The Board of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois held its regular meeting on Monday, December 10, 2007.  Mayor Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:32 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; Jacob Karaca, Assistant Village Attorney; Kent Oliven, Finance Director; Joseph Martino, Finance/Administrative Assistant; and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Clerk. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007:

Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held on November 26, 2007, as presented.  

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- 

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS:

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

HOLY FAMILY VILLA UTILITY EXTENSIONS: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported a final walk through is required but due to weather conditions the walk through has been delayed. Draft easements and As Built Plans have been submitted to the Village and are currently being reviewed. The Village will formally accept the utility extension and lift station once these items have been finalized.  

RESURFACING OF 86^TH AVENUE: Commissioner Milovich-Walters announced that all paving is complete as well as the permanent pavement markings. The traffic signal mast arms are on back order and not expected until January 2008. Commissioner Milovich-Walters stated they will not be installed until February at the earliest. Aggregate shoulders are installed and restoration and sodding has been suspended for the season. 

COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, JAMES PAVLATOS:

Commissioner Pavlatos reported the Building Department issued 10 building permits totaling $2,635.00 in fees. The Building Department conducted 46 building inspections. Two certificates of occupancy were issued. No exaction fees were collected. 

Commissioner Pavlatos thanked all the Village employees for a great job they do. He stated the Council could not do their job without the staff’s help.  

COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:

TEEN HOTLINE: Commissioner Polk announced the Palos Park Police Department has set up an anonymous Teen Hotline with the goal being to reduce the hazards and tragic endings that often occur after teens leave underage drinking parties. Teens in Palos Park are encouraged to call the hotline to report possible underage parties where teens may be consuming alcohol and/or drugs and then getting a vehicle and driving. If a tip does come into the hotline, an officer will follow up on the tip. The police will check the validity of the tip, inform parents and monitor the area for signs of an underage party. 

SAFE RIDE HOME PROGRAM: Commissioner Polk announced that Palos Park will once again participate in the “Safe Ride Home” program on New Year’s Eve. This service is available to residents of Orland Park, Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Hills, Tinley Park and Palos Park. Residents who feel they can not drive home safely on New Year’s Eve can call My Chauffeur Limousine Service at 1-630-920-8888 to arrange for a ride home. Individuals will not be taken to another party or public establishment, no names are taken, and no questions asked. There is also no charge for this service. Pick up and drop off locations must be in the mentioned towns. The times are from 11:00 p.m., New Year’s Eve to 4:00 a.m. New Year’s Day. “Safe Ride Home” is sponsored in part by The Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation. 

Commissioner Polk thanked staff for their hard work this year and particularly with the Village Tree Lighting and a special thanks to Great Clips. They participated in the Tree Lighting by styling hair at no charge.  

COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE, MARY O’CONNOR:

ADOPTION OF TAX LEVY ORDINANCE FOR 2007: Commissioner O’Connor presented to the Council the Tax Levy Ordinance for 2007. The total 2007 Tax Levy is in the amount of $1,356,117.79 of which $1,028,596.30 is the Village levy and $327,521.49 is the Library levy.  

Commissioner O’Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to approve the Tax Levy Ordinance for 2007 in the amount of $1,356,117.79 of which $1,028,596.30 is the Village levy and $$327,521.49 is the Library levy.  

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

APPROVAL OF VILLAGE CONTRIBUTIONS TO POLICE PENSION FUND FOR FISCAL YEARS 2008 AND 2009: Commissioner O’Connor stated that each year the Village makes employer contributions to the Police Pension Fund based on an actuarial valuation. Commissioner O’Connor stated that Village contributions currently total $79,520.00. From December 2007 through April 2008, the Village will need to contribute $20,122.20 per month. Beginning May 1, 2008, $15,000.00 per month will be contributed, until next year’s actuarial valuation comes out. 

Commissioner O’Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to approve the Village Contributions to the Police Pension Fund at $20,122.20 per month from December 2007 through April 2008 and $15,000.00 per month beginning May 1, 2008 thereafter until next year’s actuarial valuation becomes available. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0-  

MAYOR’S REPORT:

PRESENTATION BY ABE LENTNER, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE CITY DESIGN CENTER GREEN DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Mayor Mahoney stated that through the efforts of Kent Oliven, Village Finance Director, a proposal from the University of Illinois at Chicago City Design Center’s Urban Business Districts Program will be presented, for a Palos Park Green Downtown Development Plan. The Village’s partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago City Design Center would be the consideration of various areas of Palos Park that might be suitable for a Town Center, the characteristics of such a center, and the planning and implementation of such a center. Mayor Mahoney stated “The end goal of the program is to provide the Village with an environmentally sound business district development plan for two areas of the village. The plan would help us visualize what a Village Center would look like in Palos Park and give the Village Council and residents an opportunity to better evaluate whether a Village Center is feasible, appropriate and/or desirable for our town”. Mayor Mahoney emphasized that this is the first step in considering such a plan and no decision has been made to go any further. Funding for the $19,000.00 proposal will be paid by Illinois Tomorrow Corridor Grant (90%) and the remaining 10%, $1,900.00, will be paid from the Village’s Metra Parking Lot Fund. It was noted that to have a plan such as this prepared by a private consulting firm would involve an expense several times greater. Mayor Mahoney introduced Mr. Abe Lentner, Assistant Director of the City Design Center, who agreed to speak to the Council providing a summary of the program and answer any questions regarding this proposal. 

APPROVAL OF PALOS PARK GREEN DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to approve the UIC City Design Center’s Urban Districts Program Proposal for the Palos Park Green Downtown Development Plan.  

Commissioner O’Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to approve the UIC City Design Center’s Urban Districts Program Proposal for the Palos Park Green Downtown Development Plan. 

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

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

            NAYS: -0-

            ABSENT: -0- 

TREE LIGHTING: Mayor Mahoney stated the Tree Lighting was great and thanked Village employees for their hard work at putting this event together. The Mayor also thanked those that attended and participated.  

ADMINISTRATORS REPORT:  

ILLINOIS SMOKE-FREE ACT: Patricia Jones reported the Clerk’s Office sent a letter notifying all business owners in Palos Park that beginning January 1, 2008 Illinois goes smoke-free. Elected officials, residents, and business owners were invited to attend a free event on Thursday, December 13, 2007 at the Tinley Park Village Hall sponsored by the Cook County Department of Public Health, American Cancer Society and American Heart Association to answer questions and provide information about the new law.  

SEWER AND WATER RATE STUDY: Patricia Jones stated that last spring the Village commissioned  AB&H to conduct a sewer and water rate study. Recently, the Village was contacted by Oak Lawn regarding possible water rate increases. We have asked AB&H to review Oak Lawn’s water and sewer rate study and give the Village an opinion on the water rate increase that Oak Lawn is proposing to pass on to Palos Park. Patricia Jones will keep the Council updated as to AB&H’s findings and opinion. 

SURVEYING IN THE VILLAGE: Patricia Jones reported surveying crews are working in the Village. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) is our storm water management agency.  They are surveying and mapping storm water flows.  

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.        PASS A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE CLERK TO MAKE CERTAIN CLOSED     

SESSION MEETING MINUTES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION – SECOND REVIEW 2007 

2.        APPROVE AMENDMENT #1 TO THE ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE WATER AND SEWER RATE STUDY  

3.        APPROVE SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT #1 OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT EXPIRING APRIL 30, 2010 

4.        APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICES ON THE WARRANT LIST DATED DECEMBER 10, 2007 IN THE AMOUNT OF $166,591.19 

5.        APPROVE THE SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT LIST FOR DECEMBER 10, 2007 FOR MANUAL CHECKS, PAYROLL AND RECURRING WIRE TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $626,074.68 

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: Commissioner Milovich-Walters thanked everyone and especially Rachael Kaplan and the Public Works crew for a great job they did during the recent snow.  

NEW BUSINESS:

PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:

REQUEST FOR VACATION OF AN ALLEY – NORTH SIDE OF 120^TH – 7914 W. 120^TH STREET MARIE ESPARZA: Maria Esparza was present at the Council meeting and spoke to the Commissioners. Ms. Esparza stated the alley currently separates two parcels of land she owns. The alley is sixteen feet wide by one-hundred thirty three feet long. Ms. Esparza would like to build an addition to the existing home and needs this alley vacated to meet side yard setback requirements and to consolidate her properties into one. Commissioner Pavlatos stated he had looked at the property in question and his opinion was that the vacation should be approved. Mayor Mahoney stated the Plan Commission met on Thursday, November 15, 2007 to consider Maria Esparza’s request to vacate a 16 foot wide alley on the north side of 120^th Street. The Plan Commission took the following action:

Michael Sundermeier moved, seconded by Michael Wall, to recommend to the Village Council to approve the request of Maria Esparza to vacate a 16 foot wide alley on the north side of 120^th Street. If objections are received from utilities prior to the review by the Council, then the matter should be returned to the Plan Commission for reconsideration. Mayor Mahoney commented that letters were sent out to the utilities and no objections were received. Upon roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously, four (4) yes with two (2) absent.

Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to approve the vacation of the alley in ordinance form subject to the payment of the $15,000.00 prior to the recording of the plat of vacation.  

Commissioner Pavlatos moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to approve the vacation of the alley in ordinance form subject to the payment of the $15,000.00 prior to the recording of the plat of vacation. 

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

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

            NAYS: -1- Commissioner Polk

            ABSENT: -0- 

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: None

 EXECUTIVE SESSION: In open session at 8:40 p.m. Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner O’Connor, to recess to executive session to discuss acquisition of real property and approve and review for release executive session minutes.  

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 9:26 Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to adjourn the executive session and return to open session. 

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- 

ROLL CALL: At 9:26 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 Milovich-Walters, to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 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- 

_________________________________