MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING
HELD ON APRIL 14, 2008

The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held its regular meeting on Monday, April 14, 2008.  Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. Answering to roll call were Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, Polk, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney. 

Also in attendance were Carol Bryson, Village Clerk; Patricia Jones, Village Administrator; Tom Bayer, Village Attorney; Rachael Kaplan, Public Works Director; Joseph Miller, Police Chief; Kent Oliven, Finance Director; Jacob Karaca, Assistant Village Attorney; and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Clerk. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 24, 2008:

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held on March 24, 2008, as presented.  

On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

AYES: -4- Commissioners Polk, O’Connor, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-                                                                  

ABSENT: -0-

ABSTAIN: -1- Commissioner Pavlatos 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS/RECREATION, NICOLE MILOVICH-WALTERS:

AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR 116^TH AVENUE CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT: Commissioner Milovich-Walters requested the awarding of the contract for the 116^th Avenue Culvert Replacement Project be tabled to the April 28, 2008 Council meeting.  

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to table the awarding of the contract for the 116^th Avenue Culvert Replacement Project to the April 28, 2008 Council meeting. 

On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

            AYES: -5- Commissioners, Milovich-Walters, Polk, Pavlatos, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

ORDINANCE AMENDING PART TEN, TITLE FOUR, CHAPTER 1048 IN REGARD TO CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL: Commissioner Milovich-Walters requested Council to consider amending Part Ten, Title Four, Chapter 1048 of the Palos Park Village Code in regard to Cross Connection Control. Commissioner Milovich-Walters explained that by amending the Code the Village is making it specific that the backflow prevention device to be used is to be a reduced pressure principle assembly (RPZ). 

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to adopt an Ordinance amending Part Ten, Title Four, Chapter 1048 of the Palos Park Village Code in Regard to Cross Connection Control. 

On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

            AYES: -5- Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Polk, Pavlatos, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, JAMES PAVLATOS: Commissioner Polk reported the Building Department issued 16 building permits totaling $7,742.50 in fees. The Building Department conducted 42 building inspections. One certificate of occupancy was issued. No exaction fees were collected. 

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL RANGE INSTRUCTION SIMULATOR (PRISim): Commissioner Polk referred to Chief Miller regarding the Professional Range Instruction Simulator. Chief Miller explained the Professional Range Instruction Simulator is for police officers allowing them to interact with hundreds of deadly force scenarios and make correct decisions in life threatening situations. Due to the high cost of the simulator, only a few are in operation in the United States. The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association has purchased a Professional Range Instruction Simulator (PRISim). They are currently offering the use of the simulator to groups that are not members of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.  Chief Miller stated Palos Park Police Officers can use the simulator at no additional cost to the Village. During a normal work shift for the officers, they can go to the mobile training facility and spend an hour of their time training. Detective Barry Churin, Palos Park Police Department, has been trained to run the simulator.  

‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE” PROGRAM: Commissioner Polk reminded residents about the “You Are Not Alone” Program which assists the seniors of Palos Park that are alone during the day or who may live alone. The program is for self-sufficient seniors that would periodically like the Palos Park Police Officers to check on them. The officers can see that the resident is not in need of medical care, their home is secure, utilities are working, and making seniors aware of potential scams aimed at seniors. Interested seniors can call the Police Department at 671-3770 to participate or email Chief Miller at jmiller@palospark.org.  

FREE BICYCLE SAFETY HELMETS: Commissioner Polk announced Palos Park will again for the seventh year in a row offer bicycle safety helmets to children and residents of Palos Park. Commissioner Polk emphasized helmets can prevent head injuries to those riding bicycles. All members of the Palos Park Police Bicycle Patrol Unit wear helmets anytime they ride. The bicycle helmets can be picked up at the Palos Park Police Department.  

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE, MARY O’CONNOR: Commissioner O’Connor had no formal report; however, she read several library announcements. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

SWALLOW CLIFF TOBOGGAN SLIDES: Mayor Mahoney reported he and several residents took a bus downtown for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 8^th. On the agenda for that meeting was the awarding of the contract for the demolition of the Swallow Cliff Toboggan Slides. Through the efforts of Cook County Board Commissioner Liz Gorman, who also is on the Forest Preserve District Board, Mayor Mahoney was permitted to speak before the Board. Mayor Mahoney stated the Forest Preserve District Board voted to award the contract. The Mayor stated that even though this is a setback, something good is going to happen. The people in this area will not leave the decisions of the toboggan slides in the hands of Cook County. The Mayor especially thanked the Palos Historical Society, Palos-Orland Conservation Commission, Maria Rogers and Patricia Jones for all their hard work from getting nine hundred signed petitions to getting the bus to transport everyone downtown.  

SENIOR MEDAL OF HONOR: Mayor Mahoney will accompany Mr. Ray Chocholek and his wife Irene on Tuesday, April 15^th, to the Cook County Sheriff’s Department Senior Medal of Honor Ceremony. The annual award ceremony provides the opportunity to recognize the many committed senior citizens for their extraordinary service and dedication to their community. Mr. Chocholek was nominated for the Senior Medal of Honor by the Village of Palos Park.  

CLERK’S REPORT:

SPRING CLEANING AND PERSONAL CARE DRIVE: Clerk Bryson reminded residents the Palos Park Clerk’s Office is sponsoring a Spring Cleaning and Personal Care Drive during the month of April benefiting Palos Township families. The Palos Township Emergency Food Pantry is in need of household and personal care items. If you are interested in donating, please drop items off at the Kaptur Administrative center Lobby Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Palos Township Emergency Food Pantry helps Palos Township residents through various crisis situations such as job losses, health issues, social issues, disabilities, social security gap coverage, and fires. If you are in need of any help, please call the Township Office at 708-598-4418. 

FREE SENIOR RTA CARD: Clerk Bryson also reported senior citizens (aged 65 or over) living in Cook, Dupage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties are eligible for free rides on the CTA, Metra and Pace routes. Seniors must have the senior reduced fare card to get free rides. Seniors can register at the Palos Heights City Hall located at 7607 College Drive. Please call the Clerk’s Office at 708-671-3706 for more information. 

ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:

OAK LAWN WATER SYSTEM MEETING: Administrator Jones reported to Council her attendance at a meeting held by the Village of Oak Lawn regarding the service of water to the twelve municipalities that Oak Lawn serves. Oak Lawn has hired a consultant to re-evaluate their interior system that pumps Lake Michigan Water down two transmission mains. The Village will work in partnership with Oak Lawn regarding improvements, storage and water demands.  

CONSENT AGENDA:

ALL ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE ROUTINE OR HAVE BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD AT THE DIRECTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND WILL BE ENACTED WITH ONE MOTION. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THAT ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. 

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters to: 

1.        APPROVE THE RAFFLE LICENSE FOR MCCORD GALLERY & CULTURAL CENTER FOR RAFFLE TO BE HELD APRIL 13, 2008 AND WAIVE RAFFLE MANAGER BOND 

2.        APPROVE THE RAFFLE LICENSE FOR MCCORD GALLERY & CULTURAL CENTER  FOR RAFFLE TO BE HELD MAY 17, 2008 AND WAIVE RAFFLE MANAGER BOND 

3.        APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED APRIL 14, 2008 IN THE AMOUNT OF $123,812.07 

4.        APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT LIST DATED APRIL 14, 2008 FOR MANUAL CHECKS, PAYROLL AND RECURRING WIRE TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $569,735.46 

On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

            AYES: -5- Commissioners Polk, Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

OLD BUSINESS: None 

NEW BUSINESS:

PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:

RECOMMENDATION TO AMEND SECTION 1282.13 SCHEDULE OF PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC USES:

Subsection (i) regarding medical or dental clinics and similar facilities to allow one parking space for each 200 gross square feet or greater of floor area;

Subsection (q) regarding banks, business or professional offices or public administration buildings to allow one parking space for each 230 gross square feet or greater of floor area;

Subsection (s) regarding establishments handling the sale and consumption, on the premises, of alcoholic beverages, food or refreshments to allow one parking space for each 230 gross square feet of floor area;

Subsection (t) regarding retail stores and service shops, to allow one parking space for each 230 or greater gross square feet of floor area 

Mayor Mahoney stated the Plan Commission held a public hearing on March 20, 2008 to consider amendments to Section 1282.13 of the Village Code regarding requirements for parking spaces for specific uses as stated in subsections (i), (q), (s), and (t). The Plan Commission discussed each subsection separately to consider what effect the proposed amendment would have on each type of commercial building. Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission took the following action: 

Michael Sundermeier moved, seconded by John Basso, to recommend to the Village Council; to amend Section 1282.13 (i) regarding medical or dental clinics and similar facilities to allow one parking space for each 200 gross square feet of floor area. Upon roll call vote, the motion failed, 1 yes (Sundermeier), 5 no (Basso, Petan, Kay, Wall, and Jones).  

John Basso moved, seconded by Michael Sundermeier to recommend to the Village Council to amend Section 1282.13 (q) regarding banks, business or professional offices or public administration buildings to allow one parking space for each 230 gross square feet of floor area. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried, 4 yes (Basso, Sundermeier, Kay, and Jones), 2 no (Petan and Wall). 

Mike Wall moved, seconded by Julie Kay, to recommend to the village Council to amend Section 1282.13 (s) regarding establishments handling the sale and consumption, on the premises, of alcoholic beverages, food or refreshments to allow one parking space for each 230 gross square feet of floor area. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried, 4 yes (Wall, Kay, Petan, and Sundermeier), 2 no (Basso and Jones).  

John Basso moved, seconded by Julie Kay, to recommend to the Village Council to amend Section 1282.13 (t) regarding retail stores and service shops to allow one parking space for each 230 gross square feet of floor area. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously, 6 yes.  

John Basso moved, seconded by Julie Kay, to recommend to the Village Council to amend Section 1282.13 (i) regarding medical or dental clinics and similar facilities to allow one parking space for each 175 gross square feet of floor area. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried 4 yes (Basso, Kay, Sundermeier, and Jones), 2 no (Wall and Petan). 

Commissioner Pavlatos discussed the implications of the amendment and possible changes with fellow Commissioners and the Mayor.  

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to approve amending Section 1282.13 Schedule of Parking Requirements for Specific Uses in ordinance form:

Subsection (i) regarding medical or dental clinics and similar facilities to allow one parking space for each 200 gross square feet of floor area

Subsection (q) regarding banks, business or professional offices or public administration buildings to allow one parking space for each 230 square feet of floor area

Subsection (s) regarding establishments handling the sale and consumption, on the premises, of alcoholic beverages, food or refreshments to allow one parking space for each 230 square feet of floor area

Subsection (t) regarding retail stores and service shops, to allow one parking space for each 230 square feet of floor area. 

On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

            AYES: -5- Commissioners Polk, Pavlatos, Milovich-Walters, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

Maria Rogers – 12021 93^rd Avenue – Mrs. Rogers thanked the Mayor, Council, staff and Palos-Orland Conservation Committee for taking the time to go to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County meeting to protest the demolition of the Swallow Cliff Toboggan Slides. She also complimented the Mayor on his speech before the Forest Preserve District Board. 

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.  

On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:

            AYES: -5- Commissioners Polk, O’Connor, Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

ABSENT: -0- 

_________________________________

Cathy A. Gabel