The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held its regular meeting on Monday, November 12, 2007.  Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Answering to roll call were Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Pavlatos, Polk, and Mayor Mahoney.

Commissioner O’Connor was not in attendance. 

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; Kent Oliven, Finance Director; and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Clerk. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 22, 2007:

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held on October 22, 2007, as presented.  

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

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

            NAYS: -0-       

ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:

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

HOLY FAMILY VILLA UTILITY EXTENSION: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported items that remain outstanding include re-testing of the lift station for the telemetry alarm system, recording of easements and transfer of warranties. Once these items are completed the Village will accept the work.   

RESURFACING OF 86^TH AVENUE: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported shoulders are complete on the east side of 86^th Avenue and on the west side from Route 83 to just south of 121^st Street. Landscaping is complete except where work continues on 131^st Street.    

RESURFACING OF MCCARTHY ROAD WEST OF LAGRANGE ROAD: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported the project on McCarthy Road was completed the week of October 26^th.  

WATER TOWER PUMP MODIFICATION PHASE I: Commissioner Milovich-Walters discussed a proposal from Rachael Kaplan, Public Works Director, regarding the water tower located in Hackney’s parking lot. Ms. Kaplan would like an inspection and subsequent repairs to the water tower made in the Spring of 2008. Prior to an inspection and repairs, the existing pump and alarm system need to be modified. Due to the Village’s unique circumstances, Ms. Kaplan requested that Council approve a contract with JM Process Systems. JM Process Systems rebuilt the Village’s pumps and designed the electronic telemetry system. This would represent Phase I of the rehabilitation of the water tower. A detailed copy of the proposal was provided to Council members. Money has been allocated this year to modify the pumps. Commissioner Milovich-Walters requested Council to accept the proposal from JM Process Systems and waive bidding. 

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Pavlatos to accept the proposal from JM Process Systems to modify the pumps and waive the bidding process.  

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

ANDY AVALOS BROADCAST FROM METRA STATION: Commissioner Milovich-Walters was very pleased to announce that Andy Avalos and the NBC 5 weather team broadcasted from the Village Metra Station on Friday, November 2, 2007 from 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. He conducted interviews with the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, Fitzjoy Farm, Crooked Arrow Café Owners, Commissioner Milovich-Walters,  Peg Crawford representing the Village Players, Mona Purdy, Plush Horse Ice Cream Parlor. The Palos South Middle Band, Officers Philpot and Villanueva, from the mounted unit of the Palos Park Police Department, Frank Sanders, from The Center and Mayor Mahoney. A. A. Stagg High School Madrigal singers closed out the broadcast. Commissioner Milovich-Walters as well as Mayor Mahoney commented on what a great event this was. Mayor Mahoney thanked Commissioner Milovich-Walters and Patricia Jones for all their hard work on such short notice  

PALOS PARK TURKEY TROT: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported on the Palos Park 5K Turkey Trot held on Saturday, November 3, 2007. Approximately 140 runners participated in the event. Commissioner Milovich-Walters thanked Gas City, Palos Petroleum (Citgo), Fitzjoy Farm, Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins, Great American Bagel, Palos Bank and Trust, and Running for Kicks for sponsoring this event. 

COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, JAMES PAVLATOS:

Commissioner Pavlatos reported the Building Department issued 25 building permits totaling $43,631.75 in fees. The Building Department conducted 91 building inspections. No certificates of occupancy were issued. One exaction fee collected totaled $5,590.20. 

SITE PROTECTION ORDINANCE: Commissioner Pavlatos reported on the Site Protection (Tree Protection) Ordinance that is currently undergoing changes. Commissioner Pavlatos stated that the changes being incorporated into the Site Protection Ordinance will be ready in a few weeks. 

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:

PALOS PARK CADETS RECEIVE SHERIFF’S AWARD: Commissioner Polk recognized three Palos Park Police Cadets who were nominated and received the 2007 Cook County Sheriff’s Community Service Award for over 2,000 combined volunteer service hours to the Village of Palos Park. Veronica Hojak, Matthew Baca, and Bill Delaney volunteer their time with community outreach programs, senior well-being checks, food drives, and assisting patrol officers. Commissioner Polk applauded their enthusiasm and energy and for a job well done.  

PALOS PARK CADET FOOD DRIVE: Commissioner Polk announced the Palos Park Police Department cadet Program is once again conducting their annual Holiday Food Drive this year. The Cadets are accepting donations of non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations. These items are being collected for the Worth Food Depository. The Cadets will accept donations on December 15^th, 16^th, 22^nd, and 23^rd from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Palos Park Jewel-Osco, Republic Bank located at 131^st and LaGrange Road on the 15^th and 22^nd as well as the Police Department. If you have any questions, the Palos Park Police Department can be reached at 708-671-3770. 

SEVERE WINTER PREPAREDNESS WEEK 2007: Commissioner Polk announced the Cook County Emergency Management Agency joins with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency in observing Winter Storm Preparedness Week November 11^th – November 17^th, 2007. Their goal is to increase the public’s awareness of winter safety measures. Commissioner Polk stated information will be posted on the Village website regarding winter weather tips, a guide to safe winter driving, and a winter driving survival kit should you become stranded or stuck in your vehicle.  

PALOS PARK POLICE E MAIL NOTICE SYSTEM: Commissioner Polk announced the Palos Park Police Department has begun an E-Mail Notice System for Village residents. The system will alert residents to potential hazards, risks, or crime patterns. Residents can join the E-Mail Notice System by e-mailing Chief Joe Miller at jmiller@palospark.org.  

RED LIGHT PHOTO ENFORCEMENT: Commissioner Polk spoke of photo enforcement (red light infractions within the Village), a project the Village has been looking into. Red Light Photo Enforcement is about intersection safety. Commissioner Polk introduced Mr. Greg Zito, a founder of RedSpeed Illinois. RedSpeed Illinois is the only Illinois based Red Light Photo Enforcement Program provider dedicated solely to serving Illinois municipalities. RedSpeed is based in Lombard, Illinois. Tech support, maintenance, call center, payment processing and customer support are all done from the Lombard, IL headquarters. Discussion was had regarding identifying potential camera sites within the Village, performing traffic studies, and technology and requirements needed for the Village to proceed with such a program. Over thirty communities have signed up with RedSpeed Illinois. Commissioner Polk thanked Mr. Zito for his time and stated this again was for informational purposes only and no action would be taken this evening.  

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE, MARY O’CONNOR:

COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT: Mayor Mahoney announced in Commissioner O’Connor’s absence the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) has been sent to the Cook County Clerk’s Office. The CAFR has also been submitted to the Government Finance Officer’s Association for consideration of the Village’s 9^th consecutive annual award for this document. The CAFR will be presented by Janet Matthys, CPA, from the accounting firm of Sikich LLC located in Aurora, IL at the November 26^th Council meeting.  

MAYOR’S REPORT:

SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE OF MAYORS MUNICIPAL AUCTION PROCEEDS: Mayor Mahoney reported the Southwest Conference of Mayors’ Joint Municipal Auction netted a total of $176,373.29 of which Palos Park received a check for $3,089.34. The Village auctioned off two vehicles. The Mayor thanked the Southwest Conference of Mayor’s for sponsoring this event. 

RESOLUTION APPROVING A PURCHASING POLICY REQUIRING THE USE OF ENERGY STAR-APPROVED EXTERIOR LIGHTING FOR MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS: Mayor Mahoney explained that as part of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Clean Air Counts Program, the Village is trying to achieve silver award status. As part of that status we need to adopt a number of initiatives. One of those initiatives is a resolution establishing a purchasing policy requiring the use of energy star-approved exterior lighting for municipal buildings and public grounds.

Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to pass a Resolution Establishing a Purchasing Policy Requiring the Use of Energy Star-Approved Exterior Lighting for Municipal Buildings and Public Grounds. 

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to pass a resolution establishing a Purchasing Policy Requiring the Use of Energy Star-Approved Exterior Lighting for Municipal Buildings and Public Grounds. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP: Mayor Mahoney announced a strategic planning workshop scheduled for the Council and staff Saturday, November 16, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. No public comment would be taken at the workshop. 

ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:

IRMA DEDUCTIBLE: Patricia Jones reported on the annual memo from Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA), our liability insurance coverage pool. IRMA offers the Village the opportunity to consider increasing its deductible of $2,500.00 by 10%, 20%, 29%, or 39% annually per occurrence. In exchange for an increased deductible, IRMA will give us a credit towards our annual contribution. Pat Jones explained, historically, the Village has not taken the increased deductible, and her recommendation is that the Village stay conservative and remain at the $2,500.00 deductible per occurrence. The Mayor agreed as did Commissioner Pavlatos. No formal action was needed to be taken only direction given to Administrator Jones. The consensus of the Council was to remain at the $2,500.00 deductible per occurrence. 

VILLAGE NEWSLETTER: Patricia Jones reported the Village Newsletter for December/January will be going out the end of November. The newsletter is a great opportunity to check out our very own Village businesses for shopping, dining and services. 

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.         APPROVE THE USE OF THE PALOS PARK RECREATION CENTER, VILLAGE GREEN, AND VILLAGE STREETS FOR THE ANNUAL RUNNING FOR KICKS TURKEY TROT TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 22, 2007 

2.        APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF PALOS PARK AND COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR HEALTH INSPECTIONS RELATING TO FOOD SERVICE AND RETAIL FOOD STORE SANITATION 

3.        APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED NOVEMBER 12, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $155,608.54 

4.        APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT LIST FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2007 FOR MANUAL CHECKS, PAYROLL AND RECURRING WIRE TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $274,458.01 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

OLD BUSINESS: None 

NEW BUSINESS:

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:

1.      Mr. and Mrs. Krates, 105 Forest Edge Drive, Palos Park, IL requesting a side yard setback

variance of 5’ to the required 28’ to build a garage addition. This would create a side yard setback of 23’ from the property line, which is an 18% variance request.  

Mr. and Mrs. Krates were present at the Village Council meeting. The hardship with this particular variance is that all the mechanical equipment for the entire house is on the northeast corner of the house next to the garage. Zoning Board of Appeals member Mr. Martin moved, seconded by Mr. Dill to approve the variance request for a side yard setback. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried as follows:           

            AYES: -4- Board Members Martin, Dill, Neverauskas, and Chairman Lencioni

            NAYS: -1- Board Member Maier

            ABSENT: -2- Board members Konior and Saylors 

Commissioner Pavlatos responded by saying he saw no reason not approve the variance. Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk to accept the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve a side yard setback variance of 5’ to the required 28’ to build a garage addition in ordinance form.  

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

2.      Brook Lane Homeowners Association, 44 Brook Lane, Palos Park, IL are requesting the following variances to construct a privacy fence:

a.)Total fence height of 6’ which is a 1’6” height variance to the maximum allowable height of 4’6” for a fence to exist at a height of 6’

b.)Total fence opening of 0% from a 70% open space per linear foot for a fence to have 0% open space which is a variance to the minimum amount of open space for a fence

c.)Fence distance to property line of 6” which is a 2’6” variance to the required setback for fences from a property line. 

Mr. Guinta, 36 Brook Lane, was present to represent the Brook Lane Homeowners Association. It was determined the Brook Lane Homeowners Association is adjacent to the Palos Park Post Office parking lot. Mr. Guinta explained the lighting from the Post Office and head lights from customers vehicles present a continuing nuisance to the residents of Brook Lane. Also, the Brook Lane property is constantly being used for dumping of trash and litter. Zoning Board of Appeals member Mr. Dill moved, seconded by Mr. Maier to approve the variance requests (letters a through c). Upon roll call vote, the motion carried as follows: 

            AYES: -5- Board Members Dill, Maier, Neverauskas, Martin, and Chairman Lencioni

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -2- Board members Konior and Saylors 

Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters to accept the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve the following variances to construct a privacy fence in ordinance form:

a.)Total fence height of 6’ which is a 1’6” height variance to the maximum allowable height of 4’6” for a fence to exist at a height of 6’

b.)Total fence opening of 0% from a 70% open space per linear foot for a fence to have 0% open space which is a variance to the minimum amount of open space for a fence

c.)Fence distance to property line of 6” which is a 2’6” variance to the required setback for fences from a property line. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:

Steve Krates – 105 Forest Edge Drive, Palos Park, IL – asked for clarification of the capture rate regarding the red light photo enforcement.  

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

ABSENT: -1- Commissioner O’Connor 

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