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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/2000 CWC Minutes"Ess u, � MAYOR Gerald L. Farley TRUSTEES Timothy J. Corcoran Paul Wm. Hcefert Village of Mount Prospect Richard M. Lohrstorfer Dennis Prikkel Community Development Department Michaele W. Skowron Irvana K. Wilks 100 South Emerson Street Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 MINUTES COFFEE WITH COUNCIL Saturday, February 12, 2000 9:00 a.m. 2nd Floor Conference Room, Village Hall VILLAGE MANAGER Michael E. Janonis VILLAGE CLERK Velma Lowe Phone: 847/818 -5328 Fax: 847/818 -5329 TDD: 847/392 -6064 The meeting was convened at 9:00 a.m. Those present were Trustees Timothy Corcoran, Dennis Prikkel, Michaele Skowron and Irvana Wilks. Representing staff were Village Manager Michael Janonis and Community Development Director William Cooney. Residents in Attendance: Jim Corman Yngve Bloomquist David Schein Carol Tortorello Hal Ettinger Sarah Corcoran Leo and Lil Floros 13448 Indigo 1909 Connie Lane 700 Ivanhoe, #3B 223 S. Elmhurst 415 Maple 524 E. Hill 111 N. Emerson Jim Corman, 1348 Indigo, indicated that he was concerned with recent activity that was taking place behind his home along the Wisconsin Central Railroad right -of -way. He stated that workers were placing flags on the property delineating the location of a buried pipeline. He requested a status update on the project. Mr. Janonis stated that the installation of the second rail within this right -of -way was still scheduled to begin this summer and that he has had continual contact with Wisconsin Central to ensure that the Village's concerns are addressed throughout the project. Mr. Janonis provided a general overview of the project's status and welcomed Mr. Corman to stop by the Village Hall to review the most recent plans if he was interested. Yngve Bloomquist,1909 Connie Lane, stated that he was a long time resident and that he was present to witness how the Coffee with Council meetings functioned. He stated that he had meant to attend these meetings in the past, but that he had never actually made it to one. He mentioned that there was an IDOT construction sign on Central Road, east of Melas Park, that should be removed now that the project is complete. David Schein, 700 Ivanhoe, #313, made a few brief remarks related to the ongoing lawsuit against the Police Department. He said that he believed that the Village needed to make every effort to reach out to the Hispanic population in the Village and work at improving communication with them. He stated that he fully supports the Police Department and that, prior to this recent event, he had never heard any type of allegations Coffee With Council February 12, 2000 Meeting Minutes like those being postulated in the current lawsuit. On a separate matter, Mr. Schein indicated his support for a new Village Hall and his belief that it is critical that we "do it right" by not cutting back on costs. There was general discussion by those in attendance regarding the concept of constructing a new Village Hall. Carol Tortorello, 223 S. Elmhurst, also supported the construction of a new Village Hall and indicated that she felt that it would be a mistake to go for a referendum to approve the project. The merits of going with a referendum were discussed by all and it was agreed that further discussion would be forthcoming at future Village Board meetings. Ms. Tortorello also stated that she felt that the new Village Newsletter was very professional looking and that she would like to see it further expanded to allow for special features. She believes that the newsletter could have articles directed at youth groups, senior groups, etc. and that the newsletter could be utilized to garner more involvement from these groups. Mr. Schein agreed that the newsletter was improved and suggested that a three -hole punch format would be ideal for record keeping. Mr. Janonis indicated that the newsletter was already over budget and that there is little room for expanded articles. Several Trustees stated that they would rather increase the budget than to limit the scope of the newsletter and suggested that this topic be raised at the mid -year budget review. Hal Ettinger, 415 N. Maple, inquired about the committee that the Village Board was going to create to review the new Village Hall project. He indicated that he was very interested in participating on the committee and that he was involved with the School District 57 group that worked on the Fairview and Lions Park schools. Trustee Skowron recommended that he send a letter to the Mayor explaining his interest in participating. She stated that the subject would be discussed briefly at the 2/22/00 Committee of the Whole meeting so Mr. Ettinger should submit his letter early in the week. Mr. Ettinger also had several questions about the Police Department lawsuit, which were answered by the Trustees. Leo Floros, 111 N. Emerson, stated that he was glad to see that the Village Board decided not to consider the rehabilitation of the Village Hall as an option. He also stated that he felt that the Village Board should not go to a referendum to obtain citizen approval. The Village Board is elected to make these types of decisions and should do so accordingly. He also stated that he believes that the expansion of the Library should be undertaken at the same time as the Village Hall project. He stated that it would be a big mistake to construct a new Village Hall and associated parking on the Library block and not address the Library's needs at the same time. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Respectfully submitted, William J. Cooney, Jr. Director of Community Development Page 2 \\ VMV021DEPr %COMDEV\CDADhIIN\tninuta\Coffa w- council\02- 12- 00.doc