UPAA Highlights
of Village Board Meetings - 2006 Archives
Committee meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of the
month. Items to be placed on the agenda for the board meeting are discussed.
Board meetings are held the first and third Mondays
of the month. Voting is done at board meetings.
All meetings
include the opportunity
for audience participation which takes place near the end of the
meeting. Both committee and board meetings are held at 7:30pm at
the Alsip Village
Hall, 4500 W. 123rd Street, Alsip, Illinois.
All residents are invited to attend Village meetings and see "first-hand"
how their elected officials are dealing with the day to day operations
of our village as well as the many issues and challenges they face.
Look to this section of the
UPAA site for highlights from Village meetings.
Mayor Announces Town Meeting
Regarding an Alsip Post Office and Requests $12,700 for Holiday
Decorations
October 2, 2006
The Board Meeting was called to order with a roll call and Pledge
of Allegiance. Trustees Ceretto and Quinn were absent.
Mayor Kitching reported that there would
be a Town Meeting held at 6 PM at the Village Hall to discuss
a Post Office
for Alsip.
He further reported his recommendation to renew a contract
with Christmas Décor Systems to place Christmas
decorations on light poles for a cost of $7,000.00. Next,
he also recommended
that the Village approve a contract with Meade Electric
(not to
exceed $5,700.00) to install transformers on eight light
poles to allow illuminated decorations. The Mayors final
recommendation was to approve installing sidewalks on 1123rd
St. from Pulaski
to Shirley Lane. The Cook County Highway Department recommended
these sidewalks on the north side of the streets. The
County will pay half and the Village's share of the cost
is estimated
at $9,800.00.
The Clerk reported the Motor Fuel Tax was
$51,377.38 and requested approval to renew the yearly
contract with Complete Office Equipment
which services the Village's typewriters at a cost of $8,10.00
($54.00 per machine). She further added that on 9/28/06 the Village
Hall was used as a training location for the November election.
The
Attorney and Engineer had no report.
The Trustees presented
items from their Standing and Special Committees and were given
unanimous approval through the consent agenda. The
Mayor's and Clerk's requests listed above were approved through
the consent agenda. Some other items passed included the following:
Approval
of $240.00 for Firefighter Ricker to attend CAMEO training
Approval,
not to exceed $12,000.00, for Resource Management to conduct
a search for a new Police Chief
Approval of Hazardous Communications
and Electrical/Aerial Device training for a total of 7
Public Works employees not to exceed
$585.00
Approval to waive permit fees for the Alsip Park District
to install playground equipment at Barnes Park
Approval of
a variance to allow the building of an oversized garage
(24'x40'x13.5') at 11330 South Lawler with stipulations
set by the Planning and Zoning Commission
Approval to waive the
bidding process for emergency repairs of 3 roofs at Heritage
II by Jerry's Roofing at a cost of $38,760.00
with a 15 year guarantee
Approval of an Ordinance requiring remote
monitoring of alarm systems within the Village
Under Unfinished
Business, Trustee Shapiro reported that residents could
call 1-800-719-5766 to give support of House Bill 5766 which
is against lifting the "rate freeze' on electrical rates.
An Agency to be Used in
Search for New Police Chief and Mayor Requests Fund Approval
to Electrify Streetlight Poles for Holiday Decorations
September 25, 2006
The Committee Meeting was called to order at 7:33 PM by Mayor
Kitching with a roll call and Pledge of Allegiance. Trustee Ceretto
and the Village attorney were absent.
Mayor Kitching reported on his plan
for electrifying streetlight poles for Christmas decorations
at a cost of about $700 per pole.
He suggested that the Village start with 8 poles at the intersections
of 127th & Cicero and 119th & Pulaski. The Mayor further
reported that the yearly Christmas street pole decorations by Christmas
Décor Systems would cost $7,000.00 up $1,050.00 from the
previous year. He reported funding would come from the Mayor's
contingent budget and the beautification budget. The Mayor further
reported that Alsip would be splitting the cost of installing
sidewalks near Shirley Lane with Cook County.
Clerk Venhuizen
reported that Motor Fuel Tax Allotment was $51,377.28 and that
she would place on the agenda a renewal of the Village's
typewriter contract.
Under the Village's Standing Committees each
Trustee presented items to be placed on the agenda for the
next Board Meeting.
Finance: Trustee Graczyk reported he would
submit the Village bills.
Fire: Trustee Collins requested $240
for Firefighter Ricker to attend a class in Computer Aided
Management Emergency Operations
(CAMEO) and reported that there would be an Open House at Fire
Station #2 on 10/14/07 for Fire Prevention Week. Mayor Kitching
added that this open house is good for children.
Police: Trustee
Shapiro requested that an agency be used to search for a new
Police Chief and that it would not exceed $12,000.00
in cost. He further added that this search was supported by the
Mayor.
Public Works: Trustee Castaldo requested $585.00 for electrical
safety and hazardous communications training for Public Works
employees.
Building: Trustee Shapiro reported that the Alsip Park
District was requesting a permit fee waiver to install new
equipment at
Barnes Park. The Mayor added that he would like to extend this
courtesy to the Park District as it has been helpful to the Village.
Water/Sewer:
Trustee Quinn requested an informational executive session
at the end of the meeting to discuss water rates and the
Village's contract with Crestwood.
License: Trustee Graczyk reported
he would submit license requests.
Planning/Zoning: Trustee Quinn
reported that a 24x40x13.5 garage permit request at 11330 South
Lawler was passed in Planning and
Zoning with 3 stipulations.
Next, Trustees gave reports for the
Special Committees. (There were no reports for Insurance, Local
Improvements, or the Boat
Launch.)
Village Properties: Trustee Castaldo reported that Bid
Ads for the Heritage II swimming pool reconstruction were placed
in the
Chicago Tribune this past weekend. He further reported that 3
Heritage II roofs needed immediate repair and would request that
Jerry's
Roofing be used as their proposal included a 15 year warranty
on labor and material at a cost of $38,760.00 whereas an alternate
proposal was $38,452.00 but only gave a 7 year guarantee. The
Mayor
asked why this repair wasn't sent out for bid. Trustee Castaldo
replied that emergency repairs can be authorized by the board
without going out to bid.
Ordinance: Trustee Collins requested
the need for an Ordinance on remote monitoring of alarm systems
and will give an update on
Orland Park's smoking ordinance.
Under Unfinished Business, Trustee
Shapiro indicated he would keep monitoring the electric rate
situation and suggested the board "wait
and see as other co-ops pop up".
There was no audience participation
and the meeting was adjourned for an executive session. The meeting
was reconvened by roll call
and then adjourned with no action taken.
Heritage II Residents Irate Because the
Outdoor Swimming Pool Remains Un-Repaired
September 18, 2006
The Board Meeting was called to
order at 7:32 PM by Mayor Kitching pounding his gavel, as well
as the usual roll
call and Pledge
of
Allegiance. All elected
officials were present with the exception of Trustee Ceretto.
Mayor Kitching reported that Meade Electric
provided a proposal for electrifying street poles for decorations
at a cost of $700 per
pole. He asked for Board
members to "look over" the proposal and provide him with direction
as it appears to be "quite costly" and "perhaps should be done
over several years". He further asked Trustee Shapiro for an update
on the third party electricity supplier. Trustee Shapiro reported that
since the
Village had time before a decision had to be made, he recommended the board
listen to
1-2 other proposals. The Mayor then gave some background on an alternative
electric supplier for streetlights and pumping stations due to Com Ed raising
rates in January.
The Clerk reported that there were no bids for repair
of the Heritage II swimming pools but she had received 4 phone calls
since the bids were closed last week
and would provide Trustee Castaldo with the phone numbers of the interested
parties.
There was no report from the Village attorney or the Village
engineer.
The Trustee Chairpersons of the Standing
Committees and Special Committees reviewed their items on the
agenda. The Consent
Agenda was passed unanimously
by the Trustees present with the exception of two items which were pulled from
the agenda by Trustee Shapiro. One pulled item was the request from Strictly
Trucking at 4206 Shirley Lane to use a temporary trailer for 6-12 months for
business operations during construction of a new building. Trustee Shapiro
indicated that Strictly Trucking had been doing business in Bedford Park for
28 years and was new to Alsip. He suggested that approval for a trailer be
given for 6 months and then be reviewed. Trustee Collins asked if the trailer
had washroom facilities to which Trustee Shapiro indicated the trailer would
be fully operational. All present Trustees voted to give Strictly Trucking
approval for a trailer for 6 months and then review its needs. The second item
removed by Trustee Shapiro was a request from Charity Clothing Pickup Services,
Inc. for approval to place clothing boxes at various locations in Alsip. Trustee
Shapiro reported that he reviewed the Village Ordinances and it seemed that
this request would fall under "solicitation" which would require
each charity that receives donations from Charity Clothing Pickup Services
to come before the board to make such a request. He recommended that the board
deny Charity Clothing Pickup's request. A unanimous vote resulted and the request
was denied.
The Consent Agenda included the Village's bills totaling $1,146,050.57.
(The previous UP Highlight of 9/11 includes a list of items that were on
the agenda
for this meeting.)
Under Unfinished Business, Trustee Castaldo
reported that the Village Hall air conditioning unit was to be
installed the
next day. The Mayor noted "how
lucky we were to make it this far" without the new unit. Next, under New
Business, Trustee Shapiro reported that he was still exploring options for
a search agency for a new chief of police.
The final portion of the Board Meeting
was audience participation. Several residents who reside at the Heritage
II apartment complex came to the microphone
to express their opinions and frustration to Mayor Kitching regarding the
pool and other maintenance issues at this complex.
The first resident
indicated that she was unable to swim laps this summer, missed
visiting with friends by the pool, and "maybe I don't understand
these contracts" but was "tired of playing second fiddle to Heritage
I." The Mayor responded, "You're right. You don’t understand
how contractors apply to us." He indicated that the Village had to comply
with state laws and the Board would continue in a legal manner to work to get
a contractor willing to do the repair work at the pool. Trustee Castaldo added
that it took 2 months this past Spring to receive the state permit before the
project even went out to bid. He asked her if she was not aware that she could
use the pool at Heritage I. The resident retorted that "some us don't
drive and we want to use our own pool".
The next resident asked the Mayor
if his "standards were too
high" for
the contractors and that he was "supposed to use our income" from
the complex "to update it". The Mayor indicated that the Board was
doing everything possible, legally, to get this resolved. The resident said "baloney" and "you
could get someone to do it, if you really wanted to". Mayor Kitching responded
that just getting someone is "not the way it works".
A third resident
approached the Board and asked the Mayor what he does with the money from
the complex and said that the village isn't
supposed to get
a profit. Mayor Kitching responded that legally the Village could make a
profit but chooses not to and puts all the income back into
the complexes. The resident
added that at Heritage II there are several benches in disrepair, that "the
landscaping this year is awful" and that her roof leaks when it rains.
She then added, "There are 300 votes over here". Mayor Kitching
loudly asked if she was threatening him with votes.
Next, an Alsip resident who does not
live in the Heritage complexes came to the microphone. He
turned to the audience
and reported that
he had personally
called 38 places trying to find a contractor willing to bid on the pool project.
An audience member asked him why he made these calls. He responded that he
lived in the village a long time and cared about "this generation".
Trustee Quinn stated to the Mayor that the gentleman should be addressing the
Board and not the audience. Some members of the audience spoke out and the
Mayor asked them to be courteous. The gentleman then indicated that the Heritage
residents shouldn't be "putting the blame on the Mayor".
Mayor Kitching then asked the Superintendent
of Maintenance at Heritage II, Rodger Early, to come to the
microphone. He
asked
Mr. Early what
has been done
to find a contractor willing to bid on the pool. Mr. Early reported that
this past week RJC from Mokena indicated they may reconsider
bidding if they can
outsource the non-form part of the project and that there was a contractor
in Michigan who was coming to look at the project. The Mayor reiterated that "the
Board has done everything possible" to address the pool issue.
Another
resident approached the Board and asked when his and other patios were
going to be done because he understood that they were supposed
to
be done in August. Mr. Early responded that the contractor changed the
work
date from August 15 to the first few days of October. Mr. Early reported
that 5 entryways and 10 patios were to be completed. The resident said, "That
I would like to see".
Next another resident rose to speak.
Mayor Kitching stated, "We have
heard enough on this issue". The resident politely requested that she
be allowed to speak in order to show that the Heritage II residents have worked
on this issue as well. She reported that she has called 5 companies herself
but has not gotten an answer. She wanted the Mayor to know that the Heritage
residents aren't "just sitting back". Mayor Kitching told this resident
that the village isn't getting anyone to bid on the work because the Village
has a prevailing wage ordinance and these companies use "illegal workers" and
don't want to pay prevailing wage.
The same resident then asked if they
could advertise in different papers then previously used. Trustee Castaldo
indicated that they
could ask the Clerk to
put the ad in different papers. Several audience members shouted out comments
regarding the bid ad being in the Mount Greenwood Express and the Southtown
which they felt no one reads. Trustee Quinn explained to the resident that
the ads are needed to cover the Village legally, but that most contractors
find out about projects through trade papers. He indicated that trade papers
look for ads in the papers and then publish bid ads which are appropriate
for the trade. He further indicated that the difficulty in
getting a contractor
for the Heritage II project is that larger contractor tend to use union employees
who are paid prevailing wages and it is more cost effective for the contractors
to take bigger jobs. Mayor Kitching thanked Trustee Quinn for his "eloquent
explanation".
Village Board to Consider Alternative Electric Supplier and Water
Committee to Meet and Discuss Water Rate Increase
September 11, 2006
The Committee Meeting was called to order by Mayor Kitching, at
7:33pm, with a roll call and Pledge of Allegiance. No village
attorney was
present; Clerk Venhuizen and Trustee Ceretto were absent.
Mayor
Kitching reported that he is waiting for an estimate from Mead
Electric as to the cost of Christmas lights for the Village's streetlight
poles. He then introduced Bill Brown from Cook County Enterpriz
who
introduced a representative from NEMCO, a broker for electric suppliers
other than Commonwealth Edison (Com Ed). This representative indicated
that he would seek pricing from 3-4 alternative sources and if
the price
he brokers beats Com Ed's price by 2%, then the village has no
fee if it chooses to use this alternative source. If the Village
does
not choose
to use the alternative source and remains with Com Ed then there
is a fee. The Mayor reported that 23 municipalities within
Com Ed's service
use alternative suppliers.
Several Trustees had questions for the
NEMCO broker. First, Trustee Shapiro asked what kind of timeline
was needed to use this service.
NEMCO indicated that the sooner the better to lock in a good rate
but that essentially the village had about 50 days to decide. (Com
Ed rates
are scheduled to increase January 1, 2007.) Next, Trustee Quinn questioned
if the Village would be part of a "pool of towns". NEMCO's
broker stated that by definition Alsip would be part of a pool but that
he works to get individual rates for towns because it is fairer to towns
that use less power than to simply divide cost among towns of significantly
differing sizes. Trustee Quinn, further, confirmed through questioning
that transmission fees would go to Com Ed and that usage fees tend to
be similar for like municipalities. Trustee Collins asked the broker
who Alsip firefighters would call in emergency situations. He indicated
that firefighters would continue to call Com Ed as they have in the
past. Trustee Collins indicated concern that "his guys not be left
without needed service in an emergency". Finally, Trustee Quinn
indicated concern with using alternative suppliers because of the
problems California has faced with rolling blackouts and supplier
scandals since
it opened the supplier market. The NEMCO representative strongly
stated that he did not feel the situations were comparable due to
California laws that required suppliers to purchase a percentage
of power from
market rates. He indicated confidence in his program and suppliers.
Next,
Deputy Clerk, Sharon McDowell (substituting for the Clerk) reported
that she was to open bids for the removal and replacement of the
swimming pool at Heritage II; but, no bids were received. Trustee
Quinn indicated
to the Deputy Clerk that though there were no bids, she needed to
state
for the record that "bidding was closed". The Mayor deferred
to Trustee Castaldo and the Superintendent of the Heritage complexes,
Rodger Early, to indicate how they thought the Village could get
some bids for the pool. Mr. Early stated that he spoke with some contractors
who noted they were not interested because of the Village's prevailing
wage ordinance and because the pool is not a "form pool".
There was discussion of putting bid ads in papers other than the
Southtown and Mt. Greenwood Express, as well as seeking contractor
names from
other towns with pools.
Then, the Trustee Chairpersons gave reports
of Standing and Special Committees and indicated what items were
to be placed on the agenda
for the next Board Meeting. Some items included the following:
Under Finance: a request for two Transfer
Tax Refunds and $837.00 for a
copier/fax machine for the Finance Department
Under Police: a
request for new body armor for 42 officers at
$475.00 per vest for a total of $19,950.00 with a cash grant
of $11,555.00
to defer the total cost, a request to pay accumulated personal
leave for Lt.
Kessler ($41,060.98) and Chief Dalzell ($38,621.04) under a
Village
Ordinance which provides cash bonus to be paid over final 4
months of employment.
Under Building: the monthly report will
be included, a request for a temporary trailer
for Strictly Trucking for 6-12 months, an extension for a tent
sale at FIM on 111th Street 9/17/06 to 9/24/06, a request
from Charity Clothing Pick-up to
to place collection boxes in Alsip, a request to waive the permit fees for
School
District 126 roof work at Stony Creek School, and a request from the Lawmen Club to have a DJ.
Under Water/Sewer: Trustee Quinn reported
that he, Mr. Palumbo, Mr. Behrens,
and Trustee Shapiro were meeting Wednesday, September 13, 2006 to further consider
increasing water rates and the sale of a six million dollar bond to
complete necessary water infrastructure updates.
Under License: a list of
requested licenses will be presented.
Under Ordinance/Legislation: a draft
of an updated handicap ordinance and
continued exploration of needed smoking ordinance will be
discussed.
Under unfinished business, Trustee Shapiro discussed
the continued work to find an agency to proceed with the
police chief search.
Finally, one member of the audience approached
the board and expressed concern that there
should be ramp entrances at the Heritage Complexes. She noted
that she understands residents have to be independent,
but that
even people who can care for themselves often need a ramp. The
Mayor deferred her concern to Trustee Castaldo and Mr. Early.
They reported
that all the buildings will be handicapped accessible in the future
and currently 4 out of 15 buildings are completed. They stressed
that the buildings are not violating any current law and
prior to residents
moving in they are made aware of the handicap limitations. Mr.
Early reported to this resident that the contractor constructing
the ramp
on her entrance changed his completion date from August to October.
Water and Sewer Committee Considering a Raise on Water Rates and
Village Needs to Create a Smoking Ordinance or Cook County's Ordinance
Will be Forced on Alsip in 2007
August 28, 2006
The Committee Meeting was called to order by gavel at
7:30 PM with a roll call and Pledge of Allegiance. No Village
attorney was present and Trustee Ceretto was absent.
Mayor Kitching
reported that the Village's audit would be back in a
few weeks and took half the time of the last audit and will cost
half as much.
Clerk Venhiuzen led a discussion on proposed Village
meeting dates over the upcoming holidays. The Clerk suggested
canceling village meetings
on December 26, 2006 and January 2, 2007 to meet AFSME holidays
for village workers. Trustee Quinn expressed concern that the proposed
dates would leave the Village unable to conduct business for
4
weeks which
would include being unable to approve payroll and other bills.
The Mayor indicated that he felt a month was too long. The Clerk
and
board agreed
to further research and discussion of this issue
Trustees who head
Standing Committees and Special Committees presented their items
to be placed on the agenda for the next Board Meeting on
9/5/06. Some of the items reported to be placed on the agenda include
the following:
Fire Department request for $6,500 for 2 representatives
of each Alsip Firehouse to be involved with the Foreign Fire
Tax Insurance fund
and letters of commendation
A list of Village bills and list of
licenses
Police Department request for $6,830.97 for a years
supply of ammunition (where in the past the ammunition was
requested
bi-yearly,
the cost of ammunition is expected to double next year) and
a request for a new police squad fro $22,000
Referral to
Planning and Zoning requests for a subdivision at 11208 S.
Lawler into two lots of 50' X 203' and an unspecified
variance
for
the Antioch Ian Church of the Virgin Mary
Request to
award the sidewalk program bid to Frasier (has done sidewalks
in Alsip for the last 6 years) for
$5.10 per
square foot
to start 9/18/06, a request to put out bids to replace
an air compressor in Public Works and a bid to resurface
the concrete
floors in Public
Works which was last done in 1992
Several Trustees presented
information that was for informational purposes only.
Under
Sewer and Water, Chairperson Trustee Quinn, indicated that he
met with Trustee Shapiro and Mr. Behrens (Superintendent of Water)
t
to discuss the needs of the Village Water Department. The meeting
resulted in a possible recommendation to raise water rates with
consideration
of a $6 million bond to fund needed water infrastructure updates
including work on one of the water towers. He further reported
consideration of
possible changes in the Village's contract with Crestwood which
is
up in October. (Crestwood purchases some of its water from Alsip.)
Mayor
Kitching indicated that even with a raise in rates, Alsip would
have one of the lowest water rates in the area.
Also for informational
purposes, under Ordinance/Legislation, Chairperson Trustee Collins
reported meeting with other town representatives to
discuss Cook County's Smoking Ban Ordinance to go into effect on
March 7, 2007. He reported that all towns in Cook County will have
to follow
the Cook County Ordinance if they do not create their own ordinances.
He reported that Orland's ordinance forbids smoking in all public
buildings and businesses with the exceptions of free standing taverns
that do
not serve food and nursing homes which are considered a "place
to live". He indicated that he would be meeting again with Southwest
Area representatives and would keep the board updated with further
information. He suggested that Alsip would be better served by creating
its own ordinance.
Trustee Shapiro asked Trustee Collins if he planned to get input
from Alsip businesses to which Trustee Collins indicated he thought
that
business input would be necessary.
Further, under New Business, Trustee
Shapiro reported that Com Ed is anticipating a 24% rate increase
for electricity in January and that
the board would need to discuss how they could mitigate the cost.
There
was no audience participation and the Committee Meeting was adjourned
at 8:10 PM.
Immediately after this adjournment, a Special Board
Meeting was called to order with a roll call and there was unanimous
approval of Pavement
Systems (out of Blue Island) to seal and stripe the Village Hall
parking lot for a cost of $5,713.00.
Mayor Reads
Statement Providing His Reasons to Drop CALEA, Police Department
Three Year Contract Approved,
and Final Approval Awarded to White Castle Project
August 21, 2006
The Board Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM with a roll call and
Pledge of Allegiance. Trustee Ceretto was absent.
Mayor Kitching started his report by reading
a statement outlining his reasoning for dropping CALEA (a national
police department
accreditation program). The Mayor indicated that the statement
was in response to
the concerns brought out by Trustee Quinn at the last Village Committee
Meeting. The statement indicated that it takes a year to complete
the accreditation program; that it has to be paid for prior to
the assessment;
that CALEA provides updates and recommendations “so we aren’t
losing guidance or professionalism”; that there is no monetary
advantage to the village to have CALEA; and, that the police department
does not have the manpower for this program as “it will be one
year before the police department is full strength ”.
Mayor Kitching then indicated that he was making emergency, temporary
appointments of Trustee Shapiro to head the Police Committee
and Trustee Gracyzk to head the Finance Committee, both replacing
Trustee Ceretto
who has chaired these committees.
Trustee Quinn asked the Mayor if it still
takes a year to complete CALEA since the police department has
prior CALEA accreditation
experience and would the Mayor be open to listening to recommendations
by the Police
Committee. Mayor Kitching said that “the reconstituted committee
could make recommendations” but restated that the police department
did not have adequate manpower to do CALEA.
Mayor Kitching continued his report by reading
the proclamation for September to be the National Alcohol and
Drug Addiction Recovery
Month
and reported that “Worth Day” signs have been placed.
Clerk VenHuizen reported that she would no
longer be reading the consent agenda out loud but that copies
of the consent agenda would
be available
to all the public in attendance. She opened two bids for the 2006
Sidewalk Replacement Program: Frasier Concrete Inc. $5.10 per square
feet and
Peloza was $5.25 or $5.45 per square feet if the walk is 5” or
7” respectively. She presented the July Motor Fuel Tax as $48,536.74,
reminded the Board of the Illinois Municipal League Conference, and
indicated that Alsip Village Hall was chosen as a “showcase” by
the Cook County Clerk’s Office for early voting in the next
election.
The Village Attorney introduced a new associate and had no report.
The Village Engineer had no report, as well.
Trustee Chairpersons of Standing Committees
and Special Committees presented items (29 in total) listed on
the consent agenda. Two
items were reworded and two items were removed from the list. The
Clerk read
out loud only those items that required a Resolution Number or
an Ordinance number, such as the list of submitted Village bills
totaling $1,153,602.31
and the Resolution number for the approval of a three year union
contract between the Alsip FOP Lodge 31 (these words changed from
original agenda
which stated “Police Department” as suggested by Trustee
Quinn) and the Village of Alsip. Trustee Shapiro requested that the
authorization for the Mayor to hire a consultant to start the hiring
process for a new police chief be changed to “Authorization for
the Village” with “Village” replacing “Mayor” in
the written agenda.
Trustee Castaldo requested two items be removed from the consent
agenda. First was the removal of authorization to advertise for bids
for replacement
of the pool at Heritage II as this was approved at a prior Board
Meeting. And next, he requested tabling approval of a proposal for
the sealing
and striping of the Village Hall parking lot and requested it
be voted on 8/28/06 at a Special Meeting because further discussion
and exploration
was needed.
The amended consent agenda passed unanimously.
The White Castle project on the northwest corner of 122nd St. and
Cicero Ave.was approved through the consent agenda and stipulates
by the Planning
and Zoning Commission the requirement of 60 parking spaces and
signage posted for drive thru at both entrances.
Some of the other
items approved through the consent included the following
approval
of a list of bills totaling $1,153,602.31
authorization to refer
the Village’s involvement in the
CALEA process to the Police
Committee for review and recommendation
authorization for Chicago
Motor to park new tractors on the Alsip Boat Launch
property for one week
authorization of $14,310.00 for Police
Department to purchase six Code 3 LED light bars
and controllers to equip six replacement squads
authorization
for funds to pay for police officer and deputy
police chief training totaling $670.00
approval of recommendation by the Planning
and Zoning Commission to deny the
request for T-Mobile, for both a height variance and a residential
setback variance,
to erect a 105” cell tower at 11601 S. Pulaski
authorization
to refer Great Lakes Trust Company to Planning and Zoning for
a subdivision at 4501-4547 W. 127th St
authorization to refer
Alsip Industrial Partners to Planning and Zoning for a request to store boats and campers during winter months
acceptance
of the Zeiler Management Contract in its new form
There was
no Unfinished Business or audience participation and the
meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Police Chief Dalzell to Retire At The End Of The Year and Mayor Kitching
Decides To End Police Accreditation Process (CALEA)
August 14, 2006
The Committee Meeting was called to order with
a roll call and Pledge of Allegiance.
Trustee Ceretto was absent. Mayor Kitching and all other board
members were present. The Mayor, Clerk and Trustees presented
items to be placed
on the agenda for the next Board Meeting.
Mayor Kitching's report
included a proposed proclamation to designate the month of September
as the National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Month and a request from the Village of Worth to display Worth
Days signs in Alsip.
Other items to be placed on the agenda for
the 8/21/06 meeting included the following: the Motor Fuel Tax
Allotment, a resolution for the Illinois
Municipal League 93rd Annual Conference, a Real Estate Transfer
Tax refund of $507.50, Alsip Police Department authorization to
lease
or purchase a photo copier, a block party request, a petition
from T-Mobile
to put a cell tower at 11601 S. Pulaski, a request from Terry Markham
(owner of White Castle) for parking requirements at 12150 S. Cicero,
a contract for Zeiler Management and a request from Chicago Motor
to park new tractors on the east end of the Alsip Boat Launch
property.
Additional items to placed on the agenda (but not listed
on the 8/14/06 agenda) included the following: Fire and Police
Department requests
for approval of training courses, a Police Department request to
purchase 3 light bars from the state, sidewalk program bids to
be opened at 8/21/06
meeting, Heritage II pool specs to go out for bid, a request from
Alsip Industrial Partners (5745 West 120th St.) to have permission
to park
boats and trailers and a clarification of the authority for the
building commissioner to refer requests for special use to Planning
and Zoning
without going to the Village Board first in cases where the special
use is the proper zoning but not to avoid proper rezoning.
Trustee
Quinn asked Mayor Kitching about the decision process and his
letter regarding the decision to end the Alsip Police Department's
CALEA
accreditation process. Trustee Quinn expressed concern over abandoning
CALEA, and having no other process in place to measure or keep
the police
department operating as a professional department. Trustee Collins
questioned Alsip Police Chief Dalzell on the benefits of the
process.
Trustee Castaldo brought up the fact that the Police Chief
has submitted his retirement as of the end of the year and suggested
that a search
begin immediately for a new chief. Trustee Quinn indicated he will
request authorization to hire a firm to do a nationwide search
for a new chief
at the next Board Meeting.
Several residents and business owners
spoke to the board:
A resident, who lives across the street from where T -Mobile
wants to put a cell tower, expressed her strong objection
to the tower. A representative
from T- Mobile approached the board to once again outline its need
for a tower at this location. Mayor Kitching indicated that
chances
of the board
overriding the Planning and Zoning Commission's decision to deny
the request for the cell tower was slim.
Trustee Quinn had questions
regarding traffic flow and the logistics of 2 "drive thru's" on one lot at 12150 S. Cicero. The property
and Dunkin Donuts owner, and representatives from White Castle, strongly
stated that they think the "drive thru's" will work well and
pointed out that peak hours of these two businesses do not coincide.
They further indicated that the routes will be well marked and signed
which will "train" their customers.
The owner of 3 D Gymnastics
at 5019 W. 123rd St. approached the board about access to the
space he is renting there and requested some compromise
regarding the gates installed after he rented his space. The
Mayor told him that there would be no compromise because residents
come
first.
A resident who lives adjacent to Marist High School appeared
extremely upset that signs for resident parking only, requested
over a year ago,
had not been posted and that school would be starting soon.
Other streets in the area have signs posted. Mayor Kitching
indicated
that he met
with Marist and its new parking lot will be completed soon,
but after school starts.
A final resident approached the board and complained
that no work has been done in his area (near Avon) in 30
years and stated that he felt
most of street work was being done east of Cicero. Vince Cullen,
Superintendent of Public Works stated that several millions
of dollars of work have
been done in the Hazelgreen area. The board agreed that there
was always more street work that needed to be done.
The Budget
For Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Passes -
Mayor Projects An $8,000 Surplus
July 31, 2006
The first meeting of the evening
consisted of a Public Hearing for the Budget and Appropriation
Ordinance and was called to order at 7:31PM with a pledge
of allegiance and roll call. Trustee Ceretto was absent
but all other board members and the Mayor were present.
The Mayor indicated that the projected appropriations and
expenditures provided for an $8,000 surplus in the budget.
There were no questions or comments from the audience and
the meeting was adjourned at 7:33PM
The next meeting was the regularly scheduled
Committee Meeting which was called to order immediately following
the Public Hearing for the Budget Ordinance.
Mayor Kitching reported on the new ISO
rating for the Fire Department and read a letter from the
ISO board. The Fire Department's new ISO rating is a 3 (down
from a 4) and per the Mayor was" just a few points away
from being a 2". Mayor Kitching further indicated that
he was proud of the hard work done to attain this rating,
that such a rating would attract new business and industry,
and that the rating had not been done for 15 years. (Trustee
Collins, Fire Committee Chairperson, reported later in the
meeting that the next ISO rating would be done in another
15 years.)
The Clerk reported that she planned to
have a broken laser jet printer removed, planned to reorganize
the mailboxes, planned to add a lock to the closet which
holds resolutions and ordinances and finally that the Mayor's
secretary would be handling the Municipal League Conference
reservations.
Next, approximately 17 items were presented
by the Trustees of the various Standing Committees and Special
Committees to be placed on the agenda for the next Board
Meeting. Some of the items included the following: refunds
for duplicate vehicle stickers, requests for permits for
a block party and a VFW picnic, authorization of $895 for
a safety conference for Fire Chief Geraci and $295 for a
training course for Deputy Fire Chief Vrshek, a waiver of
the one day liquor license fee for St. Terrence's picnic,
a request for a lawn signs permit for Richards High School,
a request for a variance by a resident on Lawler to build
a 24 ft. by 40 ft. garage, and a request for a permit by
Black Oak to subdivide a lot at 11208 S. Lawler.
Planning and Zoning Chairperson, Trustee
Quinn, reported that the White Castle project planned to
have all necessary paperwork in prior to the next Board Meeting.
Trustee Castaldo reported that he was
still waiting for the plans and specs for the Heritage II
pool before it could be put out to bid and asked Superintendent
of Public Works, Vince Cullen, to give an update on the speeding
issue. Mr. Cullen reported that the plastic strips were ordered
and a plan for placement was being finalized. Mayor Kitching
indicated that he saw the plan and it looked good.
Under Unfinished Business, Mr. Michael
Schnell, who is developing town homes on property at 122nd
Street and 45th Avenue, reported that his water and sewer
permits were "not in yet" and expressed concern
that he is being held up from starting foundation work and
further building. Trustee Shapiro, Building Chairperson,
indicated that as he had reported earlier in the meeting,
permission for foundations would be voted on at the next
meeting.
Under New Business, the Mayor reported
that Chicago Truck was asking for permission to park some
trucks at the Alsip Boat Launch during construction at its
business. He further reported that the Chicago Truck was
willing to compensate the Village but no specific compensation
was noted. After clarifying that it is only tractors and
not semis, (which The Public Works' Superintendent, Vince
Cullen, said he felt the Boat Launch lot could safely hold),
Trustee Graczyk, the Boat Launch Chairperson, stated he would
find out what kind of compensation would be offered, what
dates the company would need to use the lot and would report
back to the board. Mr. Cullen then added that he felt a "hold
harmless" agreement would be indicated.
Two members of the audience addressed
the board. The first was Pastor Miller, of New Hope Church,
located on 115th Street. He asked the Board to look into
allowing a sign on 115th Street and Cicero to direct people
to the church. He indicated that Oak Lawn has such signs
and that the religious groups reimburse the village for the
cost. Trustee Castaldo indicated that he didn't believe there
was an ordinance for such signs in Alsip but it could be
looked into. Mayor Kitching stated that the corner the Pastor
requested is owned by the County and the State which would
likely make it a problem. Trustee Quinn asked if the Pastor
had a copy of Oak Lawn's ordinance; he did not. Trustee Quinn
indicated that reviewing Oak Lawn's ordinance would be good
place to start. The second audience member who addressed
the Board was a new resident living near the corner of 116th
and Kolin and reported great concern about persons "blowing
through stop signs" including a drunk driver who hit
a car on 7/21/06. She requested that a "radar box" be
placed in this area. Chief Dalzell indicated that he could
have a speed box monitor placed in the area.
After the Committee Meeting was adjourned
at 8:02PM, the Special Board Meeting was called to order
at 8:03PM. The Trustees unanimously approved the adoption
of the Annual Appropriation Ordinance and unanimously adopted
the Estimate of Revenue Projections for the Fiscal Year.
The Approval of the Salary Ordinance was voted "present" by
Trustees Quinn and Castaldo and "yes" by Trustees
Shapiro, Collins, and Graczyk as well as "yes" by
Mayor Kitching, thus passing the Salary Ordinance.
The final item of the evening was
to vote on approval of extending the Zeiler Management
contract to 4/30/07, with no changes. Trustee Quinn asked
if the final contract was exactly the same because it was
his understanding there were insurance changes and he did
not receive a copy of the new contract. Mr. Palumbo, the
Finance Director, said that he neglected to distribute
the final contract. Trustee Quinn indicated that it probably
was not a "big deal" but wasn't comfortable voting
without seeing the final draft. The Trustees voted unanimously
to extend the current contract 8 days and table the vote
on the changed Zeiler contract until the next Board Meeting.
The Special Meeting was adjourned at 8:10PM.
A Public
Hearing on the Village's Budget and a Special Board Meeting
to Vote on Budget to be Held 7/31/06 - The Final Day State
Statutes Allow
July 17, 2006
The Village Board Meeting was called to
order at 7:33PM. Trustee Ceretto was absent with the Mayor
and all other Trustees present.
The Mayor had no report. The Clerk reported
that there would be no meeting 7/24/06 due to five Mondays
in July, but that the July 31, 06 meeting would include a
Public Hearing regarding the Village's budget for next year,
as well as the regular Committee Meeting and a Special Board
Meeting to vote on the budget. By State law the village has
to pass a budget by 7/31/06.
The Clerk further reported that all Trustees
received a plat of the Village land to be purchased by the
Tollway Authority, (this plat was requested at the last Committee
Meeting by Trustee Quinn) and no further discussion of this
land ensued. She also reported on the Ordinance for Competitive
Bids and that the Motor Fuel Tax allotment to the Village
was $51,148.80.
The Trustee/Chairpersons for each Committee
(including those covering for Trustee Ceretto's committees)
re-presented their items on the consent agenda. Nineteen
out of 22 items on the consent agenda were passed including
a list of Village bills totaling $947,657.51.
Three items were pulled for discussion:
Trustee Shapiro asked that the authorization to lease or
purchase a photocopier for the Police Department be tabled
until mid-August after the budget is finalized. Trustee Castaldo
requested that the consent agenda item to extend the Zeiler
Management Contract until April 30, 2007 be tabled until
the Special Board Meeting on 7/31/06 as further details are
needed. And further, Trustee Castaldo requested that the
new proposed contract with the T-Mobile Cell Tower be denied
as he reiterated from previous meetings that although the
contract was longer, the yearly fee was far less than surrounding
areas. A vote was taken and all Trustees voted to retain
the current T-Mobile contract.
Trustee Castaldo gave an update on speeding
issues which have been a focus of public input for the past
several meetings. He reported that Police Chief Dazell has
compiled data for the targeted areas and Chief Dazell indicated
it would take about 1 week to process this information into
a report. Trustee Castaldo further reported that in the meantime
he suggested that Public Works initiate fluorescent signing
and painting on Avon, Hamlin and Lawler. Vince Cullen, the
Superintendent of Public Works, described a product of plastic
strips that could be installed by Public Works employees,
which would act something like a "rumble strip" to
get a driver's attention to slow down without actually having
to use speed hump or table. These strips could be removed
in the winter to avoid snowplow damage. No roll vote was
needed to initiate these speeding measures as Public Works
has needed funds in its budget and there was no voiced opposition.
There was no closed session, no
statements from the audience and the meeting was adjourned
at 8:02PM.
Residents Remain Frustrated by Speeding
and Harlem Irving Developer to Close On The
Old Auto Auction Site
July 10, 2006 Committee
Meeting Highlights
The Village Committee Meeting was called
to order at 7:33PM. Trustee Ceretto and the Village attorney
were not present.
Mayor Kitching had no report but near
the end of the meeting an Alsip resident, who indicated he
had lived in the Village for 42, years asked if the "Home
Depot development" was still "a go". Mayor
Kitching indicated that the developer was to close on the
property by the end of the month and that nothing would stop
the development from going forward.
The Clerk and Trustees presented 20 items
to be placed on the agenda for the next Board Meeting. Some
of these items included: a list of bills for the Village
and license requests, requests for 3 block parties, letters
of recognition for Police and Fire personnel, proposals for
tree trimming at the Heritage complexes, requests for bids
on seal coating the Village Hall parking lot, and a request
to hire two replacement positions in Public Works.
One specific item reported by the Clerk,
regarding a resolution to approve a contract for sale of
real estate between the Village and the Toll Authority, prompted
some discussion. Trustee Castaldo expressed concern that
the Mayor did not have a survey of the exact location of
this transaction and that he would not vote on selling village
property without knowing the location and the purpose. The
Mayor reported that it isn't unusual for the Toll Authority
to need some of a village's property and that this piece
of property wasn't very large, just a "few feet near
the South Water Tower." The Village is to receive $11,000
for the property. Trustee Quinn requested a plat of the survey.
Trustee Castaldo asked the Superintendent of the Water Department,
if he was familiar with this piece of property. Mr. Behrens
reported that it was his understanding that this property
was an area the Toll authority indicated years ago may be
needed for easements.
Another item which prompted discussion
amongst the Board, as well as two residents during audience
participation, was speeding on village streets and possible
litigation if speed humps/tables are installed. As Chairman
of the Public Works, Trustee Castaldo reported that the Fire
Department gave its "OK" for speed humps, that
the Police traffic study was still underway, and that the
attorney wrote an opinion indicating that to avoid litigation
the safer the speed humps the better. The Village attorney
was not present to address specific litigation concerns.
Board members agreed to put traffic calming measures, such
as signs and painting, on the agenda for the next meeting.
One resident expressed that he felt signs and painting would
be ignored and another resident reported that if the "bump
is at a stop sign there should be no litigation because it
is the law to stop". The Mayor indicated that unfortunately "we
live in a litigation society".
There was no Closed Session as each Trustee
had received an informational letter regarding Village litigation
and the Village attorney was not present. The Mayor requested
that the T-Mobile Cell Contract be put on the Board Meeting
agenda. The meeting was adjourned.
Funding Approved to Start Engineering
Plan for Heritage II Swimming Pool
July 3, 2006
- Board Meeting Highlights
The Village Board meeting started on time
at 7:30 PM with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. With
the exception of Trustee Ceretto the entire board was present
as well as the village attorney.
Mayor Kitching requested that the appointment
of John Scolum to the Police and Fire Commission be removed
from the consent agenda and be voted on first. Mr. Scolum's
appointment was voted in unanimously and he was sworn in
by Mayor Kitching.
The items placed on the agenda at the
previous committee meeting were represented by the Mayor,
Clerk and the various Committee Chairpersons.
One issue presented by the Village Engineer,
Tom Lang, concerned ordinances for Control of Post Construction
Storm Water Runoff and an ordinance for Erosion and Sediment
Control. Mayor Kitching had some questions for Mr. Lang regarding
Storm Water Management because FEMA guidelines need to be
met to share in potential federal monies that may be received
by the "Cal Sag Council" (a group of south suburban
mayors addressing storm water federal regulations). Trustee
Quinn indicated that the village has always used the Metropolitan
Water Reclamation District for these type of issues and suggested
he could provide Mr. Lang with the name of someone at MWRD
who might be helpful in sorting out these water management
issues.
Under Public Works, Trustee Castaldo
reported that he is working with the Village Police and the
Village attorney on the "speed hump" issue and
that in the meantime the Superintendent of Public Works,
Vince Cullen, will be working on some "traffic calming" techniques,
such as painting, which would not require new funding. Further,
under special committee reports, Trustee Castaldo presented
and led discussion on the hiring of Innovative Aquatic Design
to provide engineering, design and permits for a new 1,067
square feet pool at the Heritage II, Senior Complex. Trustee
Castaldo emphasized to the public attending the meeting that
the senior complexes are self sustaining and a new pool would
be paid for through Heritage II's revenue and not village
taxes. The board voted yes through the consent agenda to
hire Innovative Aquatic Design for $4050.
Trustee Quinn requested that item
E, an ordinance to establish competitive bid requirements,
be removed from the consent agenda so that he would have
more time to review this ordinance. The board agreed to
table this item until the next board meeting on 7/17/06.
The remaining 27 items on the consent agenda were approved
unanimously including payment of $500,784.32 in Village
bills. (See the "Highlights" of
the 6/26/06meeting for specific
agenda items.)
Under new business Trustee Shapiro requested
that all involved in "saving the SS Alsip Poseidon" be
thanked--the Village Hall had some extensive flooding in
the basement and apparently many Village workers pitched
in to contain and clean up the water.
There was no audience participation and
the board adjourned at 8:37 PM after an Executive Session.
There was no action taking after the closed session.
Mayor's Initial
Budget Proposal Exceeds Projected Income by $830,000
June 26, 2006 - Committee Meeting Highlights
The Village Board met until 9:50 PM after
a long Committee Meeting that was followed by a Special Board
Meeting regarding a new air conditioning unit for Village
Hall and a Finance Committee Meeting to discuss the Budget
Review for Fiscal Year 2007.
Prior to the reports from village officers
(as well as reports from standing and special committees),
Lieutenant Christopher Radz and Patrolman James McGreal were
sworn in as Deputy Chief and Lieutenant (respectively) of
the Alsip Police Department.
The Mayor's report included the appointment
of retired firefighter John Scolum to the Police and Fire
Commission to fill the vacancy of Ray Smithers who recently
passed away. The Clerk, reporting for herself and the village
engineer, described three ordinances that need to be placed
on the agenda regarding competitive bid requirements and
meeting national pollutant discharge standards.
Trustee Ceretto, head of the finance committee
reported that a bill for the double gate at 123rd and LaVergne
for $4,060, as well as refunds for a vehicle sticker return
and a resident's transfer tax stamp, should be put on the
agenda. He further reported, as Chairman for the Police Committee,
a request for a permit for a band at a graduation party 7/1/06.
Trustee Collins, fire committee chairman,
stated he had a letter of commendation for the Alsip Fire
Dept. to be put on the agenda. For the insurance committee
he reported there was a meeting 6/27/06. He had no report
for the ordinance/legislation committee.
Trustee Castaldo, Chairman, Public Works
Committee,Village Properties and Local Improvements committees,
led a lengthy discussion of "speed bumps" to address
speeding on Avon and Lawler between 111th and 115th streets.
Vince Cullen, the Superintendent of Public Works, as requested
by Trustee Castaldo at the prior meeting, prepared and presented
a thorough report on "speed bumps". A copy was
provided to all board members. A needs assessment will have
to be done in conjunction with the Police Dept. and various
types of traffic speeding controls were discussed such as
street painting, signs and "speed tables" (removable
structures wide enough to take the length of a car). Residents
from the affected area were encouraged by Trustee Castaldo
to participate in the discussion. Trustee Castaldo suggested
that the Police Dept. initiate a study in the area and suggested
residents get a petition. One resident indicated that she
presented a petition to the Mayor at an earlier meeting.
The Mayor and Clerk did not appear to be aware of such a
petition. Trustee Castaldo suggested the resident bring a
copy . Under local improvements, Trustee Castaldo reported
that bid requests would go out for 9,000 square feet of sidewalk
repair. He had no report for the health/pollution committee.
Trustee Shapiro, Chairman of the Building
Committee, asked that the following items be placed on the
agenda: a request for a permit for an attached rooftop air
balloon for the White Hen on 115th St., a request to waive
permit fees for the Alsip Park District’s Summer Concert
Series, a permit request for The Lighthouse Church festival
and Liberty Auto's request for a transfer of its business
license.
Trustee Graczyk, Chairman of the License & Boat
Launch committees indicated he would submit a list of licenses
for approval and had no boat launch report.
Trustee Quinn, Chairman of the Planning/Zoning
and Water/Sewer committees reported that the South water
tower was cleaned of graffiti and treated with a special
paint to resist graffiti. He further reported the need for
the replacement of a water main at 123rd Pl. and 44th Ct.
at a cost of $41,000. He requested approval of pay for 10
vacation days and one floating holiday for Tony Delberto
who resigned from public works as of 6/6/06. Under planning
and zoning, Trustee Quinn indicated that a request for a
special use permit for a coffee shop at 11525 S. Pulaski
needs to be put on hold pending a possible public hearing
and clarification by the village attorney. Other planning/zoning
requests to be placed on the board meeting agenda include
the Pro Logis Subdivision at 11740 S. Austin and 11800 S.
Austin; a subdivsion on Avon Ave.; a request from Food For
Less for division on its lot and a request by a business
at 5745 W. 120th to use its vacant lot for an RV/boat storage
area.
After the Committee Meeting the Mayor
and Trustees met in closed Executive Session to discuss ongoing
negotiations. The board returned and called to order an open
meeting to discuss an air conditioning unit for the village
hall. The board unanimously chose Allied Mechanical (located
in Alsip) to provide and install a new a/c unit for $48,369.
This unit is a more advanced model and can be used with the
current system. Other proposals ranged from $41,5045 to $51,800.
The final meeting of the evening
was a public meeting of the Finance Committee to discuss
the current proposed budget for 2007. Mr. Pulumbo, the
financial director, reported that this budget exceeds his
projected income by about $830,000. Mayor Kitching provided
no direction or suggestions on how to address this difference
other than indicating that he is fairly confident he has
secured a $50,000 grant towards the cost of the new $400,000
fire engine. He further stated that the budget has to be
approved by the end of July. Trustee Castaldo indicated
that department heads would need to explain justification
for their requests. Trustee Quinn reported that the board
should keep in mind that a Water Dept. line in the budget
neglected to include $50,000 for engineering. Mr. Pulumbo
reminded the board that last year the board returned the
budget to department heads to reduce their budgets. Trustee
Collins indicated that the Fire Dept. already submitted
a reduced budget. The trustees agreed that all departments
would be requested to make a 3-4% cut in their budgets.
The board meeting had a lengthy agenda
of 29 items and included a closed session to discuss police
department appointments and pending litigation “affecting,
involving or against the village."
After the closed session, no discussion
or action was taken regarding potential litigation. Mayor
Kitching then indicated that appointments were his choice
to make, that he would choose the best person for a position
and that he loved his police department. He then stated that
due to budget constraints he would appoint Christopher Radz
as Deputy Chief and James McGreal as Lieutenant. A roll call
was taken: Trustees Shapiro, Grazcyk, Collins and the Mayor
voted yes and Trustees Quinn and Castaldo voted no (Trustee
Ceretto was absent).
Other appointments made at this meeting,
but through the consent agenda, were Jack Golomb, Chairperson
and Jerri Lynn Kleina, Vice Chairperson of the Planning and
Zoning Committee.
Several items were pulled off the consent
agenda for further consideration, tabled, or denied by the
board. Trustee Castaldo expressed concern regarding the purchase
of two speed bumps without knowing that the brand selected
had the least potential for injury to cars and their passengers
as well as the least potential for “lawsuits against
the village”. He further indicated that he knows “something
has to be done about speeding."
Trustee Castaldo requested further exploration
of the Village’s T-Mobile cell tower contract to ensure
that the Village would get the best compensation.
The board denied a request for a billboard
at 116th Street and Cicero Avenue.
The White Castle request for a foundation
permit was referred back to Planning and Zoning because if
White Castle has a “sitdown area” adequate parking
spaces needs to be addressed.
No approval was given, yet, for $41,000
to replace a water main at 123rd Pl. and 44th Ct.
A special meeting will be held prior to
the committee meeting 6/26/06 to discuss and select a contractor
to replace the Village Hall air conditioning unit.
Approval for a special use permit at 11525
S. Pulaski for a coffee shop with entertainment was tabled
as was approval for the Prologis Subdivision at 11740 S.
Austin.
Village bills totaling $897,708.69 were
approved.
Audience participation included
two residents at one of the Heritage complexes who complained
of ants. They were told by the exteriminator that he was
told by “the Village “ not to spray outside
the building. Trustee Castaldo requested that the Heritage
supervisor address this issue with the hired exterminator.
