VILLAGE OF WORTH
MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING
HELD November 8, 2006
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CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE CITIZEN’S COMMENTS PRESIDENT’S REPORT CLERK’S REPORT TRUSTEE’S REPORT Trustee Alcala Police & Fire Life Safety
Commission Trustee Keller Public Works Trustee Rhein Golf Course Trustee Hartz Building &
Zoning Trustee WernerFinancing & Licensing Bill List Trustee Adamski Beautification Committee Worth Days Committee ATTORNEY’S REPORT ESTABLISHMENT OF
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVE CONSENT
AGENDA EMPLOYEE/COMMISSIONER
CHRISTMAS PARTY ZONING CHANGE 10959
S. HARLEM CITIZEN’S COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT TO
EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOURNMENT |
President Guzdziol
called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call indicated that the following trustees were present: Becky Alcala, Randy Keller, Mary Rhein, Sally Hartz, Kevin Werner and Barb Adamski. Also in attendance at the meeting were Attorney Paul Stephanides, Village Clerk Bonnie Price, Fire Chief Gary Swiercz, Village Engineer Courtney Koning, Finance Director/Treasurer Barb Maziarek Pledge of Allegiance Resident Nick Stathopoulos stated he is waiting to get his street completed and is concerned that the asphalt plant is going to close. Mr. Stathopoulos stated the Village cut a tree down on 112th Place and Preller and the stump remains. Mr. Stathopoulos questioned on the how the street behind Prospect Federal was vacated and would the street surveyed. Residents Jennifer Fox expressed her concerns regarding the proposed change in zoning on 110th and Harlem Avenue. Ms. Fox stated she would like to see the integrity of the neighborhood stay the same with single-family houses. Resident Joanne Chicoine stated she has lived in the Village for 14 years and is against building condominiums and agrees with Ms. Fox that the property should remain single family. President Guzdziol stated he has received no formal comments regarding the Harlem Avenue corridor project. President Guzdziol stated he attended the IML Legislative Committee regarding 19 issues that the IML wishes to lobby for. President Guzdziol stated he would like the Board to review these issues. The IML would like to wean the issues down to five. President Guzdziol stated he has step up a meeting on November 30th with all the establishments that allow smoking in Worth. President Guzdziol stated he would like Board input regarding selling Water’s Edge Golf Course. President Guzdziol stated he has spoken with two organizations regarding taking over the bond payments for the golf course. President Guzdziol spoke of the problems the Village has with managing the debt of the Water’s Edge. President Guzdziol stated he would like a consensus from the Board to investigate and discuss with MWRD to get them to sell the property the golf course sets on. Trustee Werner stated he would like President Guzdziol to allow the Golf Course Committee to be intimately involved with the meetings regarding Water’s Edge. Trustee Rhein stated the Board should hold an open meeting regarding Water’s Edge and she would appreciate knowing what is going on. Trustee Rhein stated the personnel from Water’s Edge were very surprised at the news of possibly selling Water’s Edge. Trustee Werner reiterated the fact that he would like to see the Golf Course Committee very involved with this scenario. Trustee Werner questioned if there were any opportunities for commercial developments on that property that the MWRD would consider down the road. President Guzdziol stated he accepted with regret the resignations of Dr. Jeanette Fefles and Sue Murawski from the Life Safety Committee and would like to appoint Mr. Fenwick Taylor to the Life Safety Committee with a term to expire May 1, 2007. President Guzdziol stated he accepted with regret the resignation letter from Fire Chief Gary Swiercz effective November 20, 2006. President Guzdziol stated he has received a letter from the IAFP notifying the Village to begin contract negotiations. Clerk Price stated on the consent agenda is to authorize the Worth Lions to use the property at 116th & Harlem from November 11, 2006 to December 31, 2006 to sell Christmas trees. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Clerk Price stated on the consent agenda is the approval of the Special Use Permit Liquor License for Worth Days Fest on September 6-9, 2007. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner inquired on whether this is the same license Clerk Price stated on the consent agenda is the approval of the additional expenditure for $400 the Senior Christmas party. Trustee Werner asked for this to be pulled from the consent agenda and held for separate vote. Clerk Price stated the 2007 Schedule of Meetings for the Village Board has been set; there are many changes due to holidays and elections. Clerk Price stated she would like some input from the Village Board regarding Worth Days admission. Clerk Price stated there are many options the Board can discuss regarding admission such as free admission on Sunday, Family Day on Thursday, etc. Trustee Alcala questioned whether the Worth Days account has enough funds for next year. Clerk Price stated the account has enough for this year, but future years are uncertain. Clerk Price stated why go through the hassle of collecting $1 or $2 when you can collect $5 and actually bring in profits for future years. President Guzdziol questioned what Chicago Ridge charges for admission, Clerk Price stated $9. President Guzdziol questioned the health of the Worth Days Fund. Clerk Price stated $67,000. Trustee Adamski stated we could do fundraisers. Trustee Alcala stated she would spend less on the bands. Trustee Rhein stated all comments and suggestions should be forward to the Clerk. Trustee Alcala stated there is a Life Safety meeting on November 15, 2006. Trustee Alcala submitted the fire report for October 2006. Trustee
Alcala stated on the consent agenda is the approval of Ordinance #06-64 An ordinance
providing for the seizure and impoundment of motor vehicles. Trustee Keller questioned who authorized
the attorney to start working on this ordinance. President Guzdziol stated Chief O’Connor and Attorney Delort
talk about matters regarding the village.
Trustee Keller stated that is not the protocol for adopting ordinances
and questioned whether the Village was charged for work on this
ordinance. President Guzdziol stated
no. Chief O’Connor stated he gave
Attorney Delort a draft of an ordinance that he prepared himself. Trustee Keller stated that it is sometimes
more beneficial to ask questions during the board meeting, so the questions
do not become repetitious. Trustee
Rhein questioned the $500 seizure administrative fee plus the storage and
towing fee for the owner of record of the vehicle whether or not a criminal
act has been filed. Chief O’Connor
stated that a nuisance is a nuisance and a criminal act is a criminal act, if
they are found not guilty but found probable cause, they are still liable for
the seizure and impoundment. Trustee
Rhein stated she has many items that she is not comfortable with this
ordinance. President Guzdziol stated
these offenses in this ordinance are state laws. Trustee Rhein questioned Chief O’Connor on whether it is state
law to seize a vehicle for drug paraphernalia. Chief O’Connor stated depending on the charge that would be
reviewable by Chief O’Connor. If
there were no probable cause that the driver of the vehicle knew the
passenger was in possession of drug paraphernalia that vehicle would not be
seized. Trustee Werner questioned
what other towns have a similar ordinance?
Chief O’Connor stated Evergreen Park, Countryside, Hodgkins and
Chicago Ridge has a modified version.
Trustee Werner questioned if we passed this ordinance would we not
have to get a contract for towing from company? Chief O’Connor stated we have a contract with Walsh’s
Towing. Trustee Werner questioned on
whether a person was found not guilty of the crime, they would then receive
the $500 seizure fee and the separate towing bill from Walsh’s? Chief O’Connor stated he would have to
work out some time of deal with Walsh’s.
Trustee Werner questioned how this would exactly be benefiting the
residents of Worth? It is a financial
issue. Chief O’Connor stated it is a safety issue and to reduce the multiple
offenders. Trustee Werner stated that
he agrees with the philosophical idea of this ordinance but thinks some of
the offenses are a bit harsh and the ordinances needs to refined. Trustee Werner stated he would like to
table this issue and have the committee work on this issue with the Police
Chief. President Guzdziol questioned
what exact issues that Trustee Werner could point out that he feels are too
harsh. Trustee Werner stated if you
are found not guilty of a crime, the person will receive their $500 back but
they are still out the towing and storage fee. Trustee Alcala questioned exactly what items that he would like
to change. Trustee Werner stated drag
racing and reckless driving, drug paraphernalia. Trustee Werner stated he would also like to see the contract
from the towing service and would like to see other proposals from other
towing companies. Trustee Werner
stated he is not prepared to support this ordinance without more
information. Attorney Stephanides
stated the way the ordinance is currently drafted and worded is exactly from
the state statute. Clerk Price
questioned Attorney Stephanides on whether the Supervisor or the Police Chief
could waive the $500 fine and if the Village was opening itself up to
potential lawsuits for discrimination?
Attorney Stephanides stated the ordinance would have to be equally
enforced and the actual arrest would be the probable cause. Trustee Werner questioned Police Chief
O’Connor on how many times a year would this ordinance typically be
used? Chief O’Connor stated
approximately 350. Trustee Rhein
stated she still has a problem with the article in the ordinance that states
a criminal charge does not have to be charged for the vehicle to be seized
and impounded and some of the towns that are currently using a similar are
possibly looking at class action lawsuits.
Trustee Keller questioned on whether a car is always towed when you
are charged with a DUI. Chief
O’Connor stated each case is reviewed individually. Trustee Keller stated that President Guzdziol references that
the Trustees have not done their homework, yet no one knows what the storage
fees are. President Guzdziol stated Trustee Werner
asked if this item be stricken from the consent agenda and it held for
separate vote. Trustee Alcala stated she has been fortunate to work with Chief Swiercz and wishes him well in his new endeavors. Trustee Keller stated the water has been tested and is safe for consumption. Trustee Keller stated a final walk through of Oak Park Avenue was completed and everything was on par on plan and specifications. Trustee Rhein stated that herself and Trustee Keller met with Jim Hahn and Steve Dell from Kemper Sports Management regarding issues, such a ongoing tree trimming projects and the top dressings of the fairways. Seven of the holes were completed and the remaining eight will be completed by Thanksgiving. 30-40% of the sand traps are completed. 100% of the sand traps will be completed by April. Trustee Rhein stated Water’s Edge received three and half stars from Golf Digest. Trustee Rhein stated on November 17, 2006 Water’s Edge will be hosting a wine tasting from 7-10 pm. Tickets are available at the Village Hall and Pete’s Wines & Liquors. Trustee Rhein stated Water’s Edge will have a fish fry for the first two Fridays in November. The last two fish frys were well attended. Steve Dell has sent out flyers to all Worth Ridge Chamber of Commerce members and as well as flyers to Palos Funeral Home and Schmaedeke Funeral Home for funeral luncheons. Trustee Rhein stated she would like input from the Board regarding the Bears games at Water’s Edge. They are not well attended and should Water’s Edge close after Thanksgiving. Trustee Adamski stated that we should stay open since we just advertised on television. Trustee Werner stated what is the associated costs with keeping the clubhouse open? Trustee Rhein stated to break even the clubhouse would have to have at least 40 people. Trustee Werner stated Water’s Edge should close down because you are not going to make any money; the season is over. Trustee Rhein stated the pro shop will be open for Christmas and open on Saturdays after Christmas. Trustee Rhein stated Kemper Sports recently signed a contract with EZ-Go that refunds $300 for every golf cart that Water’s Edge leases which allows the golf course to obtain a beverage cart and work horse for free. Trustee Rhein stated the golf course has sustained severe damage on numerous holes and the halfway house and would like some direction on what can be done to deter vandalism. President Guzdziol stated enclosing the course with the fence is cost prohibitive. Trustee Rhein stated she would like to offer reward money for the conviction. President Guzdziol stated he will look into it. Trustee Hartz stated REDB had a hearing on November 2, 2006 regarding two properties. A request for a zoning map amendment for 10959 S. Harlem to change the zoning from R1 to R3. The petitioner is in the audience. Emails were received from Jose Madrigal and Dwayne and Jennifer Fox stating their opposition. The REDB motioned to approve the zoning change with the stipulations that each unit must be owner occupied, the alley will be paved and a fence constructed on the north lot line. President Guzdziol stated Commissioner Zartler stated this may be considered spot zoning. Trustee Hartz stated there is a lot of traffic in that area from the strip mall and the condo units would only increase that and once a property is rezoned from R1 to R3 you lose all rights and anyone can build apartment buildings. Attorney Stephanides stated once the Board rezones a property you are stuck with the designation and stipulations do not stay with the property. Trustee Rhein asked this be pulled off the consent agenda and held for separate vote. Trustee Hartz stated the second item on the consent agenda is to change the zoning from R1 to R2 to subdivide six lots into 12 lots to construct 12 homes and a request for variance for the lot area of eleven lots being 6,100 sq. ft. rather than 6,250 sq. ft. for the property commonly known as 7001 W. 107th Street. This is the old Gombis property on 107th Street. Trustee Hartz and Rhein attended the REDB hearing on this property and felt that most audience members were very happy with the presentation and confident in Mr. Kagan. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner stated on the consent agenda is the approval of the expenditure of $303,566.76 to IML for the Village’s liability and workers compensation insurance and authorize the President to sign the agreement with IML. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner stated on the consent agenda is the approval of the agreement with the Public Works employees regarding overpayment. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner stated on the consent agenda is the approval for the bill list in the amount of $198,815.36. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner questioned the amount for a bill for Associated Tech Services for $766 for an emergency call out. Superintendent Demonbreun stated this was an emergency locate for a water main break on Oak Park. Trustee Werner questioned a bill for moving trees. Clerk Price stated this was a bill for moving trees that a resident donated to Water’s Edge and the boat launch. Trustee Werner questioned a bill for $12,111.75 for the transmission line. Superintendent Demonbreun stated this is for the repair of 1100 linear feet of bad transmission line. Trustee Werner asked Superintendent Demonbreun to get costs to fix the transmission line or replace the transmission line. Trustee Werner questioned a piece of equipment purchased by Public Works. Superintendent Demonbreun stated that is a resister for pumping water. Trustee Werner questioned a bill for $700 for t-shirts. Superintendent Demonbreun stated the Village is saving approximately $400 per month in the uniform cleaning bill by purchasing t-shirts for the employees. Trustee Werner questioned a bill for a transmission flush for a Public Works vehicle for a company in Midlothian. Superintendent Demonbreun stated that was some warranty work done at the dealership. Clerk Price stated a clarification for a item on the bill list was not a reimbursement back to the Clerk but a check from Hickory Hills and then the Village wrote a check to Clerk Price. Clerk Price stated she spent her own money at IML. Trustee Werner stated he would like to have a meeting with Finance Director Maziarek regarding the financial status of the village. President Guzdziol stated he wanted to thank Finance Director Maziarek for the wonderful job she has done so far. Trustee Werner echoed the same sentiment. Trustee Werner stated that on the consent agenda is the approval for the payroll in the amount of $295,454.42. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Adamski stated she would like to thank Chief Swiercz for the wonderful job he has done for the Village of Worth. No report. President Guzdziol asked for an executive session for the purpose of 5(c)(1) the appointment, of specific employees of the public body. Trustee Adamski seconded by Trustee Alcala to establish the consent agenda. A voice vote followed. Motion carried. Consent Agenda November 8, 2006
Trustee Adamski seconded by Trustee Hartz to approve the consent agenda as adopted. A roll call vote followed. Ayes: Trustee, Adamski, Rhein, Alcala, Werner, Hartz and Keller Ayes: (6). Nays: (0). Absent: (0) Motion carried. Trustee Rhein seconded by Trustee Adamski to approve the expenditure of $400 for the Senior Christmas party. A roll call vote followed. Ayes: Trustee, Adamski, Alcala, Rhein, Hartz and Keller Ayes: (5). Nays: Werner (1). Absent: (0) Motion carried. Trustee Adamski seconded by Trustee Alcala to approve the zoning change of 10959 S. Harlem from R1 to R3 with the stipulations from the REDB. A roll call vote followed. Ayes: Trustee, Adamski, Alcala, Ayes: (2). Nays: Keller, Rhein, Hartz and Werner (4). Absent: (0) Motion failed. Resident Mrs. Rosentrotter stated Lode Drive looks great but when is the Village going to tell the condominium association to clean up the piles of dirt. Superintendent Demonbreun stated the Village needs that dirt to restructure the ditch lines. Resident Ted Wozek questioned how Allied Waste can assess the residents for gas? President Guzdziol stated the increase is not for fuel but actually for a CPI that is allowed for in the contract. Resident Jack Boehm stated he would like to see the Village pursue the idea of selling the bonds for the golf course as soon as possible. Chief Swiercz thanked the Village for allowing him the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief. Trustee Adamski moved seconded by Trustee Alcala to adjourn to executive session at 9:55 p.m. for the purpose of 5(c)(1) the appointment, of specific employees of the public body. A roll call vote followed. Ayes: Trustees Adamski, Rhein, Keller, Hartz, Werner and Alcala. Ayes: (6). Nays: (0). Absent: (0). Motion carried. Trustee Adamski moved seconded by Trustee Alcala to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:32 p.m. a.m. A voice vote followed. Motion carried. ________________________________________ Bonnie M. Price Village Clerk |
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