North Cook News

Village of Bartlett Village Board met Nov. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER 

President Wallace called the regular meeting of November 19, 2024, of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Bartlett to order on the above date at 7:00 p.m. 

2. ROLL CALL 

PRESENT: Trustees Deyne, Gandsey, Gunsteen, Hopkins, LaPorte, Suwanski, and President Wallace 

ABSENT: None 

ALSO PRESENT: Village Administrator Paula Schumacher, Assistant Village Administrator Scott Skrycki, Assistant to the Village Administrator Sam Hughes, Economic and Development Coordinator Tony Fradin, Human Resources Director Janelle Terrance, Finance Director Todd Dowden, Assistant Finance Director Matt Coulter, Director of Public Works Dan Dinges, Assistant Public Works Director Tyler Isham, Planning & Development Director Kristy Stone, Matt Giermak, Grounds Superintendent, Chief Pretkelis, Deputy Chief Will Naydenoff, Deputy Chief Sweeney, Attorney Adam Simon, and Village Clerk Lorna Giless. 

3. INVOCATION – Reverend Catherine Erwin from Immanuel United Church of Christ

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  

5. TOWN HALL 

Yousuf Ahmad, Did not disclose address 

Mr. Ahmad came forward to discuss Islam and the message behind the religion. He went on to say that he wanted to share some more about Islam as a religion in the hopes of becoming less divided. Mr. Ahmad declined to disclose his address. 

Jesus Mendoza, 162 South Hale Avenue 

Mr. Mendoza stated that they’re having a lot of parking issues overnight. He went on to say that they live in townhomes and don’t have a parking garage. He stated that they’ve been getting a lot of parking tickets parking on the street and he was here to look for a solution.  

Chief Pretkelis addressed Mr. Mendoza and stated they are looking to explore some options to the residential permit parking ordinance specifically for multi house residential units and plan to bring it to the committee of a whole meeting on December 3rd. Mr. Mendoza asked what they’re  supposed to do in the meantime since they’ve been getting parking tickets.  

Chief Pretkelis stated that the Village of Bartlett, like the majority of the municipalities here in the state of Illinois, prohibit overnight parking. The Village is prohibited from 2am in the morning until 6am in the morning. He went on to say that the Police Department doesn’t start enforcing it  until 2:30 and stops at 5:30am. He stated that some people aren't aware the village actually grants 3 exceptions per vehicle per month. A resident would need to go online to put in that  request. Chief Pretkelis also advised residents to call the non-emergency number and speak to the records team who passes the information on to officers. Mr. Mendoza asked once again  what he can do right now. He was advised to maybe park at the Metra station which he stated  he would not want to do.  

Joel Mercurio, 226 Burnside Circle 

Mr. Mercurio stated that he was here at the last meeting. He stated that he asked for a review and study of the overnight parking restrictions from 2-6am and is here to ask about it once  again. He went on to say that he’s also here to make sure people have their parking spots and other options so that they don’t get ticketed. He stated he’s also here to discuss the ramp on Gingerbrook and Burnside; he stated he sees a pedestrian lane but doesn’t see a sign that  there are pedestrian’s walking. Mr. Mercurio also stated he wanted to discuss parking on the edge of Prospect; he stated that he almost got into an accident there because another resident  was parking as he was trying to turn.  

Trustee Deyne addressed Public Works Director Dan Dinges about this and stated they are taking a look at it to rectify it as soon as possible. Trustee Deyne also asked if the Police Department could waive any parking tickets issued and hold off on issuing anymore until the next Meeting on December 3rd.  

Chief Pretkelis stated that they’re here because a resident who attended the last board meeting  alleged that he was almost in a head one collision because of an illegally parked vehicle. He went on to reiterate that the vast majority of municipalities have overnight parking restrictions which are there to prevent certain types of crime, safety, residential aesthetics, and roadway maintenance. Chief Pretkelis stated that if you take a look at the ticket total for overnight parking in 2024, they had 10460 which only 367 were in the quad which is not being disproportionate to  that neighborhood. However, he stated that he did understand that they are the area in town  that does have the most difficulty with parking. They will only issue warnings instead of tickets until the next meeting.  

Thomas Balatsus, 160 S. Hale Avenue 

Mr. Balastus stated that he’s also here regarding the parking issue. He stated that he wanted to mention that there wasn’t much of an issue as opposed to last month. The previous owner that  moved out owned the parking lot and had a fair price where people were paying to park multiple cars. He went on to say that when a new owner came in, he doubled the price of every spot leaving the lot empty as no one wanted to pay. Mr. Balatsus stated this is why residents started parking on the street which caused multiple residents to get tickets.  

Trustee Gandsey wanted to confirm whether residents are still able to park there. Mr. Balatsus stated that the lot is still there, but they have to pay a significant amount to be able to park there.  

Ana Martinez Perez, 194 Thomas Court Unit C 

Ms. Perez stated she is also here today due to the street parking issue. She stated that she has  to work everyday at 4am. She stated she has to park on the street near her home because she tried to park at the Metra parking lot and someone broke into her vehicle and stole her  belongings. She’s afraid that will happen again and as winter is nearing walking isn’t an option  with her child for daycare purposes. Trustee Gunsteen asked her translator to let her know what  the Police Department has proposed until the December 3rd meeting.  

Angel Marshall, 169 Stephanie Court 

Ms. Marshall thanked the Board for their time and waiving the tickets. She stated she wanted to  reiterate that there are special needs children with cerebral palsy that use wheelchairs. She stated she feels this seems heartless since everyone is struggling to get by. She went on to say  that this hadn’t happened until recently, until the resident who came in with accusations. She went on to say that it seems like he's the one who called making these accusations about the parking and now all of a sudden, the police are back giving numerous amounts of tickets. She went on to say that some of them can barely pay for groceries or that they don't get subsidy and are struggling to make ends meet.  

Trustee LaPorte wanted confirmation that they’re just noticing this since the parking lot rates went up. Ms. Marshall agreed that it’s also because there’s more people who’ve moved in and less spaces to park. Mayor Wallace advised Ms. Marshall that this would be discussed further at  the December 3rd meeting.  

Todd Peterman, 121 Lucille Court 

Mr. Peterman stated that he’s lived in the neighborhood since 2007, and this has been an ongoing problem since I've lived there. He stated that when he first moved in, they could park on both  sides of the street, which was taken away. He went on to say that if Police are going to enforce parking and write tickets, they need to be consistent and do it every night; not because someone  complained. He went on to say that Laws in this country are not made to be enforced just because somebody has an issue with somebody else.  

Chief Pretkelis stated that they have always been enforcing parking tickets. He stated in 2024 to date, out of the 14000 tickets, 6367 in the quad area and 891 tickets in that area in 2023. He  wanted to reiterate that this is not new, it is the job of the Police Officers to write tickets and enforce the ordinance as they see fit. He went on to say that this is not just enforced in the quads but throughout the Village of Bartlett.  

Bianca Donato, 334 Joan Court 

Ms. Donato said she’s also here to discuss parking. She stated there’s always been no parking allowed since she’s lived here. She went on to say it’s a 3-bedroom apartment with one parking  space. They’ve got two cars and as a working mom with an infant, she asked what she’s expected to do. She stated the amount that she has to pay in parking tickets is equivalent to her being able to buy 7 cans of formula with.  

Adrian Soto, 103 Daniel Court Unit A 

Mr. Soto stated he’s also here about the parking issue. He stated they have three cars in their family and this is clearly an issue as they continue to receive tickets. He asked if commercial vehicles will be looked at as well. Mayor Wallace stated that they would look at all the information before the December 3rd meeting. 

Nina Huffman, 143 S. Hale 

Ms. Huffman stated that she was also here about the parking issue. She stated when she first moved in, she was given two parking spots. She now has just one spot which doesn’t work when you have a family and children. She went on to say that she can’t walk 15 minutes to a parking lot especially once the winter comes. She stated it’s either pay the tickets or figure out how to provide for their family. Ms. Huffman stated that one of the wonderful things about Bartlett as a community is that when there’s a need, this community has always stood up for its residents. She stated that’s all that they’re asking. To please do whatever they can to help those who need it.  

Arian Luque, 112 S. Hale Avenue 

Mr. Luque stated he moved here from Texas five years ago. He stated he also has one parkin spot. He stated he didn’t see any signs regarding parking and that officers simply refer to the ordinance. He went on to say that the area he’s supposed to park needs to be resurfaced and  that he has asked consistently to get something done. He stated it’s been 5 years with no change. The Mayor confirmed Mr. Luque’s address in order to take a look at it before the next  Board meeting.  

6. CONSENT AGENDA 

President Wallace stated that all items marked with an asterisk on the agenda are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. He further stated that there will be no separate discussion of these items unless a board member so requests, in which event, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered at the appropriate point on the agenda. He asked if there were any items a board member wished to remove from the Consent Agenda, or any items a board member wished to add to the Consent Agenda. 

President Wallace then recited each item that was on the Consent Agenda, including the nature of the matters being considered and other information to inform the public of matters being voted upon. He then stated that he would entertain a motion to Amend the Consent Agenda, and the items designated to be approved by Consent therein. 

Trustee Deyne moved to Approve the Consent Agenda and that motion was seconded by Trustee Suwanski. 

ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSENT ITEMS THEREIN 

AYES: Trustees Deyne, Gandsey, Gunsteen, Hopkins, LaPorte, Suwanski

NAYS: None 

ABSENT: None 

MOTION CARRIED

7. MINUTES – Covered and approved under the Consent Agenda. 

8. BILL LIST – Covered and approved under the Consent Agenda. 

9. TREASURER’S REPORT 

Finance Director Todd Dowden stated that the Treasurer’s Report for the month of September is included in the packet. Also included is the sales tax report and they received $367,895 which  is up $13,000 from the previous year. For Motor Fuel Tax, they received $160,000 that was  down approximately $1,500 from the previous year. For income tax sharing, we’re up to  $375,000 for our fiscal year to date. That would be $4,000,793 at the full 10%. We’re currently receiving 6.47% of the income tax. 

10. PRESIDENT’S REPORT 

President Wallace recognized the Girl Scout Silver and Bronze Award recipients. President Wallace acknowledged each Girl Scout along with their Silver Award Projects as well as the  Bronze Award Project. He presented each Girl Scout with their letter of recognition.  

President Wallace read the Small Business Saturday Proclamation. President Wallace stated that they have done a few interviews about Small Business Saturday. He went on to say that he went  with Assistant Village Administrator Scott Skrycki to Fox News to discuss Small Business  Saturday.  

11. QUESTION/ANSWER: PRESIDENT & TRUSTEES 

Trustee Deyne had some recognitions regarding commission anniversaries. Trustee Deyne also congratulated Trustee Gandsey, Trustee LaPorte, and Trustee Gunsteen on their re-election  bids; as well as Commissioner Batterman. Trustee Deyne also recognized staff birthdays as  well. 

Trustee Suwanski stated that John Miaso’s from the Planning and Zoning Commission’s sister passed away this past Friday. She asked everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers  during this time.  

Trustee Gunsteen had a question for Planning and Development Services Director Kristy Stone regarding how many Special Use permits we have or applications for business. She stated they have two special uses planned for unit development; and said those are the ones that have a time limit. She went on to say that those are for Site E, which was extended until July 16, 2025 to commence construction on the promenade. She went on to say that at the Northwest corner  of County Farm and Stearns; their approvals would last on January 16th of next year. The  property owner has indicated that they’ll be coming before the board most likely in January to ask for an extension. 

Planning and Development Services Director Kristy Stone stated the other two projects that we’ve had approval for but have not heard from the developer in a period of time is Bucky’s which was Casey’s buying them out. She stated that they’ve been informed that we’d like them  to come before the board before submitting anything for permit. She stated the Dunkin Donuts subdivision at Schick and Route 59, their property owner has contacted her. They did not realize that the original applicant had gone through the whole subdivision process, so they're recontacting the surveyor that drew the Plat. 

Trustee Gunsteen asked from the time of special use permit approval, what’s the time frame  that they have to start construction. Planning and Development Services Director Kristy Stone stated only the special use for planned unit development have a one year period. She went on to say that he way our code works, the other ones do not have a set timeframe. Trustee Gunsteen asked whether a developer like Casey’s or Bucky’s can sit on a project for 5-7 years without having any repercussions? Planning and Development Services Director Kristy Stone stated that is how our Ordinance reads. She went on to say that they have talked with Village Attorney Kurt Asprooth about some different language that could be used in our ordinances when doing approvals moving forward.  

Trustee Gandsey asked where we stand with the donation from Bob Leclercio for trees.  

Planning and Development Services Director Kristy Stone stated that he’s been working on landscaping on his own property which he’s almost done with. She went on to say that they’re almost ready to issue the full Co for that after which discussions will start regarding what we  would be doing with the trees.  

Trustee Gandsey then asked about the next part of the branding campaign as it moves into the next phase and if we are going to have any kind of KPI to look at after this time. 

Village Administrator Paula Schumacher stated they’ve been gathering data and are going to get additional information from Fox about the analytics on what they put together for the Mayor. She went on to say that they anticipate this information to come during budget reviews.  

Trustee Gandsey stated that the only other idea that she had was since we are doing these different radio segments and other advertising, if there's a way to let local businesses know maybe so they can help prepare. She went on to say for example, if they want to do something special during these events. Village Administrator Paula Schumacher stated that we’ve been doing our business blast and the Chamber of Commerce, and all our businesses so that they can be part of that; especially the next two things that are rolling out with merry and bright to cocoa crawl and the dining week. She stated that they are integral parts of this process. 

Trustee Hopkins asked how the water main is coming along under Oak Avenue under the tracks. Public Works Director Dan Dinges stated that it’s coming along well; he went on to say  that the lining is complete, and they did pressure testing yesterday. He stated they chlorinated  and took their first round of samples and will take the second set tomorrow. He went on to say that if all comes back with no issues, the plan is to have the road back open before the  weekend.  

Trustee LaPorte had a question regarding the noise ordinance violation submitted to Issa’s and whether the residents were notified of the violations.Planning and Development Services Director Kristy Stone stated that they don’t typically reach out to notify anyone of a violation. She went on to say that the violation was hand delivered to Issa’s and that Code Officer’s did  speak to the business owner at the time along with a translator. She stated Issa’s came in to  meet with her; they are looking at a different location that doesn’t have residential premises above them. She went on to say that they understand that they would still need a special use  permit for liquor and a special use for live entertainment.  

12. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS 

A. BUILDING & ZONING COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN GUNSTEEN 

Trustee Gunsteen stated there was no report. 

B. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN GANDSEY Trustee Gandsey stated that there was no report. 

C. FINANCE COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN LAPORTE 

Trustee LaPorte stated that Resolution 2024-112-R, Resolution Approving Waiving Bids and Approving the Purchase of Replacement Copiers from Genesisone was covered and approved under the Consent Agenda. 

D. LICENSE & ORDINANCE COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN HOPKINS 

Trustee Hopkins stated that there was no report. 

E. POLICE & HEALTH COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN SUWANSKI 

Trustee Suwanski stated that there was no report. 

F. PUBLIC WORKS AND GOLF COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN DEYNE 

Trustee Deyne stated that Resolution 2024-113-R; A Resolution Approving Adopting the Bartlett Wayfinding Signage Plan was covered and approved under the Consent Agenda. 

13. NEW BUSINESS 

President Wallace asked about Merry and Bright. Village Administrator Paula Schumacher stated that there was a dry run with the bucket truck and all hands-on deck at the park this week. She went on to say that Cocoa Crawl is nearly at capacity and that there are over 200 people registered at over 35 locations that people can go to. She stated that it’s going to be Merrier and  Brighter. President Wallace asked if we have considered providing some type of Hanover Township bus trip for visitors. Village Administrator Paula Schumacher stated that most pole map out their own route but that they could look further into it if needed.  

14. QUESTION/ANSWER PRESIDENT & TRUSTEES - None 

15. ADJOURNMENT 

President Wallace stated the meeting will adjourn. There being no further business to discuss, Trustee Deyne moved to adjourn the meeting, that motion was seconded by Trustee LaPorte. 

ROLL CALL VOTE TO ADJOURN  

AYES: Trustees Deyne, Gandsey, Gunsteen, Hopkins, LaPorte, Suwanski

NAYS: None 

ABSENT: None 

MOTION CARRIED 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. 

https://www.bartlettil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/15055/638690878755723737