Park Ridge City Council met Monday, Dec. 5.
The Park Ridge City Council is composed of the mayor, city clerk and seven aldermen, one from each of the city’s seven wards.
Here are the minutes as provided by Park Ridge:
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK RIDGE CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 505 BUTLER PLACE PARK RIDGE, IL 60068
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016 AT 7:00 P.M.
Note: Ald. Milissis participated electronically.
I. Roll Call
Acting Mayor Maloney called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
City Clerk Henneman read the roll call and the following Elected Officials indicated their presence: Ald. Moran, Van Roeyen, Milissis, Shubert, Mazzuca, and Ald. / Acting Mayor Maloney
Ald. Knight was absent.
Acting Mayor Maloney announced that Ald. Milissis is out of town on business and will be participating electronically. He will be allowed to fully participate in the meeting and be included in any vote, all which will be by roll-call.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Boy Scouts of Troop #24 led meeting attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular City Council Meeting – November 21, 2016 Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Moran, Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, and Maloney NAYS None ABSENT Ald. Knight Motion carried, 6 – 0.
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.A.1. Approve the final reading of Ordinance approving the Final Plat of Subdivision and Variances
for a Commercial Development at 800 Devon Avenue (Case SU-16-08) VII.C.1. Approve final reading of Ordinance approving the number of 2017 Liquor Licenses VII.G.1. Approve final reading of Ordinance amending 13-13-2 and 13-14-2 of the Municipal Code,
Parking Restrictions on Delphia, Northwest Highway to vacated Rabe Court / Approved by omnibus vote
VII.I.8. Approve a FY17 Budget Amendment in the General Fund for Legal Services VII.I.9. Approve a FY17 Purchase Order increase for Ancel Glink VII.I.10. Approve a FY17 Budget Amendment in the Parking Fund VII.I.11. Approve a FY17 Purchase Order increase for Duncan Parking Technologies VII.I. 13. Approve Capital Improvement Plan Moved by Ald. Shubert. Seconded by Ald. Moran
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, Maloney, and Moran (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
V. Reports of City Officials
A. Mayor’s Report 1. Legislative update Acting Mayor Maloney reported that he has reached out to Illinois legislators and has invited them to attend an upcoming meeting to provide the City with a Springfield update.
2. Approval of the compensation package for the Acting City Manager Motion to increase the salary of the Acting City Manager to $155,000 per year Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Moran.
Human Resource Manager Suppan provided a brief summary regarding Acting City Manager Gilmore’s change in position from Finance Director to Acting City Manager after the departing of the former City Manager in May, 2016. Acting Mayor Maloney added that the change in position for Gilmore was to be on an interim basis while the City conducted a nationwide search. Due to the timing, however, the City would be unable to hire a replacement extending past the term of the Mayor (April, 2017). It was staff’s recommendation to extend the temporary position to Mr. Gilmore. The salary given to Gilmore would be the same salary of the former City Manager at his time of his departure.
Acting Mayor Maloney indicated that he believes Acting City Manager Gilmore is well deserved of the pay increase. Ald. Moran, Ald. Shubert, and Ald. Milissis concurred; each one shared their thoughts and reasons.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, Maloney, Moran, and Milissis (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
B. City Council No report.
C. City Attorney No report.
D. City Clerk City Clerk Henneman reported that Nominating Papers for candidates running for Mayor, City Clerk or Alderman in the April 4, 2017 Election may be filed in the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 505 Butler Place, Park Ridge, IL December 12 through December 19, 2016 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
E. City Manager No report.
VI. Citizens Who Wish to Address the City Council on a Non-Agenda Item
No comments.
VII. Reports of Boards, Commissions and Committees
A. Planning and Zoning Commission – Ald. Van Roeyen 1. Approve the final reading of Ordinance approving the Final Plat of Subdivision and Variances for a Commercial Development at 800 Devon Avenue (Case SU-16-08) / Approved by omnibus vote
2. Approve the first reading of Ordinance granting a Special Use for a Personal Services Establishment (Hair Salon) on the ground floor at 141 Vine Avenue (Case SU-16-08) Moved by Ald. Van Roeyen. Seconded by Ald. Moran.
Community Preservation and Development Interim Director Brown indicated that Frank Ernesto is the applicant for this Special Use. Permission was granted by the property owner. Planning and Zoning heard the case on November 22, 2016; a Public Hearing was held, with descent regarding its proximity to other salons in the area; the Commission approved the Special Use 6-0.
Ald. Mazzuca sought reasons for denying a Special Use; Mr. Brown explained that the code lists the conditions.
Ald. Moran pointed out there are two other salons directly adjacent and wondered if this sets a precedent. Attorney Simon explained that each Special Use stands on its own merits. Other same uses in close proximity would meet the code for a Special Use in a similar way. It would be difficult proving why one would be allowed and the other not. Competitive equity is not valid reason to approve or deny an application. To clarify, Attorney Simon indicated that the zoning of the property will not be changed; he proceeded to explain the difference between a special use and a permitted use.
Ald. Moran questioned the property’s zoning. Interim Director Brown believed the land use was based in according to the area which included non-retail businesses that did not generate extensive sales tax revenue.
Mark Elliot of Elliot Builders represented Mr. Frank Ernesto, the applicant. He provided background information of the applicant including that Mr. Ernesto has been a 30-year owner operator of a salon business and current restaurant owner the City. The space was the former Bob’s Bike Shop. There will be modifications made on the interior space and minor mechanical upgrades. He indicated that the applicant meets all of the City’s requirements. No parking requirements are necessary since the space is under 1000 square feet.
Kevin Collins (Francis Parkway) has been a long-time resident. He is concerned about the businesses on that one block, three of which will be offering the same or similar service. A total of sixteen similar businesses are in the area. He suggested setting boundaries. He questioned the strategy for the Uptown area since Economic Development is a concern. The City needs find more businesses that will bring in tax revenue to the City.
Michelle McGillivray (resident at 1114 S. Crescent and owner of DeVine, 147 Vine) was accompanied by Diane Salazar, co-owner of DeVine Hair Salon and spoke about economics and diversity for the City. Since the Uptown area was developed attracting businesses that would bring in tax revenue to the City was an important issue. In her opinion, another salon will not satisfy that need. She indicated that others had inquired about rental of the property at 141 Vine. She spoke about the effects that this will have on her younger employees. She also believes parking in the area is a problem. She asked the City Council to look at the big picture using sensible thought.
Ald. Milissis understood the frustration but does not believe the City should regulate what business opens here or there. It would go against free market. He agrees that a plan is needed for the future and should be addressed in a Strategic Planning Session relative to Economic Development. He recalls a past discussion brought forth by Ald. Shubert suggesting that the City hire a person specifically for Economic Development (ED). However, the idea to hire never came to fruition when it was discussed a few years ago at the Committee level. The idea never moved forward after hearing that no quantifiable results were demonstrated by the former E.D. person who worked under the past Administration. He is in favor of having a person who would recruit desirable businesses to the City and who would work on a full-time basis.
Ald. Shubert spoke about the Facebook posting in which he was involved. He did not believe that this meeting is the time to talk about the hiring of an employee for Economic Development. However, he recalled back in 2013 when he first was elected as an Alderman and brought forth various solutions with a direct focus on Economic Development. The City needs a dedicated individual focusing solely on Economic Development, one who would market the City, and attract businesses that Park Ridge would like to have. The City needs to move past the thinking of, is this the best we can do.
Ald. Moran concurred with Ald. Milissis’ comments; this is a matter that should be considered down the road. He sees no reason to penalize the applicant since the applicant meets all the criteria.
Ald. Van Roeyen, the liaison for the Planning and Zoning Commission, indicated that the Commission diligently reviews its material and makes sure the applicant has met all the required standards. A vote of 6 – 0 is indicative that the Commission felt strongly that the plans are appropriate. He also indicated that landholders can lease their property to whoever they wish provided the zoning requirements are met.
Mary Lou Kata, a longtime resident and member of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke in opposition of the approval, parking problems in the area, and her preference to see retail in the vacant space.
Ald. Mazzuca believes the City has made it easy for entrepreneurs to open their business in the City and has amended its code according so it is fair to all and easier to navigate. He believes in allowing free-enterprise do what is intended to do. He will support approving the motion.
Acting Mayor Maloney commented briefly on the Facebook postings which he believes was vocalized before the City Council this evening. He does not believe it is the City’s responsibility to tell a property owner who a landlord should or should not allow in its vacant space when the use is approved and compliant with the City’s Code. He spoke about the Uptown TIF which proved to be a failure and economic disaster but the City was lead to believe it was going to be fruitful development.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Shubert, Mazzuca, Maloney, Moran, Milissis and Van Roeyen (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
3. Approve the first reading of Ordinance granting a Special Use for a Mixed-Use Development at the northwest corner of 600 Talcott Road and 1100 S. Courtland Avenue (Case SU-16-08) Moved by Ald. Van Roeyen. Seconded by Ald. Mazzuca.
Ald. Van Roeyen provided a brief summary: Skyline Homes and the Park Ridge Community Bank worked together to develop property. A Map Amendment changed the land use from B-1 and R-2 to P.
Interim CPD Director Brown recalled discussion at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at which time there was a condition of approval proposed: the elimination of the northern ingress/egress of the parking lot on Courtland. He believes this modification is missing from the Ordinance. The term was agreeable by the commission and the applicant.
Attorney Simon explained the Site Plan review had nine conditions and approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission. The agenda item is for a Special Use Permit for a mixed use development, supplemental and separate from the Site Plan review. Therefore, to apply the condition to the Special Use, a motion would need to be made:
Motion to amend Special Use Ordinance, adding 10th condition: Remove the northern curb cut on Courtland Avenue and continue the landscaping and shading along the Courtland Avenue side from the southern curb cut to the northern border of the property.
Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Questions presented by Ald. Moran were addressed.
Jennifer Conlon (317 Oak) questioned if the proposed changed to ingress/egress was addressed in the traffic report which would have been reviewed by the engineer. CPD Interim Director Brown confirmed that this was reviewed.
Ald. Mazzuca believes having two entrances on Courtland would encourage more traffic on Courtland. This modification would mitigate light, noise, and traffic for Courtland residents.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Maloney, Moran, Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, and Mazzuca (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
B. Zoning Board of Appeals – Ald. Moran 1. Approve the first reading of Ordinance granting variations for signs at Park Ridge Fitness, LLC at 826 Touhy Avenue (Case V-16-10) Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Ald. Moran attended both meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals when signs for the applicant were addressed. Interim CP&D Director Brown indicated there were two requests for variations. The first was for locations of the signs that do not face a public street; the second is for the height placement of the sign. The applicant is eager to open and would like to get the signs up in time for its soft opening.
Gale Landers, CEO of Fitness Formula Clubs and its attorney, Dave Madden of Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP thanked Interim CPD Director Brown for his navigation, prompt attentive actions and assistance during this process. Mr. Landers requested a waiving of the second reading based on time parameters and the planned opening of the club. Time is of the essence.
Ald. Moran indicated that he is already a member of the club but that it would not impact his vote.
Motion to waive the second reading of Ordinance. Moved by Ald. Mazzuca. Seconded by Ald. Moran.
ROLL CALL (to waive final reading) AYES Ald. Moran, Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, and Maloney (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
ROLL CALL (Main Motion, amended) AYES Ald. Moran, Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, and Milissis (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
C. Liquor License Review Board – Acting Mayor Maloney 1. Approve final reading of Ordinance approving the number of 2017 Liquor Licenses / Approved by omnibus vote
D. O’Hare Airport Commission – Ald. Mazzuca Ald. Mazzuca and Acting Mayor Maloney reported that the two of them and the City Manager have been discussing ways to ensure regular attendance at the ONCC meetings.
E. Historic Preservation – Ald. Shubert Ald. Shubert reported the next meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on December 7.
F. Procedures and Regulations Committee – Ald. Mazzuca No report.
G. Public Works Committee – Ald. Shubert 1. Approve final reading of Ordinance amending 13-13-2 and 13-14-2 of the Municipal Code, Parking Restrictions on Delphia, Northwest Highway to vacated Rabe Court / Approved by omnibus vote
Public Works Director provided a full report on the City’s efforts to clear the recent snow event which left 6 inches of snow on the ground; it cost the City approximately $22,000.
He also reported that some of the light posts on Prospect and Summit have defects. The holiday lights were removed as a safety precaution. The light pole manufacturer has been contacted and will be responsible for the repairs. Repair will take approximately six weeks.
He also reported that the kiosks repairs are underway.
H. Public Safety Committee – Ald. Milissis No report.
I. Finance and Budget Committee – Ald. Knight (Moran)
1. Approve the 2016 property tax levy in the amount of $20,144,529 for the City and Library; and
2. Approve the 2016 property tax abatement for $455,150 for the payment of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012A; and
3. Approve the 2016 property tax abatement for $806,376 for the payment of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2014A; and
4. Approve the 2016 property tax abatement for $44,206 for the payment of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016A; and
5. Approve the 2016 property tax abatement for $47,063 for the payment of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2015A; and
6. Approve the 2016 property tax abatement for $604,800 for the payment of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2015B Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Mazzuca.
Acting City Manager Gilmore reported the following highlights:
• Reduction of approximately $700K based on the new waste hauling contract with GROOT
• Debt Service; 25% abatement of TIF bond payments based on performance
• $500K reduction to the General Fund levy
• Approximately a $1.7-8 million reduction from the prior year which equates to a 8.14% reduction
• First reduction seen in the levy in at least 10 years
He spoke about Ald. Mazzuca’s proposal made at the November 28 Committee Meeting. Staff considered his request reducing the General Fund another $500K. Since there is still some uncertainty about expenditures, the City Manager would like to leave the reduction at 8.14%.
Ald. Mazzuca sought clarification from Acting City Manager Gilmore reasons for keeping the fund balance of $500K and the assurance or insurance it provides. Acting City Manager Gilmore indicated that he wants to maintain certain levels of conservatism based on some reasons of uncertainty previously disclosed. He believes the amount is reasonable.
Acting City Manager Gilmore reported that the Library levy amount will be adjusted at a later date to match the referendum rate.
Ald. Mazzuca brought forth his final question seeking confirmation from Acting City Manager Gilmore. In regards to the LGDF, the City would no longer need to have to maintain a cushion fund of $3.6 million dollars. Acting City Manager Gilmore indicated the amount would be analized at each levy cycle. If there is no need, the money would not be retained.
Ald. Moran commented on the Truth in Taxation Hearing which will be held on December 19 meeting. He also mentioned that although the City is actually reducing the tax amount, it may not be noticeable based on any increase proposed by another taxing body.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Moran, Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, and Maloney (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
7. Approve FY17 warrants for period ending November 30, 2016 in the amount of $2,013,130.47 reviewed by Ald. Van Roeyen Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Van Roeyen.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Milissis, Van Roeyen, Shubert, Mazzuca, Maloney, and Moran (6) NAYS None (0) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 6 – 0.
8. Approve a FY17 Budget Amendment in the General Fund for Legal Services / Approved by omnibus vote
9. Approve a FY17 Purchase Order increase for Ancel Glink / Approved by omnibus vote
10. Approve a FY17 Budget Amendment in the Parking Fund / Approved by omnibus vote
11. Approve a FY17 Purchase Order increase for Duncan Parking Technologies / Approved by omnibus vote
12. Approve the contract for the Water and Sewer Rate Study, FN-FY17-01, to Municipal & Financial Services Group (MFSG), in the amount of $36,800 Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Per a request from Ald. Mazzuca, Acting City Manager Gilmore spoke with the Procurement Officer in regards to the scoring. According to Procurement Officer McGuire, the scores were not normalized or adjusted in any manner.
ROLL CALL AYES Ald. Van Roeyen, Shubert, Maloney, Moran, and Milissis (5) NAYS Ald. Mazzuca (1) ABSENT Ald. Knight (1) Motion carried, 5 – 1.
13. Approve Capital Improvement Plan / Approved by omnibus vote
VIII. New Business – For announcement, deliberation, and/or discussion only; no official
action will be taken.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Note: The minutes are a summary of business transacted at the meeting. They are not a verbatim copy of the recording.
Transcribed by:
Cheryl L. Peterson, Deputy City Clerk
Approved by the City Council this 19th day of December, A.D., 2016.
ATTEST:
Acting Mayor Marty Maloney City Clerk Betty W. Henneman
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