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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/13/2011 CWC MinutesMINUTES VILLAGE 'OF MOUNT PROSPECT COFFEE WITH COUNCIL Saturday, August 13, 2011 9:00 A.M. Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. Those present were Trustee Mike Zadel, and Trustee Steve Polit. Representing the Village were Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl and Director of Public Works. Sean Dorsey. Residents in Attendance Mal Holec Quince Lane Greg Paradowicz Cherrywood Drive Donald Ruetsche Cherrywood Drive Renee Saper Ironwood Drive Richard Christy Council Trail Jan Kent Briarwood Drive Helen Elk Cedar Lane Steve Van Arsdel Can Dota Avenue Barb Van Arsdel Can Dota Avenue Pat Decker Albert Street Brian Rendon Albert Street Don Burger Bob O Link Road Thomas Tezky School Street Carol Tortorello Elmhurst Avenue Carolyn Zadel Na Wa Ta Avenue Louis Bowers Boxwood Drive James Graham Cherrywood Drive David Schein Na Wa Ta Avenue Darasheme Shah Albert Street Mal Holec expressed concern about extraordinary expenses incurred during the last few months relating to severe weather. events. He was wondering if the Village had access to tax revenues from Internet sales as a means to augment revenues. Dave Strahl responded that it is extremely difficult to collect Internet sales taxes because tax collecting bodies typically have no way of knowing about the transaction unless the taxpayer chooses to tell them. Additionally, Mr. Strahl noted that the federal government has made it difficult for municipalities to impose new Internet taxes that might have a higher collection rate. Mr. Holec noted that there are numerous banks in the Village. He asked about what types of taxes they paid. Dave Strahl replied that banks do not pay local taxes on their operations, transactions, or assets. Trustee Polit opined that the cost of emergency responses incurred so far this year are approximately $30 per parcel. He suggested that the value of responding quickly and facilitating an expedient return to normalcy was much higher than the cost. Trustee Zadel noted that the Village elected to maintain a substantial fund balance to be prepared for emergencies. He also related that the `J'illag e Board, In conjunction vvith the Finance Commission, is slated to discuss revenue deficiencies at an upcoming workshop. Greg Paradowicz stated that his basement was flooded during the July 23 rainstorm. He explained that the water entered his home overland as a result of extreme surface flooding in the street at the intersection of Cherrywood and Palm. He suggested that there was a problem with storm sewer inlets at that intersection. He acknowledged that the July 23` rainfall was an unusual. event. but emphasized that he had routinely observed inordinate ponding at Cherrywood and Palm after even nominal rainfall. Mr. Dorsey stated that Public Works would investigate the matter. Trustee Zadel asked that the findings be shared with the Village Board. Henry Torchalski explained that he lives across the street from Mr. Paradowicz. He corroborated Mr. Paradowicz' recollection of the surface flooding problem at Cherrywood and Palm. He suggested that the sewers might have some type of flow obstruction that retards effective street drainage. Donald Ruetsche stated that he had a minor basement back -up through a basement slop sink during the July 23` rain event. He explained that the back -up was limited to the basin of his sink. However, he suggested that the problem could have been much worse if his neighbors had not alerted him to the surcharging sewer conditions. Further discussion revealed that Mr. Reustche had previously sealed his basement floor drain to prevent sewer surcharging; the slop sink drain is now the lowest level sewer access point in his home. Mr. Reutsche also noted that he frequently detects a "sewer smell" in his basement. He stated that he considers the "sewer smell" a bellwether to a sewer back -up. Mr. Dorsey stated that the "sewer smell" could be attributed to a lack of water in his basement drain p- traps. Mr. Dorsey also stated that Public Works crews would investigate the matter further. Renee Saper stated that she lives in a raised ranch with a sunken driveway; her garage entrance is below street grade. During the July 23` rain event, her house was inundated by surface water that came from the street. She explained that the street flooded, the water crested the sidewalk, and travelled down her driveway into her home. She stated that both of her cars were damaged and her basement flooded. She further explained that this was the fourth time she had incurred such losses and was recently dropped by her insurance company. She stated that Public Works crews had recently visited her home to investigate the problem and advised her that the Village could not do anything to prevent a reoccurrence. Mr. Dorsey stated that he would investigate the matter. Trustee Zadel asked that the findings be reported to the Village Board. Richard Christy stated that he received flooding in his home through basement back- up. He also asserted that the, storm drains on,the north side_ of Council near George do not function. After further discussion, Mr. Dorsey explained that his basement back -up appears unrelated to his observations about the effectiveness of the street drains at Council and George. Mr. Dorsey further explained that sanitary waste is conveyed from his home by means of a rear -yard sewer main that runs through the backyards of the homes on George Street. The street inlets at Council and George are connected to a separate, distinct, storm sewer pipe that discharges to Weller Creek. Mr. Dorsey suggested that the inlets didn't appear to drain effectively during the July 23r storm because the storm sewer outfall at Weller Creek was submerged by the high flow in the creek channel. Mr. Dorsey stated, Works crews would inspect the storm sewer to make certain it is operating effectively. Mr. Dorsey also stated that Public Works would investigate Mr. Christy's basement back -up incident. Jan Kent asked for an update on the Lake Briarwood sewer project. Mr. Dorsey explained that Public Works crews are in the process of performing detailed building inspections and a Village contractor is almost finished with the sewer lining work slated for the area. The sewer replacement contractor is scheduled to start work this month. Page 2 of 4 Ms. Kent also asked about status of a permit for seawall replacement. Mr. Dorsey responded that a permit application had been reviewed and comments were returned to the permit requestor several weeks ago. Ms. Kent also asked if there were any Village regulations concerning test - driving used cars on Village streets. Trustee Polit responded that the Village cannot place such restrictions on the use of public streets. Helen Elk stated that she was concerned about reports that Commonwealth Edison plans to install "smart meters" in homes and businesses throughout the area. She stated that radio transmissions from these meters can be harmful to certain populations including the elderly and those with compromised health. She stated that she would return to a future meeting with background material that supports her concern. Steve Van Arsdel stated that he had no issues to discuss. Brian Rendon spoke for a group of residents from Albert Street about problems they're having with neighborhood youth harassing families in the multi - family townhouses north of Central Road. He explained that the matter has been reported to the Police Department but that he, and the other Albert Street residents in attendance, wanted to bring the matter to the Village Board's attention as well. Mr. Rendon detailed several incidents of harassment and intimidation attributed to two neighborhood teens. His testimony was supported with verbal and written testimonials from several area residents. Mr. Rendon reported -that the-Police Department has been attentive and commendable in their response to the matter but acknowledged that their hands are somewhat tied unless the teens are caught performing illegal acts. Mr. Strahl responded that he would check with the Police Department on the status of this case. Mr. Rendon also reported that the light in their rear parking lot has been out of service for several weeks. The light has been reported to the landlord but has not yet been fixed. Mr. Dorsey stated he would report the light outage problem to the Community Development Department. Don Burger stated that the AutoBarn facility on Rand Road has been generating a great deal of noise that can be heard in the adjacent Prospect Meadows residential subdivision. He explained that the vehicle maintenance mechanics are routinely and repetitively sounding horns, using impact wrenches, and generating loud noise. Mr. Burger surmised that the noise permeates the neighborhood because the mechanics keep the doors and windows open during the summertime. Mr. Strahl stated that he would ask the Community Development Department to investigate the matter. Thomas Tezky had no issues, to, discuss , Carol Tortorello had no issues to discuss. Carolyn Zadel had no issues to discuss. Greg Paradowicz. Stated that he was concerned about car repair work performed in the parking lot of the auto parts store in the strip mall on the southwest corner of Busse Road and Golf Road. He suggested that the activity could veil drug trafficking. He stated that he had reported his, concerns to. the Police -Department but felt that their response was insufficient. Mr, Strahl stated that he would check with the Police Department on the status of Mr. Paradowicz' complaint. Louis Bowers asked if anyone would know why his kitchen sink would be cross - connected with his neighbor's sink. He explained that he owns a townhouse in the Page 3 of 4 Boxwood area. Don Burger responded that those homes were probably originally constructed to serve as, apartments. Mr. Burger further opined that it was common practice years ago to plumb kitchen sinks that share a common wall in that manner. James Graham wanted to emphasize that the street flooding problem at Cherrywood and Palm (discussed earlier) was not solely related to the heavy rains in July. It has occurred many times before. He further noted that the flooding is limited to a small group of homes. He also stated that he receives run -off from neighbors behind him. He indicated that he is aware of the Village's backyard drainage program and reported that his home is on the list of sites awaiting funding. He asked about the status of this program. Trustee Zadel responded that the Village Board supports the program but noted that it has been difficult to fund during the recent economic downturn. Mr. Dorsey commented that there are over 100 properties currently on the list of sites awaiting funding. Mr. Graham concluded his comments by noting that the home at 1100 Cherrywood probably received the most severe flooding during the July 23` rainfall (the owner of 1100 Cherrywood was not in attendance at the meeting). Dave Schein discussed the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Tunnel And Reservoir Plan (TARP). He explained that it was designed to help alleviate flooding but noted that it was never intended to accommodate the intensity and volume of rain that fell on July 23` He also related that due to his professional background and experiences he possesses some knowledge in the area of flood readiness and prevention. He offered his advice to anyone interested. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am. Respectfully Subm Sean P. Dorsey Director of Public Works Page 4 of 4