The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held its regular meeting on Monday, August 13, 2007.  Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Answering to roll call were Commissioners Pavlatos, Polk, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney.

Also in attendance were Patricia Jones, Village Administrator; Tom Bayer, Village Attorney; Rachael Kaplan, Director of Public Works; Kent Oliven, Finance Director; Joseph Miller, Police Chief; Craig Eyer, Director of Building and Zoning; Carol Bryson, Village Clerk; Joseph Martino, Finance Department; Nicole Marxman, Recreation Director; and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Clerk. 

APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS/RECREATION COMMISSIONER:

Mayor Mahoney stated that he has interviewed many candidates for the position of Public Works/Recreation Commissioner. Tonight, the Mayor recommended Nicole Milovich-Walters as the new Commissioner of Public Works/Recreation. Nicole will replace Commissioner Ray DeVries, who agreed to serve until a replacement was named when Diane Goerg was unable to take office. Nicole is a life long area resident and has lived in Palos Park for ten years. She has served on the Recreation Board since 2004, Palos Fine Arts Association, and Palos Orland Conservation Committee. Mayor Mahoney believes Nicole will be an excellent Commissioner who will serve the Village well. Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to appoint Nicole Milovich-Walters as the Commissioner of Public Works/Recreation for a term to expire in April 2009.  

Commissioner O’Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to appoint Nicole Milovich-Walters as the Commissioner of Public Works/Recreation for a term to expire April 2009. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

ABSENT: -0- 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 9, 2007:

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held on July 9, 2007, as presented.  

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-  

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:

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

 HOLY FAMILY VILLA UTILITY EXTENSION: Commissioner Milovich-Walters referred to Jennifer Prinz, Robinson Engineering, for an update on the Holy Family Villa Utility Extension. Jennifer Prinz stated that 98% of the project is complete. The only two remaining items are for Nicor to install the gas meter on the generator and to get a successful pressure test on the force main. When all work is completed, they will test the generator and start the lift station. An inspection of the project will be done and a punch list created with Public Works. When these items are completed, the Village can accept the project.   

APPROVAL OF LOWEST BID FOR MFT RESURFACING PROJECT: Commissioner Milovich-Walters stated the lowest bid for the 2007 MFT project was submitted by Crowley-Sheppard. The recommendation was made that the Council award the 2007 MFT contract to Crowley-Sheppard Inc. in the amount of $185,717.00. Commissioner Milovich-Walters stated work would begin on August 20, 2007 with a completion date of September 11, 2007. Roads to be resurfaced are Algoma Road, Iroquois Road, Mohawk Road, and Roma Road. The contractor will put up signs in advance and notify residents on these streets advising them of the work.  

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to award the 2007 MFT contract to Crowley-Sheppard in the amount of $185,717.00. 

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- 

RESURFACING OF 86^TH AVENUE: Commissioner Milovich-Walters referred to Dave Vandervelde for an update on the resurfacing of 86^th Avenue. He stated the entire roadway through Palos Park is milled. The south boundary of Palos Park on 86^th Avenue to 131^st Street  requires a majority of the work which includes widening of the roadway, utility relocations, and repairs to water and sanitary mains. Dave Vandervelde felt the portion in the Village boundaries would be patched, resurfaced and striped very soon with the work on the south end of the project going well into fall. Mayor Mahoney was very pleased with the progress of the project and with little impact to the Village residents.  

RESURFACING OF MCCARTHY ROAD WEST OF LAGRANGE ROAD: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported we are still waiting for the fabrication of the precast concrete culvert sections that were ordered a few weeks ago. These drainage structures were necessary as a result of the change in the design of the storm sewer that Illinois Department of Transportation was installing. Delivery is expected in about two weeks. Once work resumes, completion should take six weeks.  

COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, JAMES PAVLATOS:

Commissioner Pavlatos reported the Building Department issued 36 building permits totaling $28,223.40 in fees. The Building Department conducted 65 building inspections. Two certificates of occupancy were issued. One exaction fee was collected in the amount of $5,590.20. 

SITE PROTECTION (TREE PROTECTION) ORDINANCE CHANGES-CHAPTER 1460.02(c) VILLAGE CODE: Commissioner Pavlatos explained that Chapter 1460.02(c) deals with tree protection before, during, and after construction and/or remodeling. Currently, any tree on the specimen list that is sixteen inches or larger in diameter needs to be tagged and rated according to the Code before it is removed or destroyed except where such removal is reasonably necessary to conduct the permitted construction. This rating is done by a licensed arborist. Commissioner Pavlatos as well as the Building Department feel the tree diameter should be dropped down to four inches. Further input will be needed from staff regarding proposed changes. Commissioner Pavlatos will then bring an ordinance to the Council for review. Mayor Mahoney stated he would like to see these changes made available on the cable channel, website, and in the newsletter for resident input. He stated our trees are our greatest asset and we should do whatever is necessary to protect that asset. Residents are asked to send written comments to the Building Department in care of Commissioner Pavlatos.  

SUBMITTAL OF DIGITAL COPIES OF ENGINEERING PLANS, ARCHITECTURAL PLANS AND OTHER DRAWINGS: Commissioner Pavlatos stated the Building Department is requesting Council to approve a Code Amendment Ordinance requiring digital (electronic) data submittals in addition to the hard copies for all building permits issued for construction of a given project. Craig Eyer stated other municipalities collect digital data. The Village is trying to improve the daily operations of the Village by implementing a GIS System. This would help with data retention and collection. Craig explained most architects design plans on the computers. This would not be a burden on architects to submit digital copies. Tom Bayer will prepare an ordinance for the next Council meeting for review.  

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:

SOUTH SUBURBAN FIRE INVESTIGATION TASK FORCE: Commissioner Polk reported on the revised South Suburban Fire Investigation Task Force Policy and Procedure for Task Force Response. Commissioner Polk stated the purpose of the South Suburban Fire Investigation Task Force is to augment the stricken agency with additional man power or equipment to assist in determining origin and cause of a fire or explosion. There are guidelines for a Task Force response, a notification tree and a response tree. Chief Miller explained that this is update of an existing policy. 

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION: Commissioner Polk reported the Palos Park Police Department now has the capability to read animal identification chips. An Animal Identification Chip (A.I.D.) reader was donated to the Police Department by Avid, the largest microchip supplier in the United States. Police can quickly scan the animal (assuming it’s been chipped) and return lost pets to their owners. Commissioner Polk encouraged all residents to have their animals chipped and registered with their veterinarian.  

CITIZENS ON PATROL SERVICE: The volunteer Citizens on Patrol Service (C.O.P.S.) raised $300.00 toward a college scholarship fund for active members of the Palos Park Police Department Cadet Program who are pursuing a degree in law enforcement. This was largely due to their efforts in selling corn at Taste of Palos. Commissioner Polk was proud of the community participation and pleased that the money can be given to the Cadets for future scholarly endeavors particularly as it pertains to law enforcement.  

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE, MARY O’CONNOR:

Commissioner O’Connor spoke of neighboring communities being very active and very successful at redeveloping or in some cases establishing “downtown lifestyle centers”. This has been an issue of much interest to her. Commissioner O’Connor stated Burr Ridge is currently building a downtown area and Lemont was successful in securing a grant from the State of Illinois to redevelop their downtown area. Commissioner O’Connor requested staff along with John Houseal, to research what other communities surrounding Palos Park are doing  with “downtown lifestyle centers”. 

MAYOR’S REPORT:

TASTE OF PALOS: Mayor Mahoney reported Taste of Palos was a great success and much fun. The Mayor thanked Diane Goerg and her committee from the Woman’s Club who did a fantastic job with this years Taste. The Mayor also thanked Nicole Marxman, Lee Barnes, the Recreation Board and the Recreation staff for a great job. Public Works, Police Department and Cadets were also singled out for a job well done with set-up and clean-up, and traffic control. 

PALOS HISTORICAL SOCIEY DINNER: Mayor Mahoney congratulated the Palos Historical Society on their 50^th Anniversary. A dinner was held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 to celebrate this wonderful event. 

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PALOS PARK VILLAGE CODE 808.19 (a) AND (b) – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES/HOURS OF SALE: Tom Bayer explained the Village received a request from Hackney’s to sell alcohol prior to noon on Sundays when the Chicago Bears have noon start home games, as Hackney’s runs a bus down to Soldier Field for the games. The Village Liquor Code prohibits the sale of alcohol between the hours of 2am - noon on Sundays. There is a provision in the Code to permit additional hours for the sale of alcoholic beverages at country clubs, private clubs or special purpose establishments. Tom stated that Hackney’s does not meet these criteria. The Village Code would have to be amended to consider Hackney’s request. Tom has suggested the Village Code read “country clubs, private clubs, special purpose establishments, and restaurants on special occasions only.” The hours of sale on Sunday would be 9am – noon. The Mayor entertained a motion to adopt an ordinance amending Palos Park Village Code 808.19(b) Alcohol Beverage Sales/Hours of Sale in ordinance form. 

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to adopt an ordinance amending Palos Park Village Code 808.19(b) Alcohol Beverage Sales/Hours of Sale. 

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

            AYES: -4- Commissioners Pavlatos, Polk, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -1- Commissioner O’Connor

            ABSENT: -0- 

HACKNEY’S REQUEST TO SERVE ALCOHOL BEFORE NOON FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS: Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to approve Hackney’s request to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays when the Chicago Bears are playing at home. Mayor Mahoney for the record read the dates Hackney’s is requesting. These dates are October 14, 2007; October 28, 2007; November 25, 2007; December 23, 2007; and December 30, 2007.  

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to approve Hackney’s request to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays when the Chicago Bears are playing at home with a noon start time.  

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

UPDATE OF 1999 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Mayor Mahoney stated the Comprehensive Plan is the Village’s policy guide for future growth and development. The Plan includes goals, objectives and policies for the future of Palos Park and long-range recommendations for land use, community facilities and transportation. The Village adopted the current Comprehensive Plan on May 10, 1999. The Mayor stated it is time to update the Comprehensive Plan that would reflect the many accomplishments which the Village has achieved and identify new goals and objectives. The Comprehensive Plan also needs to incorporate the Commercial Areas Master Plan that was passed this past spring. Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to refer the Comprehensive Plan to the Plan Commission for review and update. 

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to refer the comprehensive Plan to the Plan Commission for review and update.  

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- 

ESTABLISHMENT OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS COMMITTEE: Mayor Mahoney discussed establishing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Ways Committee. One of Mayor Mahoney’s goals is to make Palos Park more pedestrian, bicycle and horse-friendly. Part of this objective will be achieved by the proposed Cal-Sag Bike Trail. To help achieve this goal within the village, it was suggested by Steve Buchtel, Chicago Bicycle Federation, that an ad-hoc committee be formed to generate interest, solicit input and plan with the Village Council these pathways. Mayor Mahoney suggested an open meeting with residents who express an interest in  bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian pathways. Mayor Mahoney suggested any resident interested to e-mail him, jmahoney @palospark.org or call him at Village Hall at 671-3701.   

ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: Pat Jones reported on the Village’s lease with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). We lease approximately 13 acres at 86^th Avenue and the canal, north of Rt. 83 heading east from 86^th Avenue. Because MWRD recently rejected Palos Height’s request for parking for Basic Development’s housing and retail center, Pat Jones questioned whether Palos Park would be allowed to create parking for the Village’s eventual museum satellite campus. Pat placed a call to  MWRD to question our lease as it does not mention parking. MWRD suggested that Pat Jones send a letter addressing this issue. Pat Jones looked to the Mayor for direction. Pat will draft a letter to MWRD and follow up with this issue. 

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 O’Connor requested that item no. 8 originally on consent agenda to approve the purchase of a Caterpillar 420 EIT backhoe for $91,654.00 of which $66,554.00 would be financed at 5.5% over three years be removed from consent agenda to be discussed separately.

 Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor to: 

1.        RATIFY PALOS FIREFIGHTERS RAFFLE LICENSE AND WAIVE LICENSE FEE AND RAFFLE MANAGER BOND  FOR RAFFLE HELD AT TASTE OF PALOS – AUGUST 12, 2007 

2.        RATIFY SUNRISE ASSISTED LIVING RAFFLE LICENSE AND WAIVE LICENSE FEE AND RAFFLE MANAGER BOND FOR RAFFLE HELD ON AUGUST 11, 2007 

3.        APPROVE RIDGE AVENUE BLOCK SALE AND FIESTA – AUGUST 18, 2007 

4.        APPROVE PALOS PARK TREE BODY RAFFLE LICENSE AND WAIVE LICENSE FEE AND RAFFLE MANAGER BOND FOR RAFFLE HELD AT PALOS PARK PARADE AND CHILI COOK-OFF ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2007. 

5.        APPROVE RENEWAL OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN WITH BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD 

6.        PASS A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE METROPOLITAN MAYORS GREENEST REGION COMPACT 

7.        APPROVE DONATION OF $200.00 TO PALOS FINE ARTS FOR PALOS READS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 1, 2007 AT 7:00 PM IN THE PALOS HEIGHTS LIBRARY.  

8.        RATIFY PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED JULY 23, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $104,783.40 

9.        APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED AUGUST 13, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $185,766.67 

10.     APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT LIST FOR AUGUST 13, 2007 FOR MANUAL CHECKS, PAYROLL AND RECURRING WIRE TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $242,553.46 

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- 

APPROVAL OF CATERPILLAR 420 EIT BACKHOE: Rachael Kaplan, Director of Public Works began by outlining the issues concerning the backhoe the Village currently owns. Rachael stated it was bought back in 1992, broke down approximately six weeks ago and estimates for repairs are $18,000.00. Rachael felt that based on the age of the existing backhoe, repair costs, and anticipated usage of the equipment within Public Works, the purchase of a new backhoe was a more prudent option. Mayor Mahoney stated Public Works looked at other options including renting and sharing the backhoe with another municipality. Commissioner O’Connor was concerned that $18,000 for repairs was not in the budget, and the $13,000 trade-in indicates an active secondary market. Kent Oliven, Finance Director, spoke of the financial aspects dealing with a purchase or lease of equipment such as this. In conclusion, more information will be forthcoming regarding the equipment and purchase options.  

OLD BUSINESS: None 

NEW BUSINESS:

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

1.      Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, 12402 S. 91^st Avenue, Palos Park, IL requesting the following  

variance to build an addition:

a.)    A corner side yard variance of 26.33 feet to the required 50 feet to build an addition. The request would be a 47% variance since the existing house is not changing except for the fact that a third car garage addition is being added which is 13 feet by 23.5 feet. 

Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were not present at the Council meeting. The Zoning Board of Appeals determined the hardship to be the property is a corner lot. Mayor Mahoney read the recommendation of the ZBA regarding Mr. and Mrs. Boyd’s request. Mr. Martin moved, seconded by Mrs. Konior, to approve the variance request for a corner side yard setback. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried as follows: 

            AYES: -5- Board members Martin, Konior, Dill, Saylors, and Chairman Lencioni

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Board member Nevaruskas 

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to accept the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve the variance request for a corner side yard variance of 26.33 feet to the required 50 feet to build an addition in ordinance form.  

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- 

2.      Mr. and Mrs. Balovski, 8035 W. 83^rd Place, Justice, IL requesting the following variances for 12108 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL

a.)    Side yard setback variance of 13.5 feet to the required 41.5 feet for attaching a new garage to the existing home. This would be a 28 foot side yard setback from the property line.  

b.)    Front yard setback variance of five (5) feet to the required 50 foot front yard setback to construct an overhang over the existing front stoop. 

Mr. and Mrs. Balovski were present at the Council meeting. The ZBA determined the hardship to the triangular shape of the lot. Mayor Mahoney read the recommendation of the ZBA regarding Mr. and Mrs. Balovski’s request. Mr. Martin moved, seconded by Mrs. Saylors, to approve the variance requests (a and b). Upon roll call vote, the motion carried as follows:           

            AYES: -5- Board members Martin, Saylors, Dill, Konior, and Chairman Lencioni

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Board member Nevaruskas 

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to accept the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve the variance requests (a and b) in ordinance form. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

           ABSENT: -0-             

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Mr. John Rogers – 12021 93^rd Avenue – Mr. Rogers, President of the Palos Historical Society thanked the Village Council members and other officials who attended the 50^th Anniversary dinner. Mr. Rogers was very appreciative of the plaque the Historical Society received and community support for 50 years.  

EXECUTIVE SESSION: In open session at 9:20 p.m. Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to recess to executive session to discuss compensation of specific Village employees. 

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- 

RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION: At 10:17 p.m. Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to adjourn the executive session and return to open session. 

Upon voice vote, the motion carried with 5 yes votes

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

ROLL CALL: At 10:19 p.m. roll call was taken. Answering to roll call were Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, Polk, O’Connor, and Mayor Mahoney 

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to adjourn the meeting at 10:19 p.m. 

Upon voice vote, the motion carried with 5 yes votes.

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

            NAYS: -0-

ABSENT: -0- 

_______________________________________

Cathy A. Gabel
Deputy Village Clerk