JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING. City of Park Ridge 505 Butler Place Park Ridge, IL

Transcription

1 JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING City of Park Ridge 505 Butler Place Park Ridge, IL April 19, 2010 Mayor Schmidt called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. I. ROLL CALL City Clerk Henneman read the roll call. The following Elected Officials indicated their presence at the meeting: Ald. Sweeney, DiPietro, Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol and Mayor Schmidt. Ald. Bach was absent. There was a quorum. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Attendees of the meeting pledged allegiance to the United States flag. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ald. Sweeney moved approval of the regular City Council meeting minutes of April 5, Motion seconded. MOTION CARRIED / VOICE VOTE IV. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Schmidt read the following Consent Agenda items into the record: MAYOR Arbor Day Resolution ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS First reading of an ordinance for two variances for an addition and an attached two-car garage at 1313 Garden, Zoning Case Number V PROCEDURES & REGULATIONS Final approval of an ordinance to modify Article 2, Chapter 25 regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act complaint procedure PUBLIC WORKS Approval of a twelve-month extension to the contract for cleaning and custodial services at City Hall Approval of IDOT Resolution for construction on State Highways FINANCE & BUDGET COMMITTEE Approve warrants, reviewed by Ald. Wsol for the period ending April 15, 2010 in the amount of $1,141, Moved by Ald. DiPietro. Motion seconded. AYES: Ald. Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol, Sweeney and DiPietro NAYS: None 1

2 V. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS MAYOR Mayor Schmidt announced that he has named Judy Barclay as the Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission. Mayor Schmidt said he would not be present at the April 26, 2010 Committee of the Whole meeting. Therefore, he requested that Ald. DiPietro chair this particular meeting. a. Proclamation- St. Paul of the Cross Engineering Team Mayor Schmidt read a Proclamation and presented it to the St. Paul of the Cross School Engineering team recognizing them for their outstanding participation in the National Engineers Week Future City Competition. b. Recognition of Officer David Cacioppo (IACP) Based on a submission by Police Chief Kaminski, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) chose to recognize and commend Officer David Cacioppo for his service and lifesaving efforts administered to an individual in cardiac arrest last July at a local restaurant. Chief Pat O Connor, IACP President and Chief of Moraine Valley College, presented the LIFE SAVING AWARD to Cacioppo. Chief Kaminski presented Officer Cacioppo with the VFW Police Officer of the Year Award, a ribbon to signify the award. c. Recognition of Citizens Patrol (IACP) Chief Kaminski recognized the Park Ridge Citizens Patrol. They have been working actively and providing outstanding service to the community for 30 years. They were selected by IACP to receive the COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD, for services provided to the community in IACP Chief O Connor presented the award to the Park Ridge Citizens Patrol. He also commended the group on their service to their community. d. / e. Recognition of Tactical Officers, Hector Cruz and Tim McEwen Officers Cruz and McEwen were recognized for their recent drug investigation that seized over 22 pounds of marijuana and in excess of $8,000 cash on 2/12/2010. Cruz and McEwen were recognized with a departmental commendation and recognized for their exceptional commitment and relentless efforts in the arrest that occurred on 2/12/2010. f. Recognition of Officer Robert Evans (see item h) g. Recognition of Officer Karen Suarez (see item h) h. Recognition of four citizens who assisted in a fire, March 19,2010 Acting Chief Sorensen gave a brief summary of an 8-unit structure fire that took place near the corner of Touhy and Dee on March 19, Four bystanders, Gina Horn and Kathleen Hurley, Customs Agent Steve Fischer and off-duty Chicago Fire Fighter Chuck Irey were recognized and presented with a CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION from the Park Ridge Fire Department for their quick thinking, immediate action to assist and heroic life saving efforts. In addition, Police Chief Kaminski recognized Officer Bob Evans and Officer Karen Suarez for their heroic efforts in the above fire incident and for going above and beyond to help the victims after the fire by gathering clothes, furniture and by starting a fund-raising campaign. Both officers were presented with a DEPARTMENTAL COMMENDATION AWARD. Fire victims, George and Cheryl Brio, praised the Police and Fire Department for the service they provide to the community on a daily basis. Mayor Schmidt called for a 5-minute recess at 8:10 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:16 p.m. i. Arbor Day Resolution Moved by Ald. DiPietro. Motion seconded. 2

3 AYES: Ald. Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol, Sweeney and DiPietro NAYS: None j. Proclamation City s 100 Anniversary Mayor Schmidt read and presented the City s 100 Anniversary Proclamation to Sharon Porterfield. Ms. Porterfield, Centennial Committee Chairperson, spoke about special events that are planned to commemorate the City s anniversary. CITY COUNCIL No report CITY ATTORNEY No report CITY CLERK No report CITY MANAGER City Manager Hock dismissed the need to adjourn to closed session. He commented on the budget as it pertains to economic development. City Manager Hock believes the City needs to communicate better with potential developers, after hearing complaints from them about the City changing rules and regulations during their projects. City Manager Hock explained, in January 2010, the City Project Development Team was assembled and is comprised of staff members from various departments who meet with prospective developers to clearly explain the process. Deputy City Manager Maller is the team leader. Furthermore, implementation of the team should allow for an improved regulatory process and streamlined procedure. Any modification to any procedure would be brought before the Council. Lastly, City Manager Hock recognized Economic Director Kim Uhlig and Public Information Coordinator Aggie Stempniak for their dedication and years of service with the City. Both positions have been eliminated due to budget cuts. I. CITIZENS COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS No comments VII. REPORTS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES A. SPECIAL COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Planning & Zoning Commission Ald. Sweeney No report. Zoning Board of Appeals- Ald. Sweeney a. *First reading of an Ordinance for two variances for an additional and an attached twocar garage at 1313 Garden, Zoning Case Number V

4 b. Waive the first reading of an Ordinance for two variances for two wall signs for D Agostino s Restaurant at 742 Higgins Road, Zoning Case V Motion seconded. Ald. Wsol and Ald. DiPietro opposed supporting the motion. Ald. DiPietro did not believe the reason to waive the second reading warranted expediting the process. Ald. Sweeney concurred with comments by Ald. DiPietro. Jennifer Gallery stated she was the attorney representing her client, D Agostino s. She also stated she is a resident of the community and resides at 615 Florence Drive. She attended the ZBA hearing held a few months ago and does not recall any residents of the Seventh Ward testifying against her clients; she does recall business owners objecting to the sign, but not to the business. She indicated that proper protocol was followed with regards to the mailing and no objections were received. She also said the letter to waive the second reading was sent to the City based on instruction given to her by City Attorney Henn. Ald. Sweeney confirmed that several residents did in fact testify, according to the minutes of the hearing. However, no major objections were made. He said the vote was 5-1, with one member absent. AYES: None NAYS: Ald. Ryan, Carey, Wsol, Sweeney, DiPietro and Allegretti MOTION DENIED c. Ald. Sweeney moved approval of the first reading of ordinance for a variance of two wall signs for D Agostino s Restaurant at 742 Higgins Road, Zoning Case V Motion seconded. At the request of Ald. Wsol, the questions were divided. Ald. Sweeney moved approval an Ordinance for a variance allowing one wall sign on the Higgins elevation to be 7 11 above the main display window instead of the maximum 5 permitted by Section 14.6.F.2. Motion seconded. MOTION CARRIED/VOICE VOTE Ald. Sweeney moved approval an Ordinance for a variance allowing a wall sign on the Fairview Avenue elevation to be located nine feet, six inches above the main display window, instead of the maximum five feet permitted by Section 14.6.F.2. Motion seconded. Jim DiCola (419 Meacham) inquired about the size of the proposed sign. Ms. Gallery indicated the proposed sign would be 78 high by 50 wide. Ald. Wsol spoke about his concerns for the sign since it would be illuminated and facing residential homes. He believes the Zoning Code clearly states the requirements for signs and was surprised the building professionals failed to comply. Ald. Wsol believes the petitioner brought this case forward for an economic hardship, not a hardship with the land. Ald. Sweeney noted that the signs would be illuminated until 10 pm on weeknights and 11pm on Friday and Saturday. He also noted the distance from the sign to the closest resident is 250. MOTION DENIED/VOICE VOTE Liquor License Review Board- Mayor Schmidt No report. Procedures & Regulations Committee Ald. Allegretti a. *Final approval of an Ordinance to modify Article 2, Chapter 25 regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act Compliant Procedure. 4

5 b. First reading of modifications to the Liquor Ordinance Class B License and the Outdoor Café Ordinance. Motion seconded. Chris Hickey (625 Austin) is a resident and owns a bar in Chicago. She suggested keeping business in Park Ridge and supported the 2 a.m. close time. Greg Lewis (223 Merrill) has seen businesses come and go. After speaking with many business owners, it is his opinion that Park Ridge has a non-friendly image to new business owners and that the City is too restrictive on licensing. Mike Christy (516 Prospect) spoke in high regards about the proposed business owners. He would like to spend more money taking his family and wife to local establishments in the City and have more amenities available to the residents. Jim DiCola (419 Meacham) is a business owner and resident in Park Ridge. He agrees that people would rather spend their money in the City rather than driving elsewhere. Michael Athans (506 Elmore/32 Main Street) is hoping that the City addresses the issue of limited parking. He welcomes a local restaurant. Don Pavlis (111 Prairie) lives 2 doors away from the proposed business and said the 2 a.m. closing time would not be a concern to him. Tricia Williams (827 Forestview) is a resident and member of MCYAF. She reminded residents that April is Alcohol Awareness month. She favors having a family friendly atmosphere, but not until 2 a.m. She believes that if you allow one establishment to stay open until 2 a.m., others most likely will follow. Lauren Winten (1033 S. Delphia) grew up in Elmhurst and said it is the similarities of Elmhurst and Park Ridge that attracted her to moving into the area. She indicated that Elmhurst has approximately 30 bars/restaurants, but in no way makes it unsavory. If a resident chooses to go out later in the evening, they must choose to go to Edision Park or Rosemont. She would rather keep the business in Park Ridge. Judy Barclay (524 Courtland) believes it is unfair to other business owners by limiting the 2 a.m. time to the Uptown area only. Michael Antogenello (2240 Woodview) said people have been disconnected from one another for too long. Families need a place to talk, relax and enjoy one another. He sees no problem allowing a 2 a.m. closing time on Friday and Saturday evenings. Don Matterhock (430 Root) spoke about the changes to the community over the last 100 years. He believes it is time to keep up with the changes by allowing a few modest changes to help business owners be successful. Raymond LaMantia (218 East) failed to attend the last meeting since he was entertaining clients in Edison Park. He favors moving Park Ridge forward to the 21 st century. Diana Stapleton (226 East Avenue) spoke about her husband s ability to run several successful businesses and trusts that he knows what he is doing. She favors the idea of having an Irish restaurant in town where families can enjoy food, fun, dancing and entertainment. Katie Wilcox (615 Austin) is a mother, Sunday School teacher and Girl Scout leader. She and her husband usually spend their money elsewhere. She favors having an establishment in the City to raise revenue. Mike Healy (1010 Lincoln) is a homebuilder in the City and said all businesses are looking to 5

6 raise revenues. He believes the City needs to be more flexible in order to attract new businesses to prevent them from turning away. Susan Sweeney (411 Grand) supports the proposal. She would like a place for family gatherings after sporting events and one that offers entertainment at night. Tom Crivalone (219 Meacham) is a resident, a restaurant owner for 23 years, in addition to performing as a musician in local establishments. He said the Police Department is already vigilant since the City is in close proximity to Edison Park. In his opinion, this is a great opportunity for the City to increase sales tax revenue. The potential revenue would exceed the public service provided to the community and create fun for all. He favors the 2 a.m. weekend closing time. Eddie Aramia (100 S. Prospect) said he visits Houlihan s approximately two times a week with his kids. As a prior alcoholic who has not drank in 6 years, he supports the 2 a.m. closing time not to drink but to be with friends in town instead of traveling to Edison Park. Laurie Christy (516 S. Prospect) is a mom, nurse and Cub Scout Pack leader. She said she would enjoy a place to go with friends and family. She spoke highly of the restaurateurs who are proposing the new Irish Public House. Ken Ostrol (8060 Ottawa) stated that his children attend Park Ridge schools but resides in Niles. He is in favor of the proposed establishment in Park Ridge and would rather spend his money in the Park Ridge rather than in Edison Park. Ald. DiPietro paraphrased comments made by Mayor Schmidt a year ago about Park Ridge being a bedroom community, which has survived the crossroads of change. Ald. DiPietro believes that growth and development need to be held to the highest standards. He asked that the application be reviewed closely so that any changes do not adversely affect the fundamental character of the community. Ald. Ryan believes the people feel safe in this sleepy community. He asked if the City was willing to risk compromising the character and image, which is what attracts people to Park Ridge. He was pleased to see the amount of parents supporting the idea at the meeting. He asked if Park Ridge would appear to be an appendage to the City of Chicago. He said he would support the business and limit the proposal to the confines of the Uptown area at this time. Ald. Wsol requested that staff provide the Aldermen with a parking plan before the final reading. MOTION CARRIED/VOICE VOTE Mayor Schmidt called for a short recess at 9:20 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:26 p.m. d. Ald. Allegretti moved approval of a TIF/Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and School District 207. Motion seconded. City Manager Hock explained, City Attorney Hill spoke to Mr. Mueller, the president of the School Board District and person who crafted the modification to the agreement. City Manager Hock believes the document contains the clarification requested by the Council. Moved by Ald. DiPietro. Motion seconded. AYES: Ald. Carey, Wsol, Sweeney, DiPietro, Allegretti and Ryan NAYS: None Ald. Allegretti referred the next item to Ald. DiPietro. 6

7 d. Ald. DiPietro moved approval of the City Council referring a modification to Section 4.8.C.2.b to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing. Motion seconded. Ald. DiPietro explained the item relates to a clarification to the Zoning Ordinance. For that reason, the Procedure and Regulation Committee of the Whole referred the matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further clarification along with a Public Hearing. Ald. Allegretti moved to substitute: that the matter be sent to Procedures and Regulations for a recommendation to Planning and Zoning. Motion seconded. Ald. DiPietro believed the Planning and Zoning Commission would hear testimony at the Public Hearing from residents and members of the City Council for direction. He opposed the substitute motion. Ald. Carey and Ald. Ryan requested clarification of the process. It was the Mayor s opinion that Ald. Allegretti would like to refer the matter back to Procedures and Regulations in an attempt to pass something that was recently rejected. Judy Barclay (524 S. Courtland) did not believe the matter should be reconsidered before Procedures and Regulations. She suggested getting the final determination from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Vote to approve the substitute motion: MOTION CARRIED/VOICE VOTE Vote to approve the main motion, as amended with the substitute motion: MOTION CARRIED/VOICE VOTE Public Works Committee Ald. Wsol (for Ald. Bach) a. *Approval of a 12-month extension to the contract for cleaning and custodial services at City Hall b. *Approval of IDOT Resolution for construction on state highways Finance and Budget Committee Ald. DiPietro a. *Approve warrants, reviewed by Ald. Wsol for the period ending April 15, 2010 in the amount of $1,1141, b. Ald. DiPietro moved final approval of the an Ordinance modifying Article 2, Chapter 20, Section 1 Increase in Motor Fuel Tax, one cent per gallon. Motion seconded. AYES: Ald. Wsol, DiPietro, Allegretti, Ryan and Carey, NAYS: Ald. Sweeney c. Ald. DiPietro moved final approval of an Ordinance modifying Article 13, Chapter 9 19, Section 4 Increase in vehicle sticker fees five dollars, from $40 to $45. Motion seconded. In response to an inquiry by Ald. Wsol, City Manager Hock said the revenue derived from the existing and increased vehicle sticker fees would be used for the purposes spelled out in the code: maintenance of the streets. 7

8 Discussion ensued among the Mayor, Aldermen and City Manager regarding the use of the additional funds generated by the increase in vehicle sticker fees. Ald. Sweeney was under the impression that there was a motion at a prior meeting to increase vehicle sticker fees, which would be used to fund community groups. Mayor Schmidt explained, the Council was going to make up for the shortfall for streets and sewers in the General Fund by raising the sticker fees $5 which would result in adding $130,000 to the allotment of money that can be used for street maintenance and taking $130,000 less out of the General Fund to make up the difference. AYES: Ald. DiPietro, Allegretti, Ryan and Carey NAYS: Ald. Sweeney and Wsol d. Ald. DiPietro moved final approval of an Ordinance modifying Article 10, Chapter 4, Section 5 Increase Livery Vehicle Sticker fee five dollars, from $60 to $65. Motion seconded. Judy Barclay (524 Courtland) stated that she was charged and paid the additional amount for her vehicle sticker, even though the increase was not approved as a final reading by the Council. Ald. Sweeney inquired if a refund would be due to residents who have already paid. It was City Attorney Hill s opinion that the money should not be refunded since the stickers are valid 6/2010. He stated that clarification would have been helpful. AYES: Ald. DiPietro, Allegretti, Ryan and Carey NAYS: Ald. Sweeney and Wsol e. Ald. DiPietro moved approval of the first reading to approve an Ordinance modifying Article 11, Chapter 1, Section 9 (B) Increase in sewer rates to $1.22 per 1000 gallons of water. Motion seconded. Judy Barclay (524 Courtland) requested clarification of the increased rates for water and sewer. AYES: Ald. Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol, Sweeney and DiPietro NAYS: None Public Safety - Ald. Wsol No report. VIII. NEW BUSINESS Ald. Ryan spoke about the Public Works appeal process. He would like to have Procedures and Regulations review the matter of requiring a supermajority vote to overturn a Public Works decision. 8

9 Ald. Sweeney reported he was in Springfield with 34 members of the Northwest Municipal Conference for lobbying purposes. He reported on various discussions with legislators regarding pension reform and revenue sharing. Mayor Schmidt reported that approximately 3 weeks ago, he wrote letters to State Treasurer Giannoulious and Congressman Kirk to invite both men to address the residents at a Council meeting regarding O Hare and other issues. To date, neither has contacted the City. IX. ADJOURNMENT The regular City Council meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Transcribed by: Cheryl L. Peterson, Deputy Clerk David F. Schmidt, Mayor Attest: Betty W. Henneman, City Clerk NEXT REGULAR MEETING: May 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. 9