The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held its regular meeting on Monday, September 10, 2007.  Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Answering to roll call were Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, and Mayor Mahoney. Commissioners Polk and O’Connor were not in attendance. 

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 27, 2007:

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held on August 27, 2007, as presented.  

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

AYES: -3- Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-                                                                  

ABSENT: -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:

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

HOLY FAMILY VILLA UTILITY EXTENSION: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported the startup of the new lift station was attempted on August 31^st but failed. Airy’s, the contractor for Holy Family Villa, has found a leak in the force main which will require repair. The leak site has numerous utilities above and around it and will take some time to fix. Once this has been repaired, the force main successfully pressure tested, and all punch list items addressed, the Village and Robinson Engineering will conduct a walk-thru and finalize the work. 

RESURFACING OF 86^TH AVENUE: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported the two and a quarter inch binder course was installed last week. This week, the surface course will be applied. Utility relocation continues at the intersection of 86^th Avenue and 131^st Street. All work within the Village boundary can optimistically be completed in the next two weeks.  

RESURFACING OF MCCARTHY ROAD WEST OF LAGRANGE ROAD: A water diversion system, installed west of 104^th Avenue, will be completed in a few days announced Commissioner Milovich-Walters. She also remarked there is no time line as much of the work to be completed is dependent on the weather and the ability to sustain the water diversion. 

MFT RESURFACING PROJECT UPDATE: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported that resurfacing will be completed this week weather permitting.  

COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, JAMES PAVLATOS:

Commissioner Pavlatos reported the Building Department issued 12 building permits totaling $9,973.30 in fees. The Building Department conducted 35 building inspections. Two certificates of occupancy were issued. No exaction fees were collected. 

SITE PROTECTION (TREE PROTECTION) ORDINANCE CHANGES-CHAPTER 1460.02(c) VILLAGE CODE: Commissioner Pavlatos stated he has had considerable input from residents, staff, and department heads regarding the tree protection ordinance. It is an important ordinance designed to preserve the trees now and in the future. Commissioner Pavlatos is looking at other municipalities to see what they have enacted. Approximately twelve municipalities have responded to our request. Commissioner Pavlatos feels a detailed ordinance will be ready for Council review in a couple of weeks. Residents wishing to address this issue with Commissioner Pavlatos may do so by sending their comments to him at Village Hall. 

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:

POLICE CADET SCHOLARSHIP FUND: In Commissioner Polk’s absence, Mayor Mahoney introduced Tom Crowhurst, Paul Bezanis, and Jack Donnatelli, of Citizens on Patrol Service (COPS), who were on hand to present a check to the Palos Park Police Cadets Scholarship Fund. The COPS members roasted corn at Taste of Palos on Sunday, August 12^th. Their hard work raised over $300. The monies raised will benefit the Palos Park Police Cadet Scholarship Fund for active members in the cadet program attending community college and pursuing a degree in law enforcement. Ross Chibe, Commander of the Cadets, thanked COPS, the Village and Police Department for their continued support. 

FIREWORKS AT SANDBURG HIGH SCHOOL: Mayor Mahoney announced a fireworks display would take place as part of Sandburg High School’s Homecoming Festivities. The display will be shot from the soccer practice field at approximately 8:15 p.m. on October 4^th. Melrose Pyrotechnics, Inc. has been hired by Sandburg High School to do the fireworks display. The permit application, which was approved by Orland Park, requires the Palos Park Police Department to be notified.    

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE, MARY O’CONNOR:

AMENDMENT TO THE 1990 NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AGREEMENT: In Commissioner O’Connor’s absence, Mayor Mahoney requested that the Amendment to the 1990 Norfolk Southern Railway Company Agreement be tabled to the next Council meeting which will be held on September 24, 2007.  

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to table consideration to approve an amendment to the 1990 Norfolk Southern Railway Company Agreement to the September 24, 2007 Council meeting. 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Pavlatos, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor  

MAYOR’S REPORT:

MOVIE IN THE PARK: Mayor Mahoney commented on the wonderful showing of The Wizard of Oz held on Friday evening, August 30^th. The Mayor stated that attendance was good and the weather was perfect for watching the movie. The Mayor thanked the Recreation Department, Public Works, Cadets, Police Department and especially Republic Bank for sponsoring the movie. 

RESOLUTION REQUIRING THE USE OF LOW VOC CONTENT PAINTS FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS: Mayor Mahoney stated in the spring of 2007, the Village received the Bronze Award from Clean Air Counts for raising awareness of the importance of preserving the environment. Former Mayor Carolyn Baca was instrumental in leading these efforts to reduce regional pollution, resulting in the Bronze Award for the Village. Mayor Mahoney would like to seek the more challenging level of achievement which is the Clean Air Counts Silver Award. The requirements to achieve this objective are far more demanding and require much more time and effort. Mayor Mahoney announced one of the initiatives is the proposed resolution requiring the use of low volatile organic compound (VOC) content paints for municipal operations.  

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to pass a resolution requiring the use of low volatile organic compound content paints for municipal operations. 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -2 Commissioners Polk and O’Connor

FIRST AMENDMENT TO SITE LEASE WITH OPTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN T-MOBILE AND VILLAGE OF PALOS PARK: Mayor Mahoney requested the First Amendment to Site Lease with Option Agreement between T-Mobile and the Village of Palos Park be tabled to the September 24, 2007 Council meeting.  

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to table the First Amendment to Site Lease with Option Agreement between T-Mobile and the Village of Palos Park to the September 24, 2007 Council meeting. 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Pavlatos, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A BIKE AND PEDWAY COMMITTEE: Mayor Mahoney requested from Council the passing of a resolution establishing a bike and pedway committee. Mayor Mahoney stated, “the committee will be charged with the duty to review and establish the route of the Community Bike and Walking Trail, and make recommendations to the Village Council in regard to, generally, the improvement and safety of local recreational walking paths, hiking trails and bicycle paths within the Village as detailed and referenced in the 1999 Comprehensive Plan.” Mayor Mahoney stated that the committee will consist of seven (7) members appointed by Council. 

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos, to approve a resolution establishing a Bike and Pedway Committee. 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor 

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT: Mayor Mahoney proposed to the Village Council, Stephen P. Maier, for an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire on June 1, 2012.  

Stephen Maier and his family have resided in Palos Park for several years. Mr. Maier has been employed at Holum and Sons Co., Inc. since 1976 and holds the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to approve Stephen P. Maier to Zoning Board of Appeals for a term to expire June 1, 2012. 

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to approve the following appointment:

·        Zoning Board of Appeals

Stephen P. Maier – appointment – term to expire on June 1, 2012 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Pavlatos, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor

 ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:

AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION AWARD: Patricia Jones reported the Illinois Chapter American Planning Association has selected the Palos Park Strategic Plan for an honorable mention award in the “Implementation of the Plan” category. The plan was submitted by John Houseal, Houseal Lavigne Associates, who is Palos Park’s Village Planner. Seventeen different plans were submitted for consideration. The jury was very impressed with the high quality of all the submittals. 

PALOS HEIGHTS RECREATION STRATEGIC PLAN: Patricia Jones reported Palos Heights has hired John Houseal to develop a Comprehensive Plan for their municipality and a Strategic Plan for the Recreation Department.  

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE OF MAYORS MUNICIPAL AUCTION: Patricia Jones announced the Southwest Conference of Mayors Joint Municipal Vehicle/Equipment Auction will be held Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Orland Park Public Works Facility located at 15655 South Ravinia Avenue. 

CROOKED ARROW CROSSING OPENING AT METRA: Patricia Jones announced Crooked Arrow Crossing will open Tuesday morning, September 11^th in the Metra station. They will be open at 5:00 a.m. – to mid-afternoon. Breakfast and lunch items will be available for purchase also. Patricia Jones stated they will be a great addition to the Village.    

VILLAGE HOUSE FOR RENT: Patricia Jones announced the single family home immediately south of the Kaptur Center, which is owned by the Village, and overlooking the Village Green is available for rent in October. Rent is $1,800.00 per month. If you are interested, please contact Patricia Jones at 708-448-2700.  

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 Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos to: 

1.        WAIVE LICENSE FEE AND RAFFLE MANAGER BOND FOR MCCORD GALLERY & CULTURAL CENTER FOR RAFFLE CHANCES TO BE SOLD AT CHILI COOK-OFF FOR THEIR BLACK AND WHITE EVENT TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2007 

2.        APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,673.77 

3.        APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT LIST FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 FOR MANUAL CHECKS, PAYROLL AND RECURRING WIRE TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $239,877.69 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor 

OLD BUSINESS: None 

NEW BUSINESS: None             

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

Mary Ann Tomkins – 11714 S. 83^rd Avenue – was very concerned about the storm that occurred on Thursday, August 23^rd. A tree had gone down on a power line in her neighborhood but had not fallen yet. She reported it to the Village and ComEd. Late Friday, August 24^th, power was lost to approximately fifty homes. Mrs. Tomkins was without power for twenty-four hours. She was very complimentary of the Police Department for their diligent efforts in patrolling the areas without power. Commissioner Milovich-Walters commented the Village was aware of the problem, however, ComEd will not allow Village personnel to remove trees that have fallen on power lines.    

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. 

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

            AYES: -3- Commissioners Pavlatos, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney

            NAYS: -0-

ABSENT: -2- Commissioners Polk and O’Connor 

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