VILLAGE OF WORTH
MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING
HELD March 6, 2007
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CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT
COURT JUDGE WATER’S EDGE GOLF
COURSE MANAGEMENT TIF DISTRICT
PRESENTATION 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 CourseTrustee 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 CITIZEN’S COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT |
President Guzdziol
called the meeting to order at 7 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 Village Clerk Bonnie Price, Attorneys Mat Delort and Sara Gadola, Building Commissioner Bruce Zartler, Public Works Superintendent Wayne Demonbreun and Police Chief Pat O’Connor Finance Director Barb Maziarek, Village Engineer Cortney Koening and Fire Chief David Hopkins. Pledge of Allegiance President Guzdziol read
correspondence from the Cook County Circuit Court regarding the appointment
of Mat Delort to an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court. Steve Dell introduced Chris Patterson and read some
background information about Chris. President Guzdziol introduced Jamal Jaber, potential
developer of the TIF District on 111th and Ridgeland. Mr. Ferguson stated he was not notified of
this meeting on the TIF and felt that he should have been notified by
certified mail. Attorney Delort
stated this is merely an informal presentation to the Board. Mr. Ferguson disagreed and stated that he
lives in the TIF District. President
Guzdziol stated he is not going to listen to a resident over a attorney that
is a sophisticated, intelligent person who is qualified in this field. Mr. Jaber gave a presentation regarding the TIF
boundaries development costs and site plan.
The proposed development would entail approximately 35,000 square
feet. President Guzdziol questioned
why JRJ Development needs the Village’s financial assistance. Mr. Jaber stated that he has spoken with
many prospective tenants and they have stated this location is not ideal and
the lower rental base would incentive more tenants, and the costs would
exceed what the profits would be.
Trustee Rhein stated this is first time the rental incentives have
been discussed. Mr. Jaber stated the
rental rates without the TIF would be between $25-28 sq. ft. and the rental
rates with the TIF would be between $18-20 sq. ft. Brad Townsend, Ehlers and Associates, presented two proforma analysis for the stated project and stated more work needs to be done with the proposal from JRJ Development. In order for this to fly under this private partnership the development would have to gain financial assistance from the Village in order to close the equity gap. Trustee Werner questioned whether the Village can dictate how much retail would go into the strip mall? Mr. Townsend stated he has seen many different types of contracts for developers. Trustee Werner questioned on whether the Village can give incentives to specific retailers. Mr. Townsend stated yes, but it would be better business practice approach to stay with the original development agreement rather than a piece meal deal. Trustee Werner questioned what happens if the development fails? Mr. Townsend stated the property value will not increase at the same rate as active full business and would have to deal with the situation as it presents itself. There is a risk to this as with any redevelopment activity. Attorney Delort stated because of the zoning of the TIF property many types of business would be allowed there. The Village does have the option of custom zoning for that property that allows flexibility for the development agreement. Mr. Townsend stated you cannot micromanage free enterprise. Trustee Werner stated that we need the TIF district in order to have this type of development. Trustee Hartz inquired on Mr. Jaber’s prior developments. Mr. Jaber stated he has put up Walgreens, Department of Social Security, a 13,000 sq. ft. strip mall and a 17,000 sq. ft. strip mall. Trustee Rhein stated he thought the financial assistance from the Village was supposed to be for street lighting and street improvements, etc. now that incentive money is going straight to the developer to build this site? Trustee Rhein questioned the sq. footage of each new store and what the comparison rental rates are in neighboring towns. Mr. Jaber stated it depends on the retailer because there is not enough density at that corner to support a higher rental rate. Trustee Keller inquired what would the additional cost be to continue discussions. President Guzdziol stated the money comes out of the TIF money. Trustee Keller stated that someone should be keeping track of that dollar amount. President Guzdziol stated on the consent agenda is the authorize Ehlers to proceed with discussions on the development of the 111th and Ridgeland TIF project not to exceed the original Board approved amount. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Resident Jack McGrath stated he heard that CVS and BP Amoco were interested in developing the property and were run out of town and the Ehlers report states in order for the property to be a TIF it has to show that the property can’t be developed. Beth Ruhle originally stated the bond issue would be $49.5 million. Mr. McGrath questioned whether the Board can come back three years later and take Sophie Barnas’ property? Mr. Townsend stated that would be the last resort of the Village Board. Trustee Hartz stated the Board has publicly stated it is not in favor of eminent domain. Mr. McGrath stated Attorney Delort stated the TIF bonds can only be paid out of the TIF money, but that only is true if the TIF is making money, if not the bond payments are returned to the taxpayers. Resident Joanne Roberts stated the Board complains about the bond payments on the golf course and now the Village is entering into more bond payments. It makes no sense. President Guzdziol explained how a TIF District works. President Guzdziol stated the Village will enter into an agreement with the gas station on 115th and Harlem for supplying gas to the Village for 1˘ over OPIS. President Guzdziol commended Superintendent Demonbreun for his work on this project. President Guzdziol commended Public Works on their snowplowing efforts. President Guzdziol stated tonight at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Channel 11 is airing “The Southwest Suburbs Birthplace of Chicago” with a repeat on March 18th at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Clerk Price stated on the consent agenda to authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Wellness Services. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Clerk Price stated on the consent agenda is to approve Salvation Army Donut Days June 1 and 2, 2007 and Salvation Army Christmas kettles November 16-December 24, 2007. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Clerk Price stated on the consent agenda is to award the bid to Rusnack Aluminum Inc. for the repair of the gutters on the Village Hall in the amount of $1,565. Clerk Price stated there is money in the budget for this item and will be split between the Village Hall and Police Department. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Clerk Price stated the Senior St. Patrick’s Day luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 8th at Water’s Edge and tickets are available at the Village Hall for $4. Clerk Price stated Commissioner Brendan Houlihan will present a property tax workshop on March 15th at 7 pm at the Village Hall and residents need to bring their PIN or a copy of their tax bill. Clerk Price stated the Chicago Ridge Worth Chamber of Commerce will host Lunch with the Mayors on March 8th at Nickobees Restaurant at 11:30 am. Trustee Alcala stated there is a Life Safety Meeting on March 21, 2007 at the Village Hall. Trustee Alcala stated the thermal imaging camera for the Fire Department are scheduled to ship some time this week. Trustee Alcala stated the Police Department is awaiting one more bid for the construction of the basement locker room. Trustee Alcala submitted Police reports for the months of December 2006, January 2007 and February 2007. Trustee Keller stated the water was tested and is safe for consumption. Trustee Keller stated he would like Resolution #07-03 A resolution for improvement by the municipality under the Illinois highway code, 111th – 115th Oak Park Avenue in the amount of $600,726.04 stricken from the consent agenda and voted on after a meeting with Robinson Engineering. Trustee Keller stated he has received a request a no parking sign of the south side of 112th Street and Depot, cars block her driveway and park on her lawn. Trustee Keller directed the attorney to prepare an ordinance regarding parking here to corner at 7100 W. Depot on the west side of Depot. Trustee Keller stated he received a complaint from a resident on 112th Street regarding burning logs in a fire pit. Commissioner Zartler stated burning logs in a fire pit is legal, but the Village can use the nuisance ordinance to stop excess smoke. Trustee Keller explained to resident Nick Stathopoulos the access on 111th Place and stated he thought removing the guardrail would only increase traffic on 111th Place and Preller and there is a daycare center that would only increase traffic. Trustee Rhein stated she is excited about working with the new golf course general manager, Chris Patterson. Trustee Hartz stated the REDB had a hearing on March 1st regarding the application for a special use permit for the pawnshop located at 6721 W. 111th Street. Five of the seven members were present and voted in favor of allowing a special use permit. Attorney Delort explained the zoning for certain businesses. Trustee Hartz directed the attorney to prepare an ordinance regarding condo conversion per Attorney Delort’s recommendations regarding non-home rule towns. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Hartz stated she met with Commissioner Zartler and Cortney Koning regarding properties that are zoned incorrectly. Mr. Koning has draw maps regarding these specific problems. Trustee Werner stated there are two businesses in town that owe the Village a considerable amount of money for fines and attorney fees. Furry Friends and Graff Gardens have not made any attempts to pay, they have paid for their business licenses. Attorney Delort stated the Village should deliver their business licenses and then take steps to revoke the licenses. Trustee Werner stated on the consent agenda is the approval for the bill list in the amount of $189,574.13, Trustee Werner stated the bill list is confusing with the lined out items and asked Finance Director Maziarek if this situation can be remedied. Trustee Werner questioned several items on the bill list. Trustee Rhein questioned if an item for the Police Department is coming out of confiscated cash? Chief O’Connor stated yes. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner stated on the consent agenda is the authorization to transfer $36,000 from the general fund to the Golf Course Account. Trustee Hartz stated she does not think that one Trustee should have the right to ask for a transfer without Board approval. Trustee Rhein stated the transfers have always been handled through the Treasurer and the Water’s Edge general manager. Trustee Alcala questioned what expenses do we have during the winter months? Trustee Werner stated the budgets for the Golf Course were approved by the Village Board the only difference is the Golf Course does not have the money. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Werner stated on the consent agenda is to authorize Finance Director to close Golf Course savings account at Standard Bank and transfer proceeds to Golf Course Account. This account holds an additional $34,000. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Rhein questioned where last years audit? Finance Director Maziarek stated it should be here by Friday. Trustee Adamski stated on the consent agenda to direct the attorney to review the contract from MAC Amusement d.b.a. Spectacular Midway Amusement for a carnival to be held in the parking lot of Water’s Edge Golf Course from April 18-29, 2007. Trustee Rhein stated this date is when league play begins at Water’s Edge and we don’t want to disturb the golfers. President Guzdziol stated the Village Board doesn’t know if MWRD would allow. Trustee Werner stated this is a huge risk for the golf course. Trustee Werner asked this item be stricken from the consent agenda and held for separate vote. Trustee Rhein stated this would be the worst thing for the golf course. Trustee Adamski stated on the consent agenda is to authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Club 44. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Adamski stated on the consent agenda is to authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Whata Bout Bob. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. Trustee Adamski stated on the consent agenda is to authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Eck-cellent Entertainment. Without any objection. This will remain on the consent agenda. No report. Trustee Rhein seconded by Trustee Adamski to establish the consent agenda. A voice vote followed. Motion carried. Consent AgendaMarch 6, 2007 r Authorize Ehlers to proceed with discussions on the development of the 111th & Ridgeland TIF project not to exceed the original board approved amount r Authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Wellness Services r Approve Salvation Army Donut Days, June 1 and June 2, 2007 & Salvation Army Christmas Kettles November 16 – December 24, 2007. r Award the bid to Rusnack Aluminum Inc. for the repair of the gutters on the Village Hall in the amount of $1,565.00 r Approve resolution #07-03 A resolution for improvement by the municipality under the Illinois highway code, 111th – 115th Oak Park Avenue in the amount of $600,726.04 r Approve the bill list in the amount of $189,574.13 r Authorize transfer of $36,000.00 from the general fund to Golf Course Account r Authorize Finance Director to close Golf Course savings account at Standard Bank and transfer proceeds to Golf Course Account
r Authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Club 44 r Authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Whata Bout Bob r Authorize the Village President to sign the agreement with Eck-cellent Entertainment Inc. r Direct the attorney to prepare an ordinance regarding no parking on the 7100 W 112th Street from driveway to Depot r Direct the attorney to prepare an ordinance regarding condo conversion per Attorney Delort’s recommendations Trustee Rhein seconded by Trustee Hartz to approve the consent agenda as adopted. A roll call vote followed. Ayes: Trustee, Rhein, Hartz, Alcala, Keller, Werner, and Adamski Ayes (6). Nays: (0). Absent: (0) Motion carried. Resident Nick Stathopoulos stated on the map it shows 114 feet on 111th Place on the east side of the street, where are the cars going to go? Resident Mr. McGrath questioned Attorney Delort on the types of bonds for the TIF District. Attorney Delort stated there is a no recourse bond, and a straight revenue bond, and can the Village make that part of the agreement with Ehlers? Mr. McGrath stated this is just another subsidy to a developer to make money. Trustee Adamski moved seconded by Trustee Alcala to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:12 p.m. A voice vote followed. Motion carried. ________________________________________ Bonnie M. Price, CMC Village Clerk |
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