MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING
HELD ON OCTOBER 8, 2007

The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held its regular meeting on Monday, October 8, 2007.  Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:33 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, Director of Public Works; Joseph Miller, Police Chief; Jacob Karaca, Assistant Village Attorney; Craig Eyer, Director of Building and Zoning; Kent Oliven, Finance Director; Joseph Martino, Administration/Finance; and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Clerk. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2007:

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held on September 24, 2007, as presented.

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- 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:

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

HOLY FAMILY VILLA UTILITY EXTENSION: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported landscaping in the area of the force main repair at Wolf and McCarthy Road has been restored again. The parking lot/driveway at the lift station has been proof rolled and binder applied. Contractors have been addressing the punch list items and a walk-through is scheduled for Tuesday, October 9^th.    

RESURFACING OF 86^TH AVENUE: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported the contractor for the 86^th Avenue project is waiting for Nicor to complete their work involving the gas mains at 86^th Avenue and 131^st Street which is subsequently causing delays to the overall improvements at the intersection. Restoration is expected to begin this week of the swales and culverts north of the railroad tracks.  

RESURFACING OF MCCARTHY ROAD WEST OF LAGRANGE ROAD: Commissioner Milovich-Walters stated no resurfacing will be done on McCarthy Road until the drainage work is complete. 

COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, JAMES PAVLATOS:

Commissioner Pavlatos reported the Building Department issued 18 building permits totaling $21,884.60 in fees. The Building Department conducted 58 building inspections. No certificates of occupancy were issued. No exaction fees were collected. 

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:

OFFICER JOHN SAWYER: Commissioner Polk announced Palos Park Police Sergeant John Sawyer has completed a general course of instruction offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Sergeant Sawyer received a warm round of applause for his hard work. Sergeant Sawyer thanked the residents, Village Council, Mayor Mahoney, Police Department and Chief Miller for their support. Sergeant Sawyer stated the FBI Academy is the most recognized academy but also the most difficult to get admitted to. Only 1% of police officers world-wide attend the FBI Academy. His application took eight years before he finally was accepted.   

MOUNTED UNIT TO RECEIVE SHERIFF’S AWARDS: Commissioner Polk announced Palos Park Police Officers, Fred Villanueva and Ron Philpot will be receiving the Cook County Sheriff’s Award of Merit on Wednesday, October 17, 2007. The officers will be honored by Sheriff Dart for their commitment and dedication to providing the equestrian component provided to law enforcement agency’s throughout the State of Illinois. 

HALLOWEEN SAFETY: Commissioner Polk offered several safety tips to help make this Halloween a safe and enjoyable one. Commissioner Polk’s suggestions include wearing light-colored clothing, trick-or-treating in daylight, visiting homes you know, accepting only wrapped candy, keeping costumed children away from pets and using hard plastic or wooden props. Commissioner Polk also stated the Palos Park Police are giving free reflective trick-or-treat bags to local children. Parents can stop by the Police Department to pick up the bags. 

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE, MARY O’CONNOR:

ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT: Commissioner O’Connor presented to Council, the Annual Treasurer’s Report. The Village of Palos Park is required by law to prepare a statement of Village receipts and expenditures. It is a list of Village sources of revenue and all the vendors the Village has paid over the prior year. The Treasurer’s Report is scheduled for publication in the Star Newspaper on October 18, 2007. Commissioner O’Connor stated the Treasurer’s Report does not need formal Council approval but the Council has the responsibility to review the information in the report.  

COOK COUNTY PROPERTY TAX BILLS: Commissioner O’Connor stated Cook County Property tax bills have not been sent to homeowners. She encouraged residents to contact the Governor and their local and state representatives to get matters resolved in Springfield and express dismay at not performing their governmental responsibilities in a timely fashion.    

MAYOR’S REPORT:

IDOT REVIEW OF ROUTE 7 (SOUTHWEST HIGHWAY): Mayor Mahoney stated that at the request of several residents for the installation of guardrails on Southwest Highway near Woodland Trail, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has completed their review. Mayor Mahoney stated IDOT has very strict guidelines for guardrail installation and installation of guardrail where it is not appropriate may actually increase injuries along the roadway. IDOT and Bureau of Maintenance concluded that based on traffic crash reports guidelines for the installation of guardrails along Southwest Highway near Woodland Trail are not warranted.    

IDOT REVIEW US ROUTE 45 (LAGRANGE ROAD) IN PALOS PARK: Mayor Mahoney spoke of the Village’s request to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a traffic signal at the intersection of US route 45 (LaGrange Road) and Creek Road. IDOT performed a 12-hour traffic count. IDOT concluded that based on minimum traffic volumes required for traffic signal installation, the elevated levels of traffic egressing from Creek Road have now warranted a traffic signal at this intersection. As pleased as the Mayor was to hear this news, IDOT’s fiscal year 2008-2013 Proposed Highway Improvement Program does not include funding for this project. IDOT will add this project to its list of locations for traffic signal installation. Projects are reviewed annually and the Village must wait for funding. 

ADMINISTRATORS REPORT: Patricia Jones had no report this evening. 

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 Polk to: 

1.        ADOPT AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2005-18, ADOPTED MAY 9, 2005, IN LIGHT OF THE LAPSING AND NON-RENEWAL OF THE LOCAL AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFER OF 86^TH AVENUE, FROM 131^ST STREET TO CALUMET SAG ROAD (ILLINOIS ROUTE 83) APPROVED THEREBY, AND APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF COOK RELATIVE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF SAID PORTION OF 86^TH AVENUE BY THE COUNTY OF COOK 

2.        ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE SALE OF 2000 FORD 4 DOOR AT SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE OF MAYORS MUNICIPAL AUCTION HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2007 

3.        APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED OCTOBER 8, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $314,162.43 

4.        APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT LIST FOR OCTOBER 8, 2007 FOR MANUAL CHECKS, PAYROLL AND RECURRING WIRE TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $233,594.19 

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-  

OLD BUSINESS: None 

NEW BUSINESS:

PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:

RECOMMENDATION TO GRANT A TEMPORARY SPECIAL USE DESIGNATION FOR PROPERTY IN AN R-1-A DISTRICT (2 VACANT LOTS LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 123^RD PLACE EAST OF MCCARTHY ROAD) IN ORDER TO ALLOW PARKING OF WORKERS’ VEHICLES AND CONTRACTORS’ TRAILERS WITH ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY FROM 123^RD PLACE: Thomas Courtney Sr., Attorney representing Palos Community Hospital, spoke of the hospital’s plans to build a new parking structure and power plant on their campus in Palos Heights, but need additional temporary parking for construction workers, trailers and storage of topsoil during the two-year construction period. Mr. Courtney stated they will not seek access to the Hospital from 123^rd Place, there would be minimal removal of trees, and restoration to the area would be completed at the end of the construction project. Plan Commission took the following action: Julie Kay moved, seconded by Paul Petan, to recommend to the Village Council to approve the request by Palos Community Hospital to grant temporary (2 years from the date of approval) special use designation for property located on the north side of 123^rd Place east of McCarthy Road (P.I.N. s 23-25-301-009 and -036) for a parking area for non-construction vehicles, trailers and storage of topsoil (to be hydro- seeded), with the following requirements: a). install black chain link fencing on the site; b). provide a letter of credit in an amount sufficient to cover cost of restoration (amount to be provided by the hospital’s contractor). Upon roll call vote, the motion carried, 4 yes (Kay, Jones, Petan, and Wall) 2 no (Basso, Sundermeier). Plan Commission further stated, Michael Wall moved, seconded by Michael Sundermeier, to recommend to the Village Council to deny the request of Palos Hospital to provide ingress/egress for construction employees from 123^rd Place. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Jerry Sweeney, 7817 W. 123^rd Place, Palos Park, IL spoke of his concerns with the temporary parking. Mr. Sweeney asked if this could lead to something more permanent or even office space. He is also concerned about the environment and safety of school children. Mr. Bob Heiderscheidt, 7818 W. 123^rd Place, Palos Park, IL felt that the parking should be elsewhere on the hospital campus such as in the back where it would be less visible. Jean Sweeney, 7817 W. 123^rd Place, Palos Park, IL questioned whether a police vehicle could monitor traffic on 123^rd Place when children are getting on and off school buses and asked hospitals officials when the fence would come down. Hospitals officials responded by saying when restoration is complete. Chief Miller and Commissioner Pavlatos responded by saying the Village will try to do whatever it can to help the kids from a safety standpoint. Mayor Mahoney stated the Village would work with Palos Hospital and Palos Heights regarding traffic control so as to have as little impact as possible on 123^rd Place.  

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to approve the request in ordinance form for Temporary Special Use Zoning by Palos Community Hospital with all the restrictions as outlined by the Plan Commission or discussed this evening. 

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

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

            NAYS: -1- Commissioner Polk

            ABSENT: -0- 

RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE REQUEST FOR FINAL PLAT OF SUBDIVISION – POST ROAD SUBDIVISION, 11001 W. 123^RD STREET – ROBERT HANSEN: Mayor Mahoney stated the Plan Commission met on September 25, 2007 to consider the request of Robert Hansen for Final Plat of Subdivision for a lot located at 11001 W. 123^rd Street. Each of the two proposed lots consists of more than one acre. The Plan Commission stated sixty feet along McCarthy Road was shown as being dedicated on the plat and all questions from staff had been resolved since the Preliminary Plat of Subdivision was approved by the Village Council on May 14, 2007. The Plan Commission took the following action: Julie Kay moved, seconded by Michael Sundermeier, to recommend to the Village Council to approve the request of Robert Hansen for Final Plat of Subdivision, called Post Road Subdivision, of one lot at 11001 W. 123^rd Street into two (2) lots, each consisting of one or more acres. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Polk rescued himself from voting on the Final Plat of Subdivision. 

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters to approve in ordinance form a request for Final Plat of Subdivision, Post Road Subdivision, 11001 W. 123^rd Street – Robert Hansen. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0-

            ABSTAIN: -1- Commissioner Polk             

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

Mike Roach – 8913 Palos Springs Drive, Orland Park, IL – Mr. Roach objected to lack of notification regarding the cell tower at 8999 W. 131^st Street. Mr. Roach formally requested a meeting with Mayor Mahoney. The Mayor responded by saying he would meet with Mr. Roach. 

Dr. Ricardo Fernandez – 8938 Patty Lane, Orland Park, IL – Dr. Fernandez was concerned about the health risks associated with a cell tower.  

Mary Dibrizzi– 13408 Medina Drive, Orland Park, IL – expressed concern as to why Palos Park would erect a tower impacting children that go to our schools. 

Lori Thelmann – 8942 Patty Lane, Orland Park, IL – Ms. Thelmann is a new resident to Orland Park and would not have made the purchase had the cell tower been in place when she and her family moved in.    

John Robertson – 8946 Patty Lane, Orland Park, IL – Mr. Robertson requested Council to reconsider their decision regarding the cell tower. He asked the Village to immediately cease construction and take the cell tower down. 

Colleen Robertson – 8946 Patty Lane, Orland Park, IL – Ms. Robertson commented that Orland Park would have to have notified property owners within 250’ of a cell tower. Ms. Robertson was concerned of decreased home values due to the proximity of the cell tower.  

Mayor Mahoney commented that he had spoken with T-Mobile and they have agreed at no cost to the Village to perform a health study regarding the cell tower. 

Lynn Roach – 8913 Palos Springs, Orland Park, IL – Ms. Roach commented that Palos Park is not concerned with the Orland residents’ home values or their health concerns.

Gina Fernandez – 8938 Patty Lane, Orland Park, IL – Ms. Fernandez was very concerned about the cancer risks. 

Craig Conlin – 8931 Patty Lane, Orland Park, IL – Commented Palos Park is using this land for its intended purpose. He understood this land to be Public Works. Concerned of lack of notification.  

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m.

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- 

_______________________________________

Cathy A. Gabel
Deputy Village Clerk