City of Prospect Heights City Council met June 8

By Michael Abella

Jul 1, 2020

City of Prospect Heights City Council met June 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER - At 6:30 PM, Mayor Nicholas J. Helmer called to order the City Council Regular Meeting via the Zoom teleconferencing platform. Deputy Clerk Schultheis read the COVID-19 modifications to the Meeting and the Meeting preamble.

ROLL CALL FOR QUORUM – City Clerk Prisiajniouk called roll. A quorum was present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT - Mayor Helmer, City Clerk Prisiajniouk, Treasurer Tibbits, Aldermen - Ludvigsen, Cameron, Dolick, Morgan-Adams, Quinn

OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT - City Administrator Wade, Assistant City Administrator Falcone, Director of Building and Development Peterson, Public Works Director Roscoe, Finance Director Graefen, Deputy Clerk Schultheis, Digital Communications Technician Colvin, and City Attorney O'Driscoll.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A May 27, 2020 Regular Teleconference City Council Meeting Minutes - Alderman Dolick moved to approve the May 27, 2020 Regular Teleconference City Council Minutes as presented; seconded by Alderman Quinn. There was unanimous approval.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Cameron, Quinn, Morgan-Adams, Ludvigsen, Dolick

NAYS - None

ABSENT - None

Motion carried 5-0

APPOINTMENTS/CONFIRMATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - None

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA MATTERS (Five Minute Time Limit) - Tim Tigerman - 454 Williamsburg Lane - Said that he was in favor of Home Rule, and said that there was a great deal of misinformation regarding Home Rule. He said that a better information campaign needed to be launched. He added that each year the City does not have Home Rule it costs the City about $1,000,000. He said that the negatives of Home Rule were unclear and misleading.

Chuck Currie – there was a technical difficulty and the decision was made to allow him to speak later in the meeting.

STAFF, ELECTED OFFICIALS, and COMMISSION REPORTS - Michelle Cameron - Alderman Ward 1 - Thanked the Police Department for everything that they do for the Community.

Matt Dolick - Alderman Ward 5 - Discussed the closure of businesses at Palwaukee Plaza. He noted that many people were not notified, and as the Alderman for the Ward, he was not even notified. There was a release of information a day or two later. He requested that actions like this be handled in a more-timely manner.

Wendy Morgan-Adams - Alderman Ward 3 - Thanked the Police Department for their vigilance and assistance in the Community.

Thanked Public Works for the effort that they made to mitigate the flooding in the area.

- Tire Swing - there was a complaint filed against a resident at 204 Viola regarding a tire swing in the front of the house. Code Enforcement officer Porzycki reviewed this issue. There is an issue that dates back to an Ordinance in the 1970's - 5-3-4G - regarding equipment placed in the front yard to include basketball nets and tire swings or any time of recreation equipment. The conclusion was that there might be a need to do a text amendment to this Ordinance. After discussion, it was decided to assign this to Staff to investigate. It may involve asking for assistance from the PZBA. She requested that this issue be assigned to Staff for further investigation. Mayor Helmer asked if the tire hurt anyone, and the reply was “no." he noted that the City is under a pandemic, as is the country, and there is looting even now. he added that the Police Department is on 24/7 alert. He said that the Ordinance is old and creating a new one is overkill. he added that the City should not be alienating residents over tire swings. Alderman Morgan-Adams replied that Officer Porzycki told her that if nothing was done, he would have to continue to proceed to force the owner to get rid of the tire swing as per the current Ordinance.

- She added that the Greater Wheeling Chamber had closed down. Kathleen Quinn - Alderman Ward 2- thanked the Mayor for his kind words and said that she supported him for his open heart toward residents.

- She commended the resident from Bob and Diane Kappus letter in support of the Police. She also thanks Dawn and Norman Anderson for their letter of appreciation for the Police. She said that the Community does recognize the work the Police have been doing for safety and security, as well as their Outreach events.

- She said that she works in an area chamber of commerce, and said that they have reached out to help the Greater Wheeling Chamber. They have Staff furloughed, and she said that all the chambers in the area are reaching out to them. Pat Ludvigsen - Alderman Ward 4 - gave thanks to the Police Department for their efforts in this City and added that the Community supports them.

- Flooding - he said that the City needs to work on realistic timelines for flooding projects. He noted that these projects are still going to a great deal of time. Treasurer Tibbits - the AV Department has transitioned from standard definition recording system to high definition recording system. He noted that the project is almost complete. Treasurer Tibbits said that the Tourism District Board was the first committee meeting that used the new system worked well. He said that the quality of the recording was improved. City Clerk Prisiajniouk - Said that she and Director Peterson had received notification from the Greater Wheeling Chamber that they were closed. She said that Linda Callaghan, the Chamber Executive Director, is no longer with the Chamber. She said that business workers can still work with them. But she noted that there has not been much follow up from the Chamber.

- She noted that people have quarantine fatigue. She wanted to remind everyone to continue to use caution. Mayor Helmer - Said that for quite a while the radio ad for Wheeling was boasting that it has the CEA in its City, and forgot to mention that the CEA is also in Prospect Heights. The Mayor said he has not said anything thus far, but that the Chamber should be notified of that omission. City Administrator Wade - Noted that the Police Department had conducted 19 interviews over the weekend for a new Police Officer. Of the 19, eight candidates were selected as finalists. The list will be posted this week.

Director of Public Works Roscoe - stated that over the last 4-6 weeks Public Works and the Engineering Department have received calls from residents regarding flooding, nuisance water in the ditches and pooling of water. The last project was done in 2017 to clean up the nuisance water. There is a hold on these type of smaller projects, as the City works on the larger-scale flooding and drainage. He noted that Public Works is working with residents to tell them what they can do to mitigate the issues.

- He listed the road closures that are affecting the City's residents. One is in Wheeling, but it is Old Willow Road between Foster and Wolf Roads in the northeast part of town that is being closed for railroad repairs. Bridge Deck replacements over the Des Plaines River. This will include the two ramps - one is the eastbound ramp that goes from Milwaukee Avenue towards Sanders Road. The opposite direction will also be closed from Sanders Road down Palatine Road, getting off on Milwaukee Avenue - that bridge deck will also be replaced. This project will be a few months long. He said that this will change traffic patterns. These are IDOT projects. Alderman Cameron said that the sign said that the closure will be from June 12 - November. Director of Building and Development Peterson - gave an update on the restaurants that have opened to outdoor seating. There are ten restaurants currently that will open - Tap House, El Paisa Alegre, Dog Walk, Allgauers, Monicas, Senor Pollo, Union Ale House, Players Pub and Grill with the OTB, Rocky Vanders and HOME Bar. That information is also on the City's website. He said that the liquor license information has been updated by the State giving an extension to make payment to the State for the licenses. The Building and Development Department has been in close contact with all of the restaurants.

- Store Closures - there was a potential threat to the Palwaukee Plaza. The City erred on the side of caution and had the shops close down for security reasons, while the Police monitored the situation. In the future, the City and Police will take precautions to inform the public and the Aldermen before action is taken.

Having resolved the technical difficulties, Chuck Currie was given an opportunity to make a Public Comment - Chuck Currie - Said that he was in favor of Home Rule. He said that he believes that it is the best thing for the City. He is offering his assistance as a volunteer to promote Home Rule.

Assistant City Administrator Falcone - said that there would be a SWANCC shredding event hosted by the City in the Metra Parking lot on Saturday, June 13 from 9 AM - Noon. The limit is three bankers boxes of materials to shred. There is no electronic recycling at this event. Mayor Helmer asked what would happen if someone showed up with more than three bags to be shredded. Peter said that they would do their best to accommodate them, but if they were a home business their materials would not be shredded.

- He said that the he and the Public Works Director had stenciled some City streets to promote the Census campaign. He noted that the idea for the stenciling had come from Aldermen Quinn and Cameron, and that Alderman Cameron had been able to get the materials donated. The stencils were done in English/Spanish/Polish in twelve locations around the City. Deputy Clerk Schultheis – said that there had been a Tourism District Board meeting on Friday,

June 5. It was the first meeting held in City Hall since the order from the Governor was given not to have public meeting. Social distancing practices were observed. Finance Director Graefen - said the Tourism District Board was not able to receive a grant because there was no money available because it is based upon past projections. The Tourism District Board did not vote on their grant distribution. She noted that Beautification costs have been pared down by $12,000. This is thanks to Director Roscoe's work to keep the basic needs with the options to have fall plantings and holiday lighting if it can be afforded. She also said that there past due receipts from the hotels (which are significant) Three months behind for February, March and April - Hilton and Crowne Plaza

Two months behind for March and April - Holiday Inn express and Ramada Inn One month behind for April - Sherwood Inn and Jacuzzi Motel 6 is paid to date.

The Hilton and the Crowne are going to provide their internal projections to assist the City in providing better projection numbers. There is $52000 in the Tourism Board Fund, and that is projected to be -$7000 by the end of July.

NEW BUSINESS

A.R-20-15 Staff Memo and Resolution of Support for the Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure Grant Application Submittal - Alderman Morgan-Adams moved to approve R-20-15 Resolution of Support for the Rebuild Illinois Public Infrastructure Grant Application Submittal; seconded by Alderman Ludvigsen. There was unanimous approval.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Dolick, Cameron, Quinn, Morgan-Adams, Ludvigsen

NAYS - None

ABSENT - None

Motion carried 5 - 0

OLD BUSINESS - None

DISCUSSION TOPICS FOR WORKSHOP MEETING:

A. Home Rule Discussion - there was discussion about getting Home Rule on the November ballot. Because it is an election year, there is expected to be a big voter turnout. Despite the fact that there would not be any door-to-door campaign or public meetings allowed to educate the public due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there are still channels of communication that are available. Mayor Helmer said to get direction from the Council to have the City Attorney prepare a referendum. City Attorney O'Driscoll said that he would have a referendum prepared for the next Meeting. - No action was taken.

B. Speed Bump Discussion - Mayor Helmer said that Public Works and the Police Department have adamantly opposed speed bumps in the past. Alderman Quinn said residents in Ward 2 want Fairway Estates and Rob Roy have asked about speed bumps, and they have had cameras, but there is still an issue there. Alderman Quinn said she did not want to incur expenses for a study, but wants to go on records to say that, in the past, signs to slow down have not worked. She wants to start a conversation about it, because it has been brought up by residents. She noted that speed bumps sometimes bring down home values. Mayor Helmer said that the waste disposal trucks hit the speed bumps hard. He suggested better signage and having the police issue tickets. It was noted that the police would put some squad cars in the areas that were experiencing speeding. - No action was taken

C. Stormwater Management - Christopher Burke Study Discussion - 5 - 6 areas had been identified as problematic in 2011/2012. The Christopher Burke study is currently only available in hardcopy. It was noted that every solution is inherently expensive. Arlington Countryside is a $3.5 million dollar fix and the City is seeking a $2 million grant. The problems are worse in the older sections of the City, and better in the newer areas like Rob Roy which were built after detention basins. Alderman Ludvigsen asked if the amounts shown in the study were the present amounts? City Administrator Wade said that some of the amounts were dated and some were rough estimates, but the $3.5 million was based on today's figures, and not from the original study. He stated that the City had gone through design engineering to get the correct estimates. City Administrator Wade said that in 2011 there had been terrible flooding and a study had been done. Since then, other areas had been identified as problem areas.

It was suggested that drone shots be taken to get better visuals of the flooding areas. City Administrator Wade said that the City does have photos of street flooding and maps of flood areas. There was discussion as to whether a drone could be flown around an airport, and it was noted that the Airport would have to give permission. City Administrator Wade said that the City would get a map, and request drone operator for the next flood event. Public Works Director Roscoe said that he would speak with Engineer Pat Glenn about maps that the City has. – No action was taken.

APPROVAL OF WARRANTS

A. Approval of Expenditures

General Fund $93,181.15

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $0.00

Palatine/Milwaukee Tax Increment Financing District $0.00

Tourism District $0.00

Development Fund $0.00

Drug Enforcement Agency Fund $237.42

Solid Waste Fund $29,570.09

Special Service Area #1 $0.00

Special Service Area #2 $0.00

Special Service Area #3 $0.00

Special Service Area #4 $0.00

Special Service Area #5 $297.64

Special Service Area #8 - Levee Wall #37 $0.00

Special Service Area-Constr #6 (Water Main) $0.00

Special Service Area- Debt #6 $0.00

Capital Improvements $13,781.00

Palatine Road Tax Increment Financing District $0.00

Road Construction $0.00

Road Construction Debt $0.00

Water Fund $3,691.80

Parking Fund $609.04

Sanitary Sewer Fund $10,381.00

Road/Building Bond Escrow $0.00

TOTAL $151,749.14

Wire Payments

06/05/20 PAYROLL POSTING $160,843.33

MAY ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND $22,011.33

TOTAL WARRANT $334,603.80

City Clerk Prisiajniouk read the warrants. Alderman Dolick moved to approve the warrants as read; seconded by Alderman Cameron to include a TOTAL of $ 151,749.14; 06/05/20 PAYROLL POSTING of $160,843.33; MAY ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND of$22,011.33; and a TOTAL WARRANT of $334,603.80. There was unanimous approval.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Ludvigsen, Dolick, Cameron, Quinn, Morgan-Adams

NAYS - None

ABSENT - None

Motion carried 5 - 0

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS (Five Minute Time Limit) - None

EXECUTIVE SESSION - None

ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS, IF REQUIRED

ADJOURNMENT - At 7:44 PM, Alderman Dolick moved to Adjourn; seconded by Alderman Quinn. There was unanimous approval.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Morgan-Adams, Ludvigsen, Dolick, Cameron, Quinn

NAYS - None

ABSENT - None

Motion carried 5-0