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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING
HELD ON AUGUST 8, 2011
The Board
of Commissioners of the Village of Palos Park, Cook County, Illinois
held its regular meeting on Monday, August 8, 2011. Mayor Mahoney called
the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Answering to roll call were
Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Reed, Polk, Oliven, and Mayor Mahoney.
Also in attendance were Marie Arrigoni, Village Clerk; Rick Boehm,
Village Manager; Tom Bayer, Village Attorney; Steve Manning, Community
Development Director; Joe Miller, Palos Park Police Chief; Jacob Karaca,
Assistant Village Attorney; Barb Maziarek, Finance Director; Kathi May,
Deputy Clerk; and Cathy Gabel, Deputy Village Clerk.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 11,
2011: Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters,
to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held on July 11,
2011 as presented.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Polk, Milovich-Walters, Reed, Oliven, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS:
CHRISTOPHER HUGHES, NEW PALOS PARK POLICE SERGEANT: Palos Park Patrol
Police Officer Chris Hughes was promoted this evening to Sergeant as
Clerk Marie Arrigoni swore him in. Sergeant Hughes began his career as a
Police Cadet for Palos Heights and then a Community Service Officer for
Palos Hills. In 2003, Sergeant Hughes began working for Palos Park as a
part-time officer and a full-time officer in 2004. Currently, Sergeant
Hughes trains new officers. Sergeant Hughes was selected as the most
qualified candidate to fill a leadership role in the Palos Park Police
Department and will serve as the night shift supervisor. Commissioner
Polk read a letter from President Obama congratulating Sergeant Hughes
on this special occasion. Commissioner Polk then asked Mrs. Hughes to
present her husband with his new star. Mayor Mahoney, Commissioner Polk,
Chief Miller and others all wished him well.
CITIZENS ON PATROL SERVICE (COPS): Tom Crowhurst, a member of Citizens
on Patrol Service (COPS) announced they are providing Palos Park Police
Officer’s with teddy bears and other stuffed animals free of charge to
help comfort small children especially if an officer is responding to a
call at the child’s home. Donations can be dropped off at the Police
Department Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The COPS will also
be present at the August 22, 2011 Council meeting to present a check to
the Palos Park Police Cadet Scholarship Fund.
RECOGNITION OF EAGLE SCOUT MARK J. GRABEN: Mayor Mahoney presented Mark
J. Graben with a Certificate of Recognition for his tremendous effort in
achieving “Eagle”, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of
America Program. Mark designed and oversaw the construction of a PVC
plastic full-scale model automobile which will be used as a training
tool by the fire department dive team as his Eagle service project. More
than twenty volunteers helped build the car. Mark has attended two
National Jamborees and is a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is
the “Honor Society” of the Boy Scouts. Commissioner Polk joined Mayor
Mahoney in congratulating Mark on his dedication, hard work and
commitment to the Boy Scout Program and one of Scouting’s finest young
citizens.
HEARINGS: None
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 Oliven moved, seconded by Commissioner Reed to:
A.
continue Mid-Iron rezoning to the September 12, 2011 Village Council
meeting for action in conjunction with action in relation to a
proposed annexation agreement and annexation ordinance
B. adopt an Ordinance approving the sale by Public Auction/Sale of
personal property owned by the Village of Palos Park
C. ratify payment of invoices on the Warrant List for July 25, 2011
in the amount of $52,368.44
D. approve payment of invoices on the Warrant List for August 8,
2011 in the amount of $115,503.36
E. approve the Supplemental Warrant List dated August 8, 2011 for
manual checks, payroll, and recurring wire transfers in the amount
of $267,398.29
On the call
of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Oliven, Reed, Milovich-Walters, Polk, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
OLD
BUSINESS: None
BOARD, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS:
AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – BIKE PLAN: The Comprehensive Plan
adopted in 2009 called for a future Bike Plan Amendment. With the help
of Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit planning and advocacy
group, existing conditions and opportunities for bicycle facilities are
being studied in the Village. Public input was obtained through meetings
and two public hearings. Plan Commission held a public hearing on July
20, 2011 to consider an amendment to the Village of Palos Park
Transportation Plan within the Comprehensive Plan to include a bike
plan. Objectives of the bike plan include Village bikeways linked to
regional trails, bikeways designed for safety, update Village standards
for inclusion of bikeway facilities, pursue grants, and support other
jurisdictions in bikeway planning. Plan Commission recommended the
bikeway plan with the following changes: designate LaGrange Road and
McCarthy Road from LaGrange Road west as “Trail Only” area; eliminate
one of the two indicated bikeways on the map (either 131st Street or
ComEd right-of-way) whichever is developed first; only signs where
direction of path changes or splits off; and necessary signage kept to a
minimum. Steve Manning stated this that the Bike Plan is a long-term
plan attempting to achieve many objectives. Some of the objectives
include bikeways designed for safe riding, increasing driver awareness,
links to other regional bikeways, and pursuing grants for bikeway
construction and programming. The Model Community Grant money received
by the Village expires in February 2012. The Village plans to design,
purchase and install bikeway signs this fall.
Commissioner Oliven moved, seconded by Commissioner Reed, to accept the
Bike Plan as recommended and direct staff to schedule a public hearing
on the Bike Plan at the Regular Council Meeting on September 12, 2011.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Oliven, Reed, Polk, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
ORDINANCE
APPROVING A SIDE YARD SETBACK VARIATION AND A SEPARATION FROM PRIMARY
BUILDING VARIATION FOR AN ACCESSORY BUILDING (SALERNO – 12018 S.
WINSLOW): Mike and Lora Salerno have requested a five (5) foot variance
to the required 15 foot side setback for a shed and a 3.333 foot
variance to the required 10 foot setback from house to shed. In 1999,
the Salerno’s obtained a permit for a driveway, a slab (with the intent
of building a shed later), and retaining walls. The Salerno’s applied
for a permit in 2004 but were denied because the shed did not meet
setbacks. Construction on the shed began in 2011 without benefit of a
permit. Variances must comply with all the Hardship Criteria in Section
1264.07 of the Zoning Code including Site Conditions, Development
Design, and Community Impact. On July 13, 2011, Zoning Board of Appeals
found that having a slab gives the owner a reasonable expectation that a
shed was acceptable and voted 4-0 to recommend the variances be approved
as requested. Commissioner Reed felt that based on the information
submitted subsections (a) and (b) regarding hardship criteria have not
been met. It had been suggested that if the shed was turned 90 degrees
and an 11 additional feet of concrete poured, the shed would meet all
setbacks. Mr. Salerno states that by moving the shed, the drain tile
would be impacted.
Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Reed, to not concur
with Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation and to deny the variation
request.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Polk, Reed, Milovich-Walters, Oliven, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
ROBERT
NOETZEL RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION: Robert Noetzel, 9105 W. 120th Street, has
applied to the Village for vacation of the full width or half width of
the public right-of-way (ROW) for 120th Street adjacent to his property.
Mr. Noetzel has no plans to increase the size of his house or is it his
intent to subdivide. Nicor Gas and AT&T have requested utility
easements. Both the Public Works Department and Building Department have
recommended the ROW not be retained for street and bike use. Plan
Commission held a public hearing July 20, 2011 to hear the ROW request
from Mr. Noetzel. Neighbors told Plan Commission they walk in the 120th
ROW. Discussion was had regarding a pedway easement, conservation
easement, and utility easements for the ROW. Discussion also included
consideration to be paid the Village in vacating the ROW. Mr. Noetzel’s
lot is estimated to be about 1.9 acres. The lot would increase to 2.2
acres with ½ ROW and 2.5 acres with a full ROW. Village Code states “in
cases where the request is for the vacation of right-of-way that would
result in the creation of a new, additional, buildable single family
lot, the consideration to be paid the Village shall be determined on a
case-by-case basis, by the Village Council, with the benefit of an
appraisal prepared at the direction of the Village, provided the
property owner requesting said vacation deposits the estimated appraisal
cost with the Village prior to the Village proceeding with the
appraisal. In March 2011, Village Council amended Code in regard to
right-of-way vacations providing periodic reviews to access adequacy and
providing for fair valuations.
Mayor Mahoney entertained a motion to continue the discussion of Mr.
Noetzel’s Request to the October 12, 2011
Council meeting.
Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Reed to continue the
discussion of Mr. Noetzel’s request to the October 12, 2011 Council
meeting.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Polk, Reed, Oliven, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
JENSEN
RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION: John and Jeanne Jensen, 12345 S. 83rd Avenue have
applied to the Village for vacation of the 66 foot wide public
right-of-way (ROW) for 124th Street adjacent to their property, except
for the portion being vacated to the Masterson’s. The 124th Street ROW
between 82nd Avenue and 83rd Avenue is unimproved. It is wooded and is a
natural drainage swale that conveys storm water runoff from a larger
watershed. The Village has a sanitary sewer near the center with service
lines connecting to the adjoining houses. The Jensen’s have no plans to
expand their home or construct any accessory structures. Dr. Blakeman
has no intention of requesting a vacation for his half of the ROW. He
also did not oppose the Jensen’s request for the full width. Plan
Commission recommended approval (4-0, 3 absent) with the inclusion of
drainage, conservation and utility easements.
Commissioner Reed moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to adopt an
Ordinance Vacating a Portion of 124th Street, just east of 83rd Avenue
with easements for utilities, drainage, and conservation.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Reed, Polk, Oliven, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
ZONING CODE
AMENDMENT FOR CORNER SIDE SETBACKS: On July 20, 2011 Plan Commission
held a public hearing to consider two proposed amendments to the Zoning
Code. The change to Section 1268.02(f) and
1264.04 would involve the minimum setback for corner side yards in the
R-1-A District for lots 125 feet wide or less from the current 50 feet
to 35 feet and allow no variations to said 35 foot setback. Plan
Commission voted 6-0 to recommend not changing the corner side setback
requirements of the Zoning Code.
Commissioner Reed moved, seconded by Commissioner Oliven to concur with
the Plan Commission recommendation to not change the corner side setback
requirements of the Zoning Code.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-4- Commissioners Reed, Oliven, Milovich-Walters, and Mayor Mahoney
NAYS: -1- Commissioner Polk
ABSENT: -0-
INFORMATION
& UPDATES:
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND STREETS/RECREATION, NICOLE MILOVICH-WALTERS:
BIDDING FOR
2011 PAVING PROJECT: Commissioner Milovich-Walters reported Public Works
has been looking into an alternative pavement reconstruction process
called Full Depth Recycling (FDR). FDR is a process that rebuilds worn
out asphalt pavements by recycling the existing roadway. Old asphalt is
pulverized using a specialized machine. Water is added on top for
compaction followed by cement for stabilization. These materials are
mixed together, shaped and graded. The new base is compacted to produce
a strong durable base for either an asphalt or concrete surface. The new
roadway has a life expectancy of 20 years. FRD would be used on streets
that have deteriorated to the point where patching and resurfacing is
not effective. The cost of Full Depth Recycling is about half the cost
of a conventional reconstruction. The 2011 Paving Program would be
funded by using $75,000 from the MFT Fund, $50,000 from the 2012 ½%
Sales Tax as budgeted and $125,000 from the ½% Sales Tax Fund surplus as
outlined in the Resolution passed at the July 11, 2011 Council meeting
pending approval from Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Commissioner Milovich-Walters moved, seconded by Commissioner Reed, to
approve going out to bid for the 2011 Paving Program pending IDOT
approval.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Milovich-Walters, Reed, Polk, Oliven, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
COMMISSIONER OF BUILDING & PUBLIC PROPERTY, G. DARRYL REED:
BUILDING
DEPARTMENT REPORT: Commissioner Reed reported the Building Department
issued 26 building permits and one permit extension totaling $17,037.38
in fees from July 6, 2011 through August 3, 2011. The Building
Department conducted 73 inspections. One Certificate of Occupancy was
issued. No exaction fees were collected. To date, Tree Bank Fund has
$6,775.00 on deposit.
KAPTUR PLAT OF CONSOLIDATION: Commissioner Reed reported the Kaptur
Family representing the Trust of Joseph and Rosemary Kaptur is
requesting consolidation of the properties that make up the family
homestead located at 12102 Spring Drive. The family wants to consolidate
the parcels and restrict any future subdivision of the property.
Commissioner Reed moved, seconded by Commissioner Polk, to approve the
Joseph J. & Rosemary S. Kaptur Plat of Consolidation.
On the call of the roll, the vote as follows:
AYES: -5-
Commissioners Reed, Polk, Milovich-Walters, Oliven, and Mayor Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, DANIEL POLK:
POLICE ACTIVITY: Commissioner Polk reported the Police Department
received 825 calls for service from July 11, 2011 through August 7,
2011. Palos Park Police also issued 74 parking tickets, 83 traffic
tickets, 1 ordinance violation, completed 47 case reports, arrested 18
adults, 16 impounds, 21 Senior Checks, 42 citizen assists and 25
community contact hours.
SCAMS: Commissioner Polk reminded residents to be wary of phone calls
claiming relatives need money and to be vigilant and aware of their
surroundings when shopping and at home.
CITIZENS ON PATROL SERVICE STUFFED ANIMAL DONATIONS: Commissioner Polk
reminded residents Citizens on Patrol Service (COPS) are collecting
teddy bears and other stuffed animals to comfort small children when an
officer is responding to a call at the child’s home. Donations will be
accepted at the Police Department during regular business hours.
BICYCLE HELMETS: Bicycle helmets are still available for children free
of charge. Head injuries are a major reason children visit hospital
emergency rooms each summer. Helmets are available in the Police
Department Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PARADE AND CHILI COOK-OFF ROAD CLOSURES: Commissioner Polk reported
123rd Street (McCarthy Road) will be closed from 80th Avenue to LaGrange
Road on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the
Village’s Annual Parade. East/West alternatives are Route 83 or 131st
Street. For more information, contact Chief Miller at 708-671-3770.
COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES, KENT OLIVEN:
NEW VILLAGE LOGO PROPOSAL: Commissioner Oliven reported the Village
currently uses several different “logos” in presenting the community
image. With the need to order new letterhead and business cards,
Commissioner Oliven felt it was a good time to revisit the issue of what
other symbol besides the Village Seal (which will remain the official
seal of the Village) would best represent our community. Commissioner
Oliven and staff sought proposals from two firms, Southland Design and
Barcelona Creative Group. Both firms were interviewed on July 28, 2011
and both submitted proposals that are similar in price. Council will
have to approve the new logo prior to it being used.
Commissioner Oliven moved, seconded by Commissioner Milovich-Walters, to
accept the proposal from Barcelona Creative Group to design a new
logo/brand image for the Village of Palos Park and to apply the approved
logo to our Village communications material.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-4- Commissioners Oliven, Milovich-Walters, Reed, and Mayor Mahoney
NAYS: -1- Commissioner Polk
ABSENT: -0-
MAYOR’S
REPORT:
TASTE OF PALOS HIGHLIGHTS: Mayor Mahoney thanked the Woman’s Club for
their tremendous amount of hard work organizing the annual event. Public
Works was also thanked for the hours involved with set-up, cleaning and
take down. Those attending, despite high temperatures were treated to a
day filled with activities, food, beverages and entertainment.
CLERK’S REPORT: Clerk Arrigoni had no formal report this evening
however, she read several announcements.
VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT:
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) SERVICE AGREEMENT: Manager Boehm
reported the Village of Palos Park has provided an Employee Assistance
Program (EAP) through ComPsych to its employees since 1997. ComPsych
provides services via telephone. In an effort to provide employees the
opportunity to have an EAP program with face to face contact, CuraLinc
Healthcare was recommended by Horton Group representatives. The program,
SupportLinc, provides short term counseling (up to 3 sessions) with
referral to another professional and coordination with health benefits
if needed. An employee orientation program is provided as are quarterly
posters and newsletters, monthly EAP flyers, family assist programs,
legal assist, and financial assist programs. CuraLinc has submitted a
proposal for an initial term of three (3) years at a cost of $20.64 per
year/per employee. Currently, the Village pays $22.90 per year/per
employee. Manager Boehm entertained a motion to approve the SupportLinc
Employee Assistance Program.
Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Reed, to approve the
SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with an initial term
commencing September 1, 2011 and ending August 31, 2014 and authorizing
Village Manager Boehm to execute said Agreement.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Polk, Reed, Oliven, Milvich-Walters, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
CITIZENS
AND VISITORS COMMENT PERIOD:
Brian Muldowney – 9333 W. 119th Street, Palos Park, IL – Mr. Muldowney
expressed his feelings regarding the issue of corner side setbacks and
the fact that it is not administered fairly. Mr. Muldowney also liked
the Village crest being left as the logo to represent our community.
Mike and Lora Salerno – 12018 S. Winslow, Palos Park, IL – Mike and Lora
Salerno reiterated that contrary to what Council may think, they did all
the work according to the plan. A 1999 permit was issued for a proposed
garage foundation with the assumption that a garage or large shed would
be built later. Mr. Salerno stated ZBA members came out to look at his
property. The Salerno’s feel their variance request was not treated
fairly. Mayor Mahoney commented granting a variance is a hard decision
to make and certainly easier to approve than not.
ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: There being no further business,
Commissioner Polk moved, seconded by Commissioner Oliven, to adjourn the
meeting at 10:27 p.m.
On the call of the roll, the vote was as follows:
AYES:
-5- Commissioners Polk, Oliven, Milovich-Walters, Reed, and Mayor
Mahoney
NAYS: -0-
ABSENT: -0-
________________________
Cathy A. Gabel
Deputy Village Clerk
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