City of Park Ridge City Council met February 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
I.Call to Order
Mayor Maloney called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
II. Roll Call
City Clerk Henneman read the roll call. The following elected officials indicated their presence: Ald. Moran, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce and Mayor Maloney. Ald. Milissis was absent. There was a quorum.
Staff present: A. Lamberg, P. Lisowski, F. Kaminski, J. Tappendorf, J. Gilmore, C. Peterson, J. Brown, W. Zingsheim
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Attendees of the meeting pledges their allegiance to flag of the United States.
IV. Approval of Minutes
A.City Council Meeting, February 5, 2018
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Motion carried; voice vote.
B. Committee of the Whole Meeting, February 12, 2018
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Motion carried; voice vote.
V. Reports of City Officials
A. Mayor’s report
Mayor Maloney read a Proclamation in celebration and recognition of Maine South High School’s participation in the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. Many members of the Maine South Fine Arts Department were present at the meeting and joined the Mayor at the podium. A few students shared their experiences at the event.
1. Review of City Boards & Commissions Mayor Maloney explained that there were a few Commissions and Committees formed years ago by previous Mayors. In an effort to reduce the confusion about their status and their policies, he proposed further discussion at a future Procedures and Regulations Committee meeting. Mayor Maloney indicated that if these organizations are determined to be an official organization of the City, he wants to make certain that they follow the same rules as all other official City Boards and Commissions.
Milt Nelson, Chairman of the Heritage Committee explained that the Committee has been in existence since the days of Mayor Butler and was organized under his Vision 2000 program. He said his committee seeks no money from the City and has been allowed to meet at City Hall. The Heritage Committee promotes the heritage of the City through its research. Mr. Nelson explained that expenses are self-financed through the Heritage Committee.
In response to an inquiry from Ald. Moran, City Clerk Henneman indicated there was not such a strict committee structure in the past as there is today; it was a more casual approach. She indicated that a Proclamation signed by former Mayor Weitecha on the 10th day of October, 1998 formalized the relationship between Park Ridge and Kinver England as Sister Cities.
Ald. Shubert recognized Mayor Maloney for the direction and action he is taking to formalize the process. He welcomed addressing the matter at a future Procedures and Regulations Committee Meeting.
B. City Council
No report.
C. City Attorney
No report.
D. City Clerk City Clerk Henneman reviewed important dates regarding the March 20, 2018 Gubernatorial Primary election. Early voting begins March 5 and continues through March 19. The Centennial Center (former Senior Center) located at 100 S. Western is designated as an Early Voting location.
E. City Manager
No report.
VI. 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.
VIII.I.1. Approve a purchase order increase for electricity with Dynegy in the amount of $6,000.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
VIII.I.2. Approve a purchase order for the purchase of one (1) 2018 Ford F350XL 4x2 supercab chassis to Landmark Ford, Springfield, Illinois in the amount of $25,963.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
VIII.I.3. Approve the contract for up-fitting of four (4) International 7400 Vehicles, PW-FY18-09, to Monroe Truck Equipment in the amount of $276,536.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
VIII.I.4. Approve the contract for Upfitting of One (1) 2017 Ford F450XL Super Cab Vehicle, PW-FY18-10, to Monroe Truck Equipment in the amount of $28,511.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
VIII.I.5. Approve a one-year extension to the contract for the Tree Planting Program, PW-FY17-22, to Acres Enterprises Inc., of Plainfield, Illinois / Approved by omnibus vote
VIII.K.1. 1. Approve warrants for the period ending 02/15/18 in the amount of $1,070,911.77 reviewed by Alderman Shubert / Approved by omnibus vote
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Moran.
Roll Call
Ayes: Ald. Moran, Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, and Joyce
Nayes: None
Absent: Ald. Milissis (1)
Abstain: None
Motion carried, 6 – 1.
VII. Citizens Who Wish to Address the City Council on a Non-Agenda Item
Mike Reardon, a member of the Library Board of Trustees, was representing himself and not speaking on behalf of the Library Board. He asked that the following be entered as a part of the minutes:
“Good evening. I’m Mike Reardon and I live at 430 S. Prospect.
I have been a member of the Library Board of Trustees for the last two and a half years and have been the Treasurer for the last year and a half. I am not here representing the Library Board, but am representing myself, and my opinions expressed here are my individual and personal views. I have not advised the other Trustees of my presence here tonight.
I’d like to add some substance and balance to the library board meeting attendance issue that has been brought before this council.
For the record, my attendance record for 2017, as noted in Mayor Maloney’s letter of January 30, 2018 was 94%.
I’d like to give some background about Library Board meetings. The Library Board generally conducts its business through two meetings a month on the second and third Tuesdays. In addition, the Board has special meetings concerning specific topics. These meetings are held because the topics are time- sensitive. In other words, we can’t wait for the regularly scheduled Board or Committee of the Whole meetings. So we schedule the meeting as quickly as we can get a quorum, provided the appropriate Board members with the needed background, skills and experience are available. For example, with respect to hiring a new director, the Board ensures that Trustee Judy Rayborn, the HR director at the Newberry Library, is available because the Board has appropriately decided to take advantage of her relevant skills and experience to guide the hiring process. Likewise, for the remodeling of the building, the two engineers on the Board are most appropriate to guide those special meetings.
When there are time-sensitive specialized matters, the Board has exercised its good judgment to proceed with meetings that include the trustees with appropriate and relevant background. This necessarily excludes other Trustees who have a scheduling conflict.
For 2017, nearly 30% of the meetings were special meetings scheduled in this fashion. Unlike regularly scheduled meetings, there was not much advance notice for these meetings and trustees had no ability to prospectively block their calendars. I believe that it is inappropriate to penalize the trustees who were excluded from these meetings based on prior scheduling conflicts.
In addition, there are other meetings that deal with library business. Specifically, let me tell you about my schedule. I reviewed at my calendar for 2017. In 2017, I had 70 meetings dealing with library business. This is an additional 36 meetings that did not involve a majority of a quorum of trustees and therefore were not subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act. For example, I had financial meetings with the staff, I had scheduled meetings with patrons, I met with staff on HR issues and I had meetings with architects on remodeling the building. All of these meetings were in addition to the 34 meetings for which attendance was counted.
All of this fails to account for the work I was doing independently between meetings. I am confident that all of the alderman can appreciate that in order to conscientiously discharge my duties, significant review, research and analysis takes place outside of meetings.
Moreover, in the three meetings that I couldn’t attend, I sent my comments and opinions to another Board member and asked him or her to share my thoughts with the full Board. Other Board members ask the same of me if they cannot attend. In other words, the absence of a Board member from a meeting does not necessarily mean that their insights and contributions are not being communicated.
Many, if not all, of the library trustees have similar schedules and workload.
It’s misguided to measure the contribution and accomplishment of individual trustees solely by attendance at meetings where there is a quorum of trustees. Those trustees who have been criticized for their lack of attendance are generally those who are doing the most work outside the meetings and the ones whom I depend on most heavily.
In addition, Alderman Melidosian, the library liaison, is always available to the library trustees. As far as I know, there has never been an occasion where we have needed his guidance and have failed to get it.
I would ask that the City Council take a close look at the language of the applicable ordinance. Given the amount of work that is being done outside regularly scheduled meetings, you should decide how to measure contribution and accomplishment more holistically than mere attendance records.
If anyone wants to discuss this matter, Cheryl Peterson has my contact information.
I’d like to tender this statement for the meeting minutes.
Thank you.”
###
Jeff Purcel shared that he has been the owner/operator of South Park Cleaners since 1979. He questioned the requirements to have a loading zone placed in front of his establishment. He mentioned that many cleaners in the Uptown area have them.
Director Zingsheim indicated that he is aware of three loading zones; two were recently added as a result of the Parking study. Director Zingsheim said the area could be monitored. Mayor Maloney accepted Director Zingsheim’s suggestion and would like to revisit the matter at the next Public Works Committee meeting.
Ald. Moran clarified that the loading zones that were added were not for a specific business, but rather for the use of all area businesses. Ald. Moran also inquired whether the Mr. Purcel was the person responsible for placing his own loading zone sign; Mr. Purcel admitted to have done so. According to Chief Kaminski, Purcel was not ticketed for placing his own signs. The signs are currently in the possession of the City at the Public Works Service Center.
Kevin Shotsberger (909 Tomawadee Dr.) spoke about the neglect of property upkeep at Western and Northwest Highway (the former JD Kadds property). He believes the property has been abandoned. He contacted Ald. Wilkening who has visited the property. She has addressed a few of his concerns with departmental staff regarding semi-trucks parking on site, broken windows, and the mold inside the buildings. The resident believes the property is a liability and would like to know what the City’s options are. He would like to see the property redeveloped.
Mayor Maloney explained that the previous owner of the property is deceased. He indicated that there is a process and the City has actively been speaking with the new owner. The City has not started any process. Mayor Maloney explained that violations are served to the property owner as they are brought to the City’s attention.
Director Brown indicated that he spoke with a person who identified herself as one of the owners who indicated that there has been some interest by potential buyers. The owner has been cooperative; he can ask to inspect the property and indicated that he would take proper action if necessary.
VIII. Reports of Boards, Commissions and Committees
A. Community Health Commission – Ald. Joyce No report.
B. Historic Preservation Commission – Ald. Joyce
Ald. Joyce reported that there will be two landmark designation presentations at an upcoming City Council meeting.
C. Library Board of Trustees – Ald. Melidosian
Ald. Melidosian reported that the Board of Trustees approved a two million dollar construction project. There might be time when the Library would need to be closed during construction but the duration would be minimal impact to the community. He also indicated that five additional meetings were added for the Library to interview director candidates.
D. Liquor License Review Board – Liquor Commissioner/Mayor Maloney 1. Approve the final reading of ordinance increasing the number of available liquor licenses
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Ald. Mazzuca sought clarification of the ordinance presented. Deputy Clerk Peterson explained that the Ordinance presented two weeks ago was the primary reading of the same ordinance. As explained in the memo that was distributed, it was modified to add two additional businesses that were recommended for approval by the Liquor License Review Board. The City was waiting for additional requirement to be delivered. The ordinance presented is for a final reading which allows for thirty-nine (39) Liquor Licenses for 2018.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Ald. Wilkening, Shubert, Melidosian, Mazzuca, Joyce, and Moran (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Ald. Milissis (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Motion carried, 6 – 0.
E. O’Hare Airport Commission – Ald. Mazzuca
Ald. Mazzuca announced that Interim Fly Quiet Proposal (not supported by Park Ridge) was sent from the Chicago Department of Aviation to the F.A.A. for approval. Lastly, Ald. Mazzuca mentioned that the ONCC Technical Committee meeting will be held on February 20 at the Mount Prospect Village Hall at 9:00 a.m.
F. Planning and Zoning Commission – Ald. Wilkening
No report.
G. Zoning Board of Appeals – Ald. Moran
Ald. Moran indicated that the meeting scheduled for this month was canceled.
Jim Brown announced that a Public Hearing is scheduled on February 27, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. for a Special Use application for a service type store establishment to be located in the former Pickwick Restaurant sight.
H. Procedures and Regulations Committee – Ald. Wilkening
No report.
I. Public Works Committee – Ald. Moran * 1. Approve a purchase order increase for electricity with Dynegy in the amount of $6,000.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
* 2. Approve a purchase order for the purchase of one (1) 2018 Ford F350XL 4x2 supercab chassis to Landmark Ford, Springfield, Illinois in the amount of $25,963.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
* 3. Approve the contract for up-fitting of four (4) International 7400 Vehicles, PW-FY18-09, to Monroe Truck Equipment in the amount of $276,536.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
* 4. Approve the contract for Upfitting of One (1) 2017 Ford F450XL Super Cab Vehicle, PW-FY18-10, to Monroe Truck Equipment in the amount of $28,511.00 / Approved by omnibus vote
* 5. Approve a one-year extension to the contract for the Tree Planting Program, PW-FY17-22, to Acres Enterprises Inc., of Plainfield, Illinois / Approved by omnibus vote
6. Approve a purchase order for the purchase of one (1) 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid to Wright Automotive Inc., Hillsboro, Illinois in the amount of $22,775.00
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Director Zingsheim explained the City is planning to replace a pool car and elaborated on the typical use of the vehicle.
Ald. Mazzuca spoke about the replacement of this vehicle and questioned why another hybrid was chosen for this specific vehicle. Director Zingsheim explained the car is used for short distances and shared among various departments. According to City Manager Gilmore, it was an earlier version hybrid. The City would like to test the newer hybrid capabilities before consideration is given to expanding the future fleet with hybrids.
Ald. Moran spoke about ways to gather comparative data.
Ald. Mazzuca supports the “green” vision approach but would like to see analysis before making a purchase. He would like comparative data when making future similar decisions.
Ald. Joyce indicated that the Community Health Commission might be interested in providing the research on this matter.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Ald. Shubert, Melidosian, Joyce, Moran and Wilkening (5)
Nays: Ald. Mazzuca (1)
Absent: Ald. Milissis (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Motion carried, 5 – 1.
7. Approve an Ordinance amending 13-13-2 of the Municipal Code, Resident Parking on Prospect and Fairview
Moved by Ald. Moran. Seconded by Ald. Shubert.
Director Zingsheim explained details regarding the residential requested excepted parking affecting two blocks, Prospect and Fairview.
Ald. Shubert explained that he is a daily parker in the area and is still surprised at the number of cars on Prospect with the new spots that were made available for commuters based on the parking study. He inquired about other available parking options south of the Metra tracks.
Ald. Moran commented on the issue. Discussion continued in regards to notifying commuters parking on those streets with signs and flyers before enforcement begins. Ald. Melidosian suggested adding a telephone number on the flyer so that those interested could inquire about purchasing an available parking permit.
Ald. Moran spoke about commuter parking on Garden and Prairie which would be a topic of discussion at a future Committee meeting.
Finance Director Lamberg shared information about the parking permit sales from which verbal data and comments were collected from residents purchasing permits. She indicated that permits south of the tracks sold first. She confirmed that those who live south of the tracks want to park on the south side; those living north on the tracks want to park on the north side.
According to Attorney Tappendorf, there is normally a 10 day period after enactment of the Ordinance that fines could be issued. A motion could be approved with a later effective date. Ald. Melidosian suggested an effective date of March 19. Mayor Maloney was more comfortable with this option so that parkers could be properly notified about the change.
According to Ald. Moran, commuters could park on Busse (east side currently offers free parking) or on Garden which has twelve (12) hour meters.
Approve amendment to defer enforcement until March 19.
Moved by Ald. Melidosian. Seconded by Ald. Mazzuca.
Amendment:
Roll Call:
Ayes: Ald. Melidosian, Joyce, Moran, Wilkening and Shubert (5)
Nays: Ald. Joyce (1)
Absent: Ald. Milissis (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Motion carried, 5 – 1.
Main motion, as amended with an enforcement date starting March 19:
Roll Call:
Ayes: Ald. Mazzuca, Joyce, Moran, Wilkening, Shubert and Melidosian (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Ald. Milissis (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Motion carried, 6 – 0.
Ald. Moran thanks the commuters in the community for their patience regarding this matter.
J. Public Safety Committee – Ald. Melidosian
Chief Kaminski spoke about the Police Department’s involvement with the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. Mayor Maloney and his son attended and took part in the event.
Ald. Melidosian reported that he participated in a bar-be-que event, the Winter Burn 2018 fundraiser to benefit albinism in addition to Operation BBQ Relief which has served over 1.75 million meals to first responders.
Mayor Maloney added that Chief Kaminski was honored at the Chamber of Commerce Community Star Award Dinner and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Community Star Award for his contributions to Park Ridge
K. Finance and Budget Committee – Ald. Mazzuca
* 1. Approve warrants for the period ending 02/15/18 in the amount of $1,070,911.77 reviewed by Alderman Shubert / Approved by omnibus vote
IX. New business
Ald. Moran recognized a young female gymnast at Maine South High School that won at the state completion for her balance beam performance. He would like to invite her to a future City Council meeting for recognition.
Ald. Melidosian spoke about some unfortunate accidents that have been difficult for the community. He asked all residents (pedestrians, bikers, and motorists) to be extra observant when traveling.
X. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Note: The minutes are a summary of business transacted at the meeting. They are not a verbatim copy of the recording.
https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https%3A%2F%2Fparkridge.granicus.com%2FDocumentViewer.php%3Ffile%3Dparkridge_cd461eedbd05cfbcdb6c22dc5e84cd7a.pdf%26view%3D1&embedded=true
Alerts Sign-up