developments on Hunt Club Drive. She stated that She was attending this meeting to find out how to go about changing the name of her condominium complex. She related her concerns that her neighborhood has developed a poor public image. She noted that the properties are well kept and the area even has park-like setting with a lagoon. She opined that the area certainly doesn't deserve the poor image she feels it has. She suggested that a name change to "Hunt Club on the Lal&' might change perceptions. Trustee Skowron explained that the naming of her building or condominium development is a private matter. It is not a function of Village government. She suggested that Ms. Bimbaum contact her condominium association or the master association for the area in order to pursue a name change. Trustee Skowron also commented that she does not agree with Ms. Birbaum's assessment that the Huntington Commons area has a poor public image. Trustee Wilks noted that the Village is responsible for naming the street or public right-of-way. She also commented that a name change is often not a complete solution. She suggested that other issues, such as poor property maintenance, are often the true reasons for a poor public image. Page 1 of 9 Ms. Birnbaum clarified that she is only interested in changing the name of her condominium development. She is not interested in changing the name of the street. She also agreed with Trustee Wilks' comments but disagreed with the suggestion that property maintenance could be part of the problem. She reiterated her assessment that the properties are well kept. Ms. Cecilia Radic asked if the Village had any ordinance regulating loud noise. She explained that she lives in the same condominium development as Ms. Birnbaum. She suggested people from the multi-family residential area on nearby Cottonwood Drive often congregate in or travel through the public spaces near their homes. She complained that these groups are often loud. Trustee Wilks asked if Ms. Radic had contacted the Police Department about this problem. Ms. Radic replied that she had not. Trustee Wilks encouraged her to call the police the next time there was a noise problem in her neighborhood. She explained that there is no specific decibel level in the Village code that triggers police action. Rather, the code is somewhat subjective. However, the police need to either witness the problem or respond to a specific complaint. Trustee Skowron concurred with Trustee Wilks' comments and noted that the police are also available for periodic selective enforcement if they are aware there is a problem in specific neighborhood. Mr. Robert O'Donnell stated that he was attending to express his dissatisfaction with the pace and direction of the Village's downtown redevelopment efforts. He specifically mentioned his dissatisfaction with the pace of the redevelopment project along Northwest Highway. He commented that the project seems like it has been stalled for almost two years. He also opined that the sign for the new discount tobacco shop on Route 83 was both obtrusive and tacky. Furthermore, he suggested that this type of business is the wrong foundation upon which to build a revitalized downtown business district. Trustee Skowron responded that the current Village Board is willing to accept the criticism and responsibility for the pace of downtown redevetopme-nt on behalf of all the Boards that have dealt with the issue over the last 20 years. She explained that the downtown TIF district was initiated during the late 1970s. When viewed from an historical perspective, she agreed that the pace does seem slow. However, she also emphasized that change is happening. Buildings are being built and progress has been made. She suggested that the downtown area will look substantially different in as little as a year from now. Trustee Skowron also asserted that everyone on the Village Board wants downtown redevelopment to happen faster. She also suggested that the Board has entertained fantasies of specific businesses setting up shop causing downtown sidewalks to team with shoppers and diners. However, experience has tempered the Board's expectations. She emphasized that the realization must be made that powerful economic factors influence business decisions. The Village actually has only limited tools available to counter these economic factors. Among these are incentive packages and direct marketing of the Village's assets. She stated that the Village does prepare attractive incentive packages when warranted and staff, in conjunction with Mayor Farley, does actively pursue specific businesses. Ultimately, however, the decision to site a business is made after considering the economics. In most cases, it is very difficult for Village incentives and marketing efforts to make a significant impact if the economics are unfavorable. Page 2 of 9 As a case in point, Trustee Skowron related how the Village recently attempted to get the Van Maur department store to assume one of the vacant Randhurst anchor stores. Van Maur responded that the demographics for a store in Mount Prospect would overlap with the demographics of their existing stores causing their overall regional performance to suffer. Therefore, Van Maur rejected the Village's efforts. Mr. O'Donnell also commented that the Village needs to do more to foster a better atmosphere for business. He complained that the Village gives residents too much preference. He related that the permit system instituted to protect residents from unscrupulous contractors is actually very cumbersome for businesses. He stated that most of the contractors he works with in his business (Hearth & Home) consider the Mount Prospect permit system the worst in the area. Trustee Corcoran opined that a contractor complaining about permits is a common occurrence regardless of locale. He related personal experiences with private business enterprises in Mundelein, Vernon Hills, and Lincolnshire in which he could recall comments from contractors that the permit process in each of these jurisdictions was the worst. He suggested that some contractors use complaints about the permit system to supplement excuses for cost variances or failed schedules. Trustee Comoran concluded by noting that it is not possible to simultaneously take both a proactive and laissez-faire approach to permitting. Nancy Hippie expressed her concerns that not enough is being done to attract a store like Target to the now vacant Venture/K-Mart building on Route 83 near Dempster. She opined that Target would be the perfect tenant for the space. Mayor Farley responded that the Village has made forays to Target about occupying that site. Target's response was a request for over $800,000 worth of incentives .from the Village. Mayor Farley explained that despite the apparent good fit, Target's request was not granted because it was deemed not to be in the best interests of the Village. Mr, Bernie Hudec recalled Trustee Skowron's earlier comments on demographics and asked what it was about Mount Prospect's demographics that businesses don't like. Trustee Skowron replied that there is nothing wrong with Mount Prospect's demographics. She explained that the Village's problem with demographic information is not the demographic data itself but rather the criteria that businesses, especially large, well-known, successful businesses, associate with the data. Trustee Wilks observed that time was growing short and there were still a couple other residents with issues for the Board's consideration. She suggested that this matter could be revisited at future coffee with council meeting. Downtown redevelopment could be considered the "topic" of a future coffee with council meeting and appropriate staff from the Community Development Department would be invited to explain the program and answer questions. Staff would contact residents interested in this subject and advise them when this meeting is scheduled. Trustee Skowron clarified that downtown redevelopment will be considered the sole topic of this special meeting unless residents contact staff in advance of the meeting and advise them of other issues, i.e. permitting, that they would like to discuss. Mr. -David Schein stated that he had several issues to present to the Board. For the sake of brevity, he asked that his statements be considered declarations rather than questions: Page 3 of 9 · Curb repair crews blocked the bike rack by Kiefer's Pharmacy with no advance notice to bikers. · The new curb "bump-out" near Van Driels is dangerous for drivers traveling northbound on Emerson Street. · The roots of the parkway tree in front of his home require attention from the Forestry Division. · The traffic signals on Emerson Street and Route 83 need adjustment. Mr. Schein reported that it recently took him over 20 minutes to cross Northwest Highway while traveling northbound on Emerson Street. · The driver of police squad P-10 was not wearing a seat belt at approximately 5:00 PM on Friday, April 13. Trustee Wilks asked Deputy Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey to respond to Mr. Schein's statements regarding the "bump-out" by Van Driels. Mr. Dorsey responded that the curb has been realigned at the intersection of Northwest Highway and Emerson Street in order to make room in the sidewalk area for the new traffic control signal standard that will soon be installed as part of the Route 83 improvements. Mr. Dorsey acknowledged that the current configuration is unusual but should prove less distracting to motorists once the improvements are complete and the new signals and pavement markings are installed. Mr. Dorsey also noted that there is currently very little interconnecti¥ity between the traffic signals at Emerson Street and Route 83. The current traffic signals are only temporary. Once the new signals are installed, they will be interconnected to the greatest extent possible. Hopefully, these improvements will limit the frequency of traffic jams on Emerson as described by Mr. Schein. Mr. Dorsey also cautioned that there are high traffic volumes, a large number of traffic movements, railroad interruptions, and emergency vehicle pre-emptions that will continue to cause traffic problems regardless of how well the signals are interconnected. Mr. Don McBride stated that he is a legally blind person with a residence on Emerson Street. He explained that he was attending to express his dissatisfaction with service he received from the Police Department. He related that he recently contacted the Police Desk via their non- emergency number and requested assistance driving his sick dog to the veterinarian. The Police refused to transport his dog and advised him to contact a taxi company. Mr. McBride reported that his efforts to arrange a taxi ride for his dog failed and the dog subsequently died. Mr. McBride asked for clarification as to whether or not the Police Department should be expected to provide this type of service for residents. Mayor Farley responded that it is not the responsibility of the Police Department or Fire Department to transport sick animals to the vet. Trustee Hoefert acknowledged that his arrival was late and he had only caught the tail end of the discussion regarding downtown redevelopment. He commented that the success or failure of recruiting efforts for specific businesses to fill the new downtown spaces cannot be assigned to the Village. He noted that the area is zoned for retail and suggested that if someone had the money and wanted to put up a vacant building the Village could actually do little except complain and make sure the building was properly constructed. He also explained that banks provide the capital for developers like Norwood to bui. ld condominiums and commercial buildings. Banks typically require developers to present commitments showing that the majority of their planned Page 4 of 9 spaces are rented before any money is loaned. Capital-intensive projects such as Norwood's efforts in the downtown area require substantial assurances that the project will be successful. The Village can help things along with appropriate design requirements and helping to market the spaces. Ultimately, however, Norwood and the banks have the risk and their efforts drive the project. Mr. David Strahl affirmed that the Village is actively involved in marketing the new commercial spaces made available by the current downtown redevelopment project. However, he noted that the Village staff is not at liberty to publicly discuss the details of these efforts before lease agreements are signed because doing so might alienate potential tenants. He explained that many businesses might interpret public knowledge of their location strategy as the loss of a competitive edge. Therefore, Village staff does not discuss these matters until after the deals are done. Ms. Hipple commented that she had heard that Carson Pirie Scott was planning to leave the Randhurst Shopping Center. She noted that the loss of another anchor store in the wake of previously announced exits by Montgomery Ward and JC Penney could devastate the viability of the entire shopping center. Trustee Wilks responded that Ms. Hippie's information is not true. She explained that she recently had conversations with Randhurst management in which the rumor that Carsons was leaving was explicitly refuted. Mayor Farley concurred with Trustee Wilks' report and added that the Randhurst store is one of Carson's more profitable operations. There being no further issues to discuss, Mayor Farley adjourned the meeting at 10:15 AM. Page 5 of 9 MINUTES FLOATING COFFEE WITH COUNCIL SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2001 10:30 AM LOCATION NO. 2: LIONS PARK SCHOOL Mayor Farley called the meeting to order at approximately 10:35 AM. Trustee Irvana Wilks and Trustee Paul Hoefert were also present. Representing Village staff were Assistant Village Manager David StrahI, Acting Chief of Police Tom Daley, and Deputy Director of Public Works Scan Dorsey. Village residents in attendance were: Waiter Joern Al Dietsche Jack Peterson Walter Radtke Richard Banas 511 South Louis Street 201 East Berkshire Lane 607 South Maple Street 205 East Moehling Drive 206 East Berkshire lane Mr. Jack Peterson reported that he recently observed bright green water flowing in Weller Creek. He asked what might cause this to happen. Mr. Dorsey responded that green dye is frequently used to test sewers for improper connections or to determine where the sewer outfalls. He suggested that this type of'dye could have caused the green water Mr. Peterson observed. However, Mr. Dorsey also stated that he had no knowledge of any Village crews recently performing dye water testing in the Weller Creek watershed. He suggested that another agency, such as the Village of Arlington Heights, the Cook County Highway Department, the Illinois Department of Transportation, or the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago could have been using green dye. Mr. Dorsey advised Mr. Peterson to contact the Public Works Department if he observes the green dye again. Mr. Peterson also reported that the grates in the pavement near the William Street bridge can easily be lifted up by single person. He suggested that the grates should be fastened in some manner. Mr. Al Dietsche inquired about the status of the Weller Creek project. Mr. Dorsey responded that Phase 2 of the Weller Creek Streambank Stabilization Project is completely designed and ready for letting. However, staff is waiting for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project cannot start until the Village obtains the Corps of Engineers permit. The Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over Weller Creek because it is considered a navigable waterway. Mr. Dorsey explained that an application for the permit was submitted last May at the same time applications for permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District were submitted. Staff has subsequently received permits from all agencies except the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Dorsey also commented that, to date, the Corps of Engineers has not advised the Village of any material problems with the permit application. Consequently, staff presumes that the permit has been delayed because of procedural and personnel changes in the Corps' Chicago Page 6 of 9 Mr. Walter Joern reported that he had heard a rumor that one of the townhouse buildings on Shabonee Trail was planning to construct a new driveway. He explained that he understood this new driveway would be installed perpendicular to the Shabonee Trail right-of-way and would extend to the townhouses. He added that this area is currently completely covered by grass. He asked if the Village had any information regarding this matter. Mayor Farley and Trustee Wilks responded that they were not aware of any plans or requests to consider allowing a driveway in the place and configuration described by Mr. Joern. Mr. Peterson stated that he recently learned that the Village is again considering selling water to Prospect Heights. He commented that Prospect Heights should pay a surcharge rate because they paid none of the costs to bring Lake Michigan water to this area. He also expressed concern that providing water to Prospect Heights would limit the supply of water available for Mount Prospect residents. Trustee Hoefert responded that the current request for water from Prospect Heights is to provide water to the Prospect Heights Park District and the Prospect Heights Library. The anticipated water usage from these two agencies is not substantial and should not limit Mount Prospect water customers in any way. He also noted that the agreement to sell water to Prospect Heights includes a rate provision to recoup infrastructure construction costs. Mr. Dorsey commented that the Village water distribution system has sufficient excess capacity to provide water to these two agencies. Mr. Peterson stated that he understood free golf for Mount Prospect residents at the Old Orchard Country Club was also somehow involved in the agreement. He asked for clarification of this arrangement. Trustee Wilks responded that the golf idea was Mayor Fartey's. She suggested that the larger concept to consider was the idea of reciprocity among all the park districts that serve Mount Prospect. She explained that several park districts currently claim different parts of Village. She suggested that this arrangement is often confusing for Mount Prospect residents. She proposed that ail Mount Prospect residents should be able to enjoy any of the services offered by any park district facility in the Village regardless of where the park district boundary lines are. Mayor Farley explained that he routinely looks for ways to leverage compliance with the idea of reciprocity among park districts serving Mount Prospect residents. He also emphasized that the arrangement he is seeking is one where a Mount Prospect who lives in the Mount Prospect Park District area would not have to pay out-of-district rates to play golf at Old Orchard Country Club which is a Prospect Heights Park District facility. He suggested that the fact that the Prospect Heights Park District directly benefits from the water sale agreement might cause them to consider the matter more seriously. Mr. George Clowes commented that the rate charged to Prospect Heights should be even higher. He suggested that the rate, as structured, only requires the Prospect Heights customers to pay the same amount for water that Mount Prospect residents are paying when the special service area taxes are considered. Page 7 of 9 Mr. Clowes also commented that the traffic calming installed on Council Trail in front of Lions Park School does not work. He mentioned that it is difficult for cars to turn off of School Street onto Council Trail when another car is stopped at the stop sign on Council Trail. Mr. Dorsey responded that the traffic control measure Mr. Clowes described is currently being evaluated. It was installed last November and will remain in place until the school year ends in June. Mr. Dorsey also emphasized that the purpose of the particular traffic control scheme installed in front of Lions Park School is to improve pedestrian safety. It is not intended to facilitate vehicle movement. He also noted that many of the traffic calming methods currently available can be characterized as pavement modifications that force vehicles to maneuver uneven or restrictive spaces, Tight spaces or uneven driving surfaces force vehicles to slow down. Slower traffic speeds are the goal of most traffic calming measures. To a certain extent, Mr. Clowes comments regarding the difficulty of maneuvering a vehicle through the Lions Park School traffic calming scheme are expected and intended. Mr. Clowes stated that the clock at the Clocktower Shopping Center is difficult to read. He suggested that the clock is too small and should be replaced with larger one. Mr. Clowes also asked if the Village had any ordinances regulating the installation of the satellite dishes used for high-speed Internet access. He explained that America Online is advertising that they will soon be providing this service to Mount Prospect residents. Mr. Strahl responded that federal law prohibits municipal regulation of satellite dishes smaller than 18" in diameter. Since most of the dishes used to provide high-speed Internet acc.ess are small, the Village has no ordinances regulating their installation or use. Mr. Walter Radtke asked if a school district has the same powers to condemn private property as the Village does. He stated that he lives on Moehling Drive adjacent to the Lions Park School parking lot. He explained that there used to be a house between his home and the school. However, his former neighbor sold the property to the school district and his neighbor's house was tom down when Lions Park School was renovated in order to make more room for the parking lot. He related his observations that there is insufficient parking at the school and a number school staff members park on the street in his neighborhood. He now has concerns that the school may attempt to condemn his property in order to expand the parking lot further, Mr. Strahl responded that the school district does have the power to condemn property. However, the condemnation process would require the school district to pay fair market value for the property. Fair market value is established by independent appraisals. Mr. Radtke asked of the police drone vehicle ~P-34) is effective? Acting Chief of Police Tom Daley responded that the P-34 drone has been highly effective. He explained that this conclusion was reached based on observations made by officers in the field as well as comments from citizens who have had the opportunity to observe traffic patterns when P- 34 is stationed in their neighborhood. Mr. Radtke asked if the Police Department would consider using the Smart Trailer on Council Trail. Acting Chief Daley responded that the trailer has been used on Council Trail. Page $ of 9 r. Richard Banas commented that the improved area of Route 83 is very bumpy. He asked if anything was going to be done to improve the rideability of the roadway. Mr. Dorsey explained that Route 83 is owned and maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT recently performed a "bump test" utilizing a specialized piece of equipment designed to enable engineers to quantify the smoothness of the road surface. Mr. Dorsey stated that he was aware that some sections of pavement had been marked for repair based on this test. These faulty pavement sections will be milled or possibly even replaced as part of the road reconstruction project completion efforts currently underway. Mr. Banas stated that last year he participated in the Cost Share Sidewalk Replacement Program. He explained that the sidewalk contractor damaged part of his driveway pavement and he was told last fall that the damage would be repaired as part of the contractor's "punch list". To date, the damage has not been repaired. Mr. Dorsey responded that last year's sidewalk contractor had to suspend punch list repairs due to cold weather last fall. He has returned and is currently in the process of completing his punch list. There being no further issues .to discuss, Mayor Farley adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:40 AM. Respectfully Submitted, Sean P. Dorsey Deputy Director of Public Works Enc (2) C:\Coffe¢ with Cou ncilhMin ut ¢$~.P RIL 14 2001 .doc Page 9 of 9