North Cook News

The Park Ridge City Council met Sept. 6 to announce electronics & textile recycling and document shredding event.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the city:

The Park Ridge City Council is composed of the mayor, city clerk and seven aldermen, one from each of the city’s seven wards.

CITY OF PARK RIDGE

J O U R N A L O F T H E P R O C E E D I N G S

REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 505 BUTLER PLACE PARK RIDGE, IL 60068

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 AT 7:00 P.M.

Acting Mayor Maloney called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

I. Roll Call

Deputy Clerk Peterson read the roll call and the following Elected Officials indicated their presence: Ald. Moran, Milissis, Knight, Mazzuca, and Acting Mayor/Ald. Maloney.

Ald. Shubert and Van Roeyen were absent. City Clerk Henneman arrived at 7:05 p.m.

Staff present: J. Sorensen, F. Kaminski, J. Gilmore, C. Peterson, J. Testin, W. Zingsheim, and S. Mitchell

II. Pledge of Allegiance

Attendees of the meeting pledged their allegiance to the United States flag.

III. Approval of Minutes

1. Regular City Council Meeting – August 15, 2016 Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Knight. Motion carried voice vote. Ald. Milissis abstained.

2. Committee of the Whole Meeting – August 22, 2016 Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Knight. Motion carried voice vote. Ald. Milissis abstained.

IV. Consent Agenda

*All items listed with an asterisk are considered routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of those items unless an Alderman so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda.

VII.H.1. Approve the final reading of revisions to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Administrative Rules

VII.I.1. Approve FY17 warrants for period ending August 31, 2016 reviewed by Ald. Shubert in the amount of $1,982,149.54

VII.I.2. Approve the contract for HVAC facilities assessment and recommendations to Henneman Engineering Inc., in the amount of $12,400.00

VII.I.3.

A. Approve a FY17 Budget amendment to increase revenue – Fire and sprinkler plan reviews by $30,000; and B. Approve a FY17 budget amendment to increase CP&D contractual services expense by $30.00; and

C. Approve a FY17 purchase order increase for Olympic Engineering Inc., 719 Utah Circle, Elk Grove Village, IL 60067, to $45,000 Moved by Ald. Knight. Seconded by Ald. Moran.

ROLL CALL AYES: Ald. Moran, Milissis, Knight, Mazzuca, and Maloney (5) NAYS: None (0) ABSENT: Ald. Van Roeyen and Shubert (2) ABSTAIN: None (0) Motion carried, 5 – 0.

V. Reports of City Officials

Mayor’s Report Acting Mayor Marty Maloney announced that there will be an Electronics & Textile Recycling and Document Shredding Event on October 15 from 9 am – Noon held at the Public Works Service Center.

A. Legislative update No report.

B. City Council No report

C. City Attorney No report.

D. City Clerk 1. Adjourn to Closed Session at the conclusion of the meeting to approve the minutes of the Closed Sessions held June 20, 2016 and July 11, 2016 pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 c 21 Moved by Ald. Knight. Seconded by Ald. Moran

ROLL CALL AYES: Ald. Moran, Knight, Mazzuca, and Maloney (4) NAYS: Ald. Milissis (1) ABSENT: Ald. Van Roeyen and Shubert (2) ABSTAIN: None (0) Motion carried, 4 – 1.

City Clerk Henneman reminded the Elected Official about the Farewell Dinner for the Sister Cities vistors and passed around a registration flyer for the September 14 event.

E. City Manager 2. Adjourn to Closed Session at the conclusion of the meeting to discuss pending litigation pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 c 11 Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Moran.

Acting City Manager Gilmore indicated that the Klein, Thorpe, and Jenkins firm represents the City in the Gorman lawsuit. A representative of the firm was here to provide an update on developments and strategy of the Gorman II case. It is regarding a lawsuit in which the City is being sued by a minor for an incident that occurred in 2005.

ROLL CALL AYES: Ald. Knight, Mazzuca, Maloney, Moran, and Milissis (5) NAYS: None (0) ABSENT: Ald. Van Roeyen and Shubert (2) ABSTAIN: None (0) Motion carried, 5 – 0.

VI. Citizens Who Wish to Address the City Council on a Non-Agenda Item

Matthew Kralka (923 S. Prospect) spoke about the recent parking meter rate increase, the lack of commuter parking on the south side of the railroad tracks in the City, and how it affects him personally. He mentioned that he spoke to Acting Mayor Maloney on the telephone regarding this who provided him with various options, none which were convenient for the resident. He suggested creating a commuter parking permit for the 12 hour meters. He inquired why rate increases occurred before the parking study was conducted. Lastly, he did not believe the increase was well publicized. According to Director Zingsheim, the last rate increase was eight years ago. This increase was brought forth by the former City Manager after researching the rates of neighboring municipalities and learning that they were coming to Park Ridge to park due to its lower rates.

Oliver Poole (927 S. Prospect) explained to the City Council that his father uses the parking meters when he travels to work by train every day. He spoke about the increased amounts of parking fees paid by his father. Time spent with his father is limited and has decreased since his father now has chosen to walk to and from the train station. He asked the City to lower its meter rates and offered a resident and non- resident solution.

Angela Karlson addressed the City Council representing Holt Cleaners and Panino’s Pizza. Since the City made an adjustment allowing for valet spots on Prospect Avenue, employees who parked on Prospect are now parking on Fairview which causes a problem for Panino’s and Holt’s Cleaners. She requested consideration of three or four loading zone spaces with a 15-minute limit for their businesses.

Gino Rago of Panino’s Pizza spoke about the problem his employees have with parking in the area. He understands the City is conducting a study and hopes the City can find a resolution to the problem. He also hopes the City approves the loading zone spaces he is requesting.

Acting Mayor Maloney, Ald. Moran, and Director Zingsheim spoke briefly about the few businesses in the area that have 15-minute parking spaces; the decision would be without precedent.

Acting Mayor Maloney spoke about the parking problem within the City. Acting City Manager Gilmore spoke about a recommendation for an Uptown Parking Study that is to be presented at the September 12 Committee of the Whole meeting which would include a Summit parking deck and automated meters. According to Director Zingsheim, he believed the study would take one to two months.

Acting Mayor Maloney requested to have the Panino’s/Holts parking situation added to the agenda for September 12.

John Guarnaccia from Spuntino’s Pizza (516 W. Higgins) spoke about the increase in fees paid for his 2016 Liquor License. He serves beer and wine only but his license includes the service of liquor. He suggested having endorsements for establishments that only serve beer and wine.

Acting Mayor Maloney asked Ald. Mazzuca if this matter could be addressed at the next Procedures and Regulations Committee. Ald. Knight asked if it could originate from the Liquor Commission. Acting Mayor Maloney requested that a Liquor Commission meeting be scheduled before the next Procedures and Regulations Committee meeting.

Mary Poole (927 S. Prospect) resident inquired about where the money goes that is from the meters. According to Acting City Manager Gilmore, money is deposited in the parking fund to maintain the parking facilities within the City (plowing, striping, resurfacing, etc). The fund has been operating in a deficit for some time and needs to operate like a business maintaining a positive balance. The fund was not able to cover its costs at the prior rates.

VII. Reports of Boards, Commissions and Committees

A. Planning and Zoning Commission – Ald. Van Roeyen Director Testin spoke about the case regarding 1110 S. Courtland Case. He expects the case to come before the City Council on September 19 when he hope to have all members in attendance.

B. Zoning Board of Appeals – Ald. Moran Ald. Moran spoke about a case from last week regarding the Walgreens in South Park that might be divided into three separate parcels indicating that the case is to be continued at the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.

Ald. Moran also requested that an item be added to the Procedures and Regulations agenda scheduled for September 26. He mentioned that there was a major discrepancy discovered of what was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and what was actually built. He referred to the property in Atletico and Erika Jewelers. He would like a report from Director Testin on what happened and who should be held accountable.

C. Liquor License Review Board – Acting Mayor Maloney Acting Mayor Maloney asked Deputy Clerk Peterson to schedule a Liquor Review Board Meeting before the Procedures and Regulations Committee meeting on September 26.

D. O’Hare Airport Commission – Ald. Mazzuca No report.

E. Historic Preservation – Ald. Shubert No report.

F. Procedures and Regulations Committee – Ald. Mazzuca 1. Approve (first reading) modifications to Boards and Commissions, Article 4, Chapter 14; Youth Services Commission. Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Milissis. Motion carried; voice vote

G. Public Works Committee – Ald. Shubert 1. Approve the contract for Uptown message-board kiosk repair and refurbishment, PW-

FY17-09, with Omega Sign & Lighting Inc. in the amount of $39,999.00 Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Knight.

Director Zingsheim explained that the fee is for the kiosks that were damaged and to retrofit the others, reflecting the full scope of work. Ald. Moran had requested him to get a quote for a different level of service. If the vote on the motion fails, Zingsheim indicated he would get different estimates, and believes the work could be done before the winter. Because the scope had changed, Acting City Manager Gilmore supported getting a few more quotes. To recap, the $18,100 would include removal of the two damaged kiosks, and the two of the five total remaining would be moved to more prominent locations.

Ald. Milissis appreciates the greater savings but believes it is a lot of money to spend on kiosks. He was not supportive of the motion even with a revised scope of work.

Ald. Mazzuca also liked the revised scope of work which saved the City a considerable amount of money, commending Ald. Moran for crafting a new solution, and looks forward to receiving new reduced quotes.

Acting Mayor Maloney also commented positively on the savings and looks forward to discussing new merits.

2. Approve the contract for 2017 Stormwater Master Plan, PW-FY17-05, to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. in the amount of $208,024.00 Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Knight.

Four affirmative votes would be required to pass.

Ald. Milissis believes staff provided eight good reasons why Burke is a good choice. He is comfortable moving forward with the study.

Ald. Moran agreed with only two of the eight points detailed on staff’s memorandum and provided his opinion on each. He does not believe it is fair to the residents that this matter has been postponed several times due to absences among the Council. He wanted the record to reflect that he would have voted against this matter if there was full Council attendance. However, since there is not, he intends to support this motion only to avoid further delay and for the benefit of the residents so this matter can move forward with the required number of votes for passage.

Ald. Mazzuca spoke about three concerns; 1) Whether there was inappropriate bid activity; 2) How can the City make sure the results for stormwater management will be better this time; and, 3) Who will be held accountable if the results are not delivered that the residents need and deserve.

Ald. Knight will be voting to support the plan as previously indicated at the last few meetings.

Ald. Milissis questioned the City Attorney and inquired if he was aware of any criminal penalties for interfering with the bid process. Attorney Denzin confirmed penalties and referred to a recent case in Chicago. It was Ald. Milissis’ opinion that what he heard was an accusation from Ald. Mazzuca accusing a staff member of criminal behavior. He asked for comments from Acting City Manager Gilmore and Director Zingsheim. Director Zingsheim responded that he has learned to ignore the comments. Acting City Manager Gilmore indicated the bid was completely fair and explained the process. In reference to the interviews, it was for the benefit of the scoring team if they opted to conduct them in a private meeting amongst themselves.

Ald. Mazzuca denied alleging a criminal act of anyone.

Ald. Milissis believes that statements made have consequences.

Ald. Knight was troubled and embarrassed by what he heard. He does not believe some of the conclusions drawn by Ald. Milissis are out of line. He believes the comments made by Ald. Mazzuca were made for a reason; his point was well made. He does not believe it should have been done in that manner. As he finished recognizing Ald. Moran for his decision to cast an affirmative vote, Ald. Moran indicated the vote has not yet been taken.

Mrs. Pool requested that the Council refrain from using inappropriate language.

Motion to defer until 9/19/2016. Moved by Ald. Knight. Seconded by Ald. Milissis.

Ald. Moran indicated that if he votes no on this he will vote yes on the original motion.

ROLL CALL (to defer) AYES: Ald. Maloney and Knight (2) NAYS: Ald. Mazzuca, Moran, Milissis (3), ABSENT: Ald. Van Roeyen and Shubert (2) ABSTAIN: None (0) Motion failed, 3 – 2.

ROLL CALL (Main Motion)

AYES: Ald. Maloney, Moran, Milissis, and Knight (4) NAYS: Ald. Mazzuca (1) ABSENT: Ald. Van Roeyen and Shubert (2) ABSTAIN: None (0) Motion carried, 4 – 1.

H. Public Safety Committee – Ald. Milissis Ald. Milissis reported that there will be a 9/11 Memorial Service and a dedication of the bricks on Friday, September 9 at 8:15 a.m. at City Hall sponsored by the Park Ridge Police Chaplains.

The Park Ridge Police and Fire Departments will be supporting a Park Ridge Veteran, Gary Warner, the Clerk of Maine Township and Park Ridge resident, on his Honor Flight to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C.

Ald. Milissis recognized the Fire Department for the grant that was awarded to the City in the amount of $500,000 for a new Fire Truck. Fire Chief Sorensen credited Executive Officer Paul Lisowski for obtaining the grant from AFG, a FEMA program. He indicated that Lisowski has brought in over a million dollars in grant money since coming to the City three years ago. Ald. Knight indicated that it was part of the three year spending plan and this grant will save the City money in its vehicle replacement fund. The City is fortunate to have received the grant but the City would have secured the money accordingly if the grant was not received.

1. Approve the final reading of revisions to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Administrative Rules / Approved by omnibus vote

I. Finance and Budget Committee – Ald. Knight 1. Approve FY17 warrants for period ending August 31, 2016 reviewed by Ald. Shubert in the amount of $1,982,149.54

2. Approve the contract for HVAC facilities assessment and recommendations to Henneman Engineering Inc., in the amount of $12,400.00

3. A. Approve a FY17 Budget amendment to increase revenue – Fire and sprinkler plan

reviews by $30,000 / Approved by omnibus vote

B. Approve a FY17 budget amendment to increase CP&D contractual services expense by $30.000 / Approved by omnibus vote

C. Approve a FY17 purchase order increase for Olympic Engineering Inc., 719 Utah Circle, Elk Grove Village, IL 60067, to $45,000 / Approved by omnibus vote

4. Discuss Stormwater Utility fee implementation timing Ald. Knight indicated that the Council had a brief discussion a few weeks ago to determine if it should start charging the $2.75 /equivalent runoff unit fee in January 2017. Recent developments make the fee amount and timing of the implementation worthy of further Council consideration. These developments include staff’s recommendation to approve a Stormwater Master Plan, and the associated costs. In addition, recent discussions with Tyler Technologies (Munis Utility Billing System) have identified some challenges in updating resident billing records to reflect the fee. The Council needs to come to a decision if the fee would start being charged January 1 or whether the date should be deferred and at the Committee meeting on September 12, finalize the decision. If a decision is made to defer, the Ordinance passed could be amended. He supports deferring the fee until the “right” fee is determined and later amending the Ordinance. Additionally, he indicated that if the City had advanced any funds on the Enterprise Funds behalf, it could be reimbursed by the water fund. Acting City Manager Gilmore believed it could.

Acting City Manager identified the challenges brought forth by Tyler Technologies. The issue is that the fee per household is unique and the utility billing software does not have a direct interfaceto pull the fees into the individual accounts. An interface could be built through Tyler or the amounts could be keyed in for 13,000 accounts.

Ald. Milissis inquired about the delay in addressing the billing issue and sought an explanation which was provided by Acting City Manager Gilmore. Acting City Manager suggested waiting until the Storm Water Master Plan was complete so that a specific dollar amount could be determined. He also explained many of the enhancements that have been made to the system with the assistance of Prescient and including plans for the near future.

Ald. Moran agreed with Ald. Knight to amend and postpone it until the right fee is determined.

Acting Mayor Maloney spoke about the MWRD plan in the Mayfield area. According to Director Zingsheim upsizing of the pipe was in the budget and the City is just waiting to hear when the project will be started. He would be happy to find out the status of the project.

Ald. Milissis understood that the implementation for the January 1, 2017 date was to help fund the study. He appreciated the explanation from Acting City Manager Gilmore and understands the technical side and challenges. He expressed his concern for the continued delay but also does not want a quick fix to meet the January 1 deadline that would end up costing the residents.

According to Ald. Knight, it would be an action item at the Finance and Budget Committee meeting and later placement at a regular meeting to amend the Ordinance.

VIII. New Business – For announcement, deliberation, and/or discussion only; no official

action will be taken.

Motion to adjourn to Closed Session at 8:50 p.m. Moved by Ald. Knight. Seconded by Ald. Moran.

Acting Mayor Maloney called for a 5-minute recess to clear the room before meeting in Closed Session.

The City Council returned to its regular meeting at 9:26 p.m.

IX. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.