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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/13/1990 COW minutes MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 13, 1990 I Roll Call The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m Present at the meeting were' Mayor Gerald L Farley; Trustees Ralph Arthur, Mark Busse, Timothy Corcoran, Leo Floros, George Van Geem and Theodore Wattenberg. Also present were: Village Manager John Fulton Dixon, Finance Director David Jepson, Assistant Finance Director Carol Widmer, Planning and Zoning Director David Clements, Planner Mike Sims, Public Works Director Herb Weeks, Deputy Public Works Director Glen Andler, Public Works Staff Members Jerry McIntosh, Mel Both, Sandy Clark and Lisa Angell. Also present were three persons from the print media and several Vlllage residents. Fire Chief Ed Cavello and Deputy Chiefs Del Ulretch and Lonnle Jackson arrived at approximately 9'00 p m II Minutes The minutes of the Committee of theW hole ~eetlng of February 27, 1990 were accepted and filed. III Citizens to be Heard ~ No one present at the meeting wished to address the Committee of the Whole. IV 1990/1991 Bud=et Hearinm Village Manager John Dixon gave a brief introduction to the three budget areas on tonight's agenda Mr. Dixon stated that the Planning and Zoning Department at $709,650 represents 1.8% of the total budget. Second, the Public Works Department -consisting of Streets, Water & Sewer, Parking, and Refuse Disposal totals Just over $14 million and represents 35% of the budget and lastly, the Fire Department at $4,576,915 represents 11.4% of the budget. ' Plannlnl and Zoninl Deoartment The presentation ~f the budget of the Planning and Zoning Department was preceded by a short video of the activities and personnel of the Department Planning and Zoning DtrectorDavid Clements then presented the budget for Planning and Zoning and the Community Development Block Grant Program Mr. Clements began his presentation with a summary of the activities of the Planning and Zoning Department~~ These activities include~day-to-day planning, long-range planning, O managing the Economic Development Program, administration of the Community Development Block Grant Programs, and coordinating the Downtown Redevelopment Project. Mr. Clements explained that Mount Prospect is beginning to undergo a transition from a developing community to a community that is predominantly redevelopment in nature Because of this transition, the level of department activity should remain stable as the Village moves into Mount Prospect's redevelopment future. The proposed budget for 1990/91 consists of $301,425 from the General Fund and $570,000 from CDBG funds. One of the significant items in the General Fund portion of the proposed budget is $40,000 for an outside consultant to prepare a comprehensive revision to the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance has not been thoroughly reviewed in over 20 years In the areas of Economic Development and CDBG there are plans to continue on-going programs such as the facade work outsid~ the Central Business District, the Boxwood Summer Day Care Program and Boxwood Street Improvements Also, continuation of the very successful single ~amily rehabilitation and weatherlzatton projects'under CDBG is proposed.' Following is a summary of the discussion and comments by the Mayor and Board of Trustees Mayor Farley asked if the review of the Zoning Ordinance included the Development Code and if it should provide for a zoning classification for the remaining undeveloped 50 foot lots in the Village. Mr Clements explained that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Would be comprehensive and include the Development Code. He also stated that current R1 Zoning is the same for a 50, 75, or a 100 foot lot and zoning should be based upon the character of the neighborhood He thought a separate classification could be established Mayor Farley said he thought it was high time we did something Tz~stee Wattenberg said he thought the $40,000 cost was well worth it if it worked. He emphasized that the Zoning Ordinance should be written in simple language, simple enough for the Public to understand Trustee Corcoran asked if the handicapped accessibility at the Library is for the public or the Library Staff. Mr. Bill Blaine, the President of the Library Board, stated the work would be on the second floor and would be the only handicapped accessible washroom in the Library Trustee Corcoran stated that he thought we were taking on a lot this year and wondered if the revision of the Zoning Ordinance could be postponed for one year He stated he would rather discuss it in more detail at a Committee of the Whole meeting. He said we would be spending $40,000 to create a flyswatter for a problem that may only be a nuisance. Trustee Floros asked who would do the work on the Zoning Ordinance review~and how long it would take to implement Mr. Clements replied that an urban planning expert would be contracted to do the work and that it should be completed in about one year. He also stated that it would take a considerable amount of Staff time. Trustee Floros recommended that the project be delayed six months and then spread the cost over two fiscal years. Trustee Floros then commented that the Facade Program was a good program and asked which areas would he done next Mr. Clements explained that General Funds are used for this program outside of the Do~rntow-n Area and CDBG Funds in the Downtown Area Additional businesses will be included on Northwest Highway, both east and west of the Downtow~ Area Trustee Arthur tended to agree with Trustee Corcoran that the Zoning Ordinance problems may not be as serious as they appear. Me thought that residents actually used it very little. He also preferred scheduling the work over a multi-year period. Trustee Arthur stated that he was aware of residential zoning problems which existed with 64 foot, lots and he recommended that these questions be resolved by the Zoning Board prior to issuing permits. Mayor Farley asked if it was practical to extend the project over a number of years Mr Clements stated it would be more difficult to complete the project if it was phased Mayor Farley said he preferred the actions regarding the smaller lots be handled by the Village Staff not the Zoning Board Trustee Wattenberg agreed with the Mayor's position. Trustee Van Geem asked the Planning and Zoning Director to explain the role of the Economic Development Director and whether we were allocating enough resources for this purpose Mr. Clements explained that the Economic Development Director tried to promote the Village and attract businesses to the Village. The recent Hotel/Motel Study is an example of this type of work. · Also, he stated that the Economic Development Director worked with the Mount Prospect Chamber and downtown businesses to resolve problems. ~Trustee Van Geem then asked about the TIF Project and wondered whether enough resources had been allocated Mr. Clements responded that he would allocate whatever resources are needed. ~ ' ~ Trustee Van Geem then asked about the scope of the Asbestos Removal Program. Planner Mike~Sims explained that an asbestos consultant had been hired and would oversee the program. The consultant's report will be provided to Vlllage Board members Trustee Van Geem concluded by asking about the CDBG projects which had been requested but had not been recommended. Mr. Clements stated he would provide the entire list of requested projects to the Mayor and Trustees. Trustee Busse asked if it was possible to revise only the parts of the Zoning Ordinance that contained problems and if it was changed if it would reduce the load on the Zoning Board Mr. Clements said that it would be more practical to revise the entire Zoning Ordinance. He also said it should reduce the load of the Zoning Board if the more routine items were eliminated from the hearing process. Trustee Busse then asked when all businesses would be required to conform to the Sign Ordinance. Mr Clements said as of January 1, 1992, non-conforming uses would be eliminated. He stated this would put an additional load on the Planning and Zoning Department. Public Works DeDartment . A video introduction to the activities of the Public Works Department preceded the presentation by Public Works Director Herb Weeks. Mr. Weeks stated that there are four divisions in the Public Works Department. the Street Division, the Water and Sewer Division, the Parking Division and the Refuse Disposal Division. The Street Division of Public Works has 14 separate service-oriented programs including the maintaining of all public buildings, public grounds, the pool fleet, forestry and beautification*projects, and road resurfacing projects. The Street Division's proposed budget totals $4,835,670 compared to the 1989/90 total budget of $4,761,900 for an increase of 1.5%. Most of the increase is due to an accelerated street repair program funded at $1,500,000 in 1990/91, an increase in the level of spending for contractual services and the Village's share of the cost of street lights along Wolf Road ($100,000). Construction of a traffic signal at Briarwood Drive ($40,000), the Village's share for Opticom installation ($41,000), and a new appropriation for catch basin cleaning ($50,000) are also proposed expenditures. Capital equipment expenditures in .the~Street Division include replacement of a 1973 street sweeper for $80,000, replacing a 1983 tow truck for $97,500, replacement of a mower/tractor for $24,000 and a pickup truck for $22,000. The Refuse Disposal Section of the proposed budget includes expenditures for refuse bags ($87,500), curbside recycling ($161,000), collection of brush ($58,000), and $125,920 as the Village's contribution to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) The Water/Sewer Division's proposed budgst for 1990/91 totals $6,668,970 which is a $153,640 decrease compared to last year. The budget as presented places a continued emphasis on water main repair and replacement. $435,000 has been budgeted for various projects including the water main on Route 83 between Lonnquist and Golf ($320,000). Other significant projects proposed for 1990/91 include the third and final phase of the booster pump replacement program ($85,000), continuation of the automated meter reading system ($25,000), and flow monitoring equipment ($50,000) as part of the Village's continuing obligation to meet regulations of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The 1990/91 proposed budget for the Parking Division totals $339,045 compared to the 1989/90 total of $161,460 The increase can be attributed to $210,000 for repairs to the West commuter lot retaining wall and $50,000 for continued parking lot rehabilitation Alternative construction methods are being considered for the retaining wall which could reduce costs to $70,000. A new collection system is being proposed at $10,000 which will accept $1.00 bills which will afford better accountability~ Mr. Weeks also stated that the Street Division budget included a provision for the removal of a diesel storage tank at the Village Hall. Additionally, he announced that the Village had Just received notification that a Build Illinois Grant of $392,400 had been received for the Sewer Rahab Program This amount is in addition to the $599,000 received for'the Prospect Meadows Sewer Rahab Project Mayor Farley asked Mr. Weeks about the fuel tank at the Village Hall and also questioned whether a piece of equipment like the Tow Truck can be shared with other government bodies. Mr. Weeks explained that the Village Hall had previously been heated by oll heat and that the fuel tank had been maintained as a supply for an emergency generator. However, the tank has developed leaks and it is mandatory that it be removed. Mr. Weeks also stated that it would be very difficult to share a Tow Truck with other governmental units. He explained that when an emergency occurs, each entity would want first priority He stated that during the February 14, 1990 snowstorm, he had five calls for towing 4 Trustee Cor¢oran I would like you to pursue a cost-sharing arrangement. He suggested a possible contract with the River/Euclid Shell Towing Service. Trustee Corcoran also asked Mr Weeks whether there were peak times when overtime occurred, and if some overtime could be reduced by scheduling part- time help. Finance Director Jepson said a report would be prepared showing overtime on a monthly basis Trustee Van Geem stated he thought some of the State Income Tax Surcharge revenue should be allocated to the Street Resurfactng and Reconstruction Program Trustee Van Geem asked Mr. Weeks if additional streets could be added to the list designated for work this year. Mr. Weeks stated that additional streets could be added. He mentioned Linneman Road as a potential proJect. Fire Deoar~ment After a short video introduction, Fire Chief Ed Cavello presented the Fire Department's proposed 1990/91 budget. ~The Mount Prospect Fire Department portion of the budget is 11.4% of the overall Village budget. The Fire Department is divided into six budget sections: Administration and Support, Fire Operations, Fire Prevention, Communications, Equipment Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness. The total proposed budget of $4,576,915 represents an increase of 14.34% over last year's budget A significant portion of this increase can be attributed to the added responsibility of the Elk Grove Rural Township Fire Protection District (EGRFPD). The Village will begin servicing EGRFPD on May 1, 1990 In preparation for this agreement, six new firefighter~ and one fire inspector were hired in 1989/90 and are completing their training If the cost of those seven men in the 89/90 budget and the associated costs for Elk Grove Township in 1990/91 budget are not included, the increase for 1990/91 is 5.4%. Firefighter safety is a high~priority with the Department and this year's budget proposes the purchase of 10 additional personal alarm safety system (PASS) devices. Purchase of PASS devices for all on shift personnel should be completed by 1991/92 when 35 PASS devices will have been purchased., Two of the major cost items recommended in this budget which address ongoing replacement programs are the provision for self-contalned breathing apparatus and large diameter hose. The Fire Department is proposing the purchase of five self- contained breathing units ($16,500), which will equip one fire engine and 5" large diameter hose, which, unlike conventional hose, can be repacked immediately after use. This limits the amount of hose necessary and the expense associated with keeping adequate spare hose. The Fire Department has a commitment to on-going training, and the training is not limited to fireftghting and EMS. The Fire Department must also address the training requirements relating to hazardous materials, tech rescue, water rescue and recovery, equipment and vehicle maintenance, as well as developing management skills. Currently four firefighters are in paramedic training and three firefighters are working toward EMT status. ~ The Fire Prevention Bureau and Public Education portion of the Fire Department budget is $274,840 compared to $241,635 in 1989/90. Part of the increase is due 5 to the addition of a Fire Inspector to conduct inspections on properties fn the Elk Grove ~Townshfp District and bilingual public education assignments. A new ambulance at $65,000 ~is being recommended in lieu of the rechassts of an existing ambulance as called for in the Department's vehicle replacement schedule, This additional ambulance will be necessary to provide emergency medical protection in the Elk Grove Township area Also, replacement of a staff car is being proposed. This car.will replace a 1981 Ford currently being utilized by the Fire Prevention Manpower needs were then addressed by Chief Cavello Three additional'personnel are being recommended to allow the Fire Department to deliver the agreed upon level of service of one engine and one ambulance in the Elk Grove Township Area. After some experience has been gained in responding to the EGRFPD calls, additional options will be presented to the Village Board. The Northwest Central Dispatch assessment for Mount Prospect for 1990/91 shows a reduction of $37,030. This is primarily due to a new formula for assessing costs to each municipality The four municipalities which currently make up Northwest Central Dispatch are Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove and Mount Prospect. Because of the new.formula and with the addition of the City of Prospect Heights in 1990/91, the Village of Mount Prospect will realize a decrease ~tn their Mayor Farley Explain the rationale for a minimum shift strength of 19. Chief Cavello explained that this level would provide 4 men per'shift at Kensington (#14), Golf Road (#12), an Elk Grove Township Station (#11), and ' ) ~ for ,7 men at the Northwest Highway Station (#13). ~ The total strength would be 23 persons per shift with 4 shift personnel available to cover for vacations, sick-time, training, etc. Trustee Corcoran Does the assessment for Northwest Central 'Dispatch consider the addition of Prospect Heights and Palatine. Village Manager Dixon explained that the addition of Prospect Heights had been considered but that Palatine would not become a~member.until February 1991 and had not been included , Trustee Corcoran said he was surprised by the request for new people and thought all of the additional people needed had been hired in 1989/90. He also expressed a concern that the three new positions would necessitate three additional lieutenants. Trustee Corcoran stated he preferred to review the need for personnel changes prior to their inclusion in the budget and that he could not support these three positions. Trustee Corcoran also stated he was concerned that the cost of a new station was not included in the financial analysis of the revenues and expenses of ~ ~ ~aktng over the Elk Grove Township area Trustee Arthur also expressed his concern over the need to hire three new ftrefighters. Ne stated that 3 new men were hired in 1986 and 7 in 1989 and the presentation was laying the groundwork for hiring more in the future. He asked the Chief to go back and look at his budget and come up with other /~ options Chief Cavello responded that he needed 4 men on shift to staff an -' Elk Grove Township station.~ The only alternative would be more overtime. Trustee Wattenberg stated that he supported the entire request and that he thought he could sell it to his constituents. Trustee Busse asked the Fire Chief to explain how the 4 extra men per shift are used and what would happen if the Elk Grove Township station would be staffed with three men per shift rather than four men per shift. Ghief Cavello explained that the four extra men fill in the minimum shift strength when someone is on vacation, sick, in training or off for any other purpose Chief Cavello then went on to explain that if only three men are available to staff the Elk Grove station, an ambulance and a~ fire pumper cannot both respond to a call at the same time. He stated that for safety reasons it takes at least two people per vehicle Trustee Floros commented that although he generally did not support the addition of new employees he thought that if we were going to provide service to Elk Grove Township we were committed to this case. Trustee Gorcoran requested an overtime report for the Fire Department showing the totals by month. He stated that we should commit to paying less overtime than we previously have. Trustee Van Geem said he supported the agreement to provide service to Elk Grove Township and that he thought all the taxpayers would be well served by this action. Additionally, he said he supported the three additional personnel that had been recommended. Trustee Van Geem added that he thought overtime costs were out of control and called for a task force to come up with some solutions. He stated that he was fearful that based upon last year's experience overtime had been understated in the 90/91 budget. Mayor Farley concluded the discussion on the 90/91 budget by stating that the final discussion on the budget would be held on March 27, 1990 He said he expected all Department Directors to be present and requested all additional information requested by the Board to be provided prior to that meeting. V Manamer's RePort Village Manager Dixon reported that the Des ?lalnes River had crested within one foot of flood stage but was now subsiding. He also mentioned that BFI had found a location to use as a recycling transfer site VI Other Business Mayor Farley announced that a proposed Recall Ordinance would he discussed on March 27, 1990 Trustee Corcoran stated that at the November 21, 1989 Village Board meeting certain payments for earth moving at Melas Park were approved He said he was dreadfully concerned that the Village would end up paying for the entire development costs. He then asked if we have received any written agreements from the Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights Park Districts. Village Manager Dixon responded that he has been trying to get a firm commitment from the Park Districts, but they have been reluctant to commit monies. Trustee Corcoran then asked how much the Village has committed and Mr. Dixon replied that initially the estimated costs were about $200,000 ~ith the amount to be shared by the Village and the Mount Prospect Park District The Village has completed the ~ earth moving on the East side, with earth moving on the West side and a storm sewer remaining to be completed~ Trustee Corcoran asked Mr Dixon to pursue an agreement with the Park Districts. VII Adjournment ' ~ ~ There being no other business to bring before the Co~mitteg,~ the meeting adjourned at 11'00 p m Respectfully Submitted David C J~pson, Finance Director DCJ/sm 8