Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees For The Village Of University Park, Will And Cook Counties Illinois, Held Tuesday, May 27, 2008 At #90 Town Center Drive, In The Village Of University Park.

A. CALL TO ORDER

In the absence of Mayor McCowan, Trustee Jimmie Young called this regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 8:09 p.m.

Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones noted that Mayor McCowan could not be present for this meeting therefore the Board must appoint a Mayor Pro-tem for this Board meeting. She noted for the record that a quorum was present.

Motion To Appoint Mayor Pro-Tem For This Board Meeting

Trustee Young moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion to appoint Trustee Vivian Covington as Mayor Pro-tem for this Board meeting.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young and Roudez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Larry Brown and Mayor McCowan.
Abstained: Trustee Covington.

Motion to approve carried.

B. ROLL CALL

Mayor: Alvin R. McCowan Absent

Trustees: Sharon A. McGuire Present
Oscar H. Brown, Jr. Present
Vivian E. Covington Present
Jimmie D. Young Present
Joseph E. Roudez, III Present
Larry B. Brown Absent

Also present were Interim Village Manager/Finance Director David Sevier, Village Attorney Forest Miles, Deputy Police Chief Gregory Box, Public Works Director Gerald Crockett, IT Director Deryl Bolton, Cable Studio Manager Christel Allen, Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud, Golf Club Manger/PGA Golf Pro Paul Blockoms, and Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones.

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Pro-tem Covington led the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

D. READING OF MINUTES

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approved minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held Tuesday, May 13, 2008 as presented.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, Young, and Roudez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Larry Brown and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried.

E. NON-DISCUSSION AGENDA

E-1: Village Manager’s Report

Interim Village Manager Sevier reported that 2008-09 Village Vehicle Stickers would go on sale next week with on-line pay system within the next two weeks and on-line garbage pay within the next three weeks; job postings have been done for the positions of Public Works Electrician, Mechanic and Foreman and for the position of Director of Parks & Recreations. He noted that the Foreman position for Public Works should be filled within the next two weeks.

Trustee Roudez asked if there has been contact with, or response from, Aqua Water Company regarding his request that they consider employing some of the youth in the Village of University Park. He stated that he wants constant contact with them until there is a response.

Interim Manager Sevier responded that he has not had a response from Aqua, but would pursue the issue. He also requested the Board to consider a joint meeting of the Plan Commission and Village Board of Trustees of June 10th to discuss the Thorn Creek Project.

Trustee McGuire asked Mr. Sevier if residents who opted to use the on-line pay system would have their vehicles stickers mailed to them in a timely manner to avoid any late penalties and/or tickets.

Interim Manager Sevier responded that the system would be manned by office staff and they would make every attempt to mail stickers out the same day received.

Mayor Pro-tem Covington commented on the damage to the rear of the Co-Op Store and the removal of and theft of the expensive copper wiring that was used to feed a generator at the store, and asked if there is a reason why all the lights at the store are kept on and burning so brightly all the time.

Public Works Director Jerry Crockett responded that the copper wiring was removed by persons unknown, and the only lights kept on are those required for maintenance and safety.

Mayor Pro-tem Covington asked if the trains purchased for a Children’s Museum are still available, and if they have been sold she wants to see the total transaction of the sale of those trains. She also stated that she wants a meeting with business owners in the industrial park area as soon as possible to discuss their contributing to some of the projects that the Village of University Park is undertaking that will be of benefit to them.

Interim Manager Sevier responded to some of the concerns of Mayor Pro-tem Covington noting that the last directive from the Board that he was aware of was to sell the trains. Trustee Young concurred with Mr. Sevier and stated that he remembers when the Board included the sale of the trains in the last auction of Village surplus items.

E-2: Mayor’s Report

In the absence of Mayor McCowan, no report was given.

E-3: Committee & Commission Reports

No verbal reports given.

E-4: Reports Of Other Officers

IT Director Bolton thanked the Village for the flowers and get well wishes extended to his father during his recent illness and hospitalization. He noted that his father is recovering well.

Attorney Miles reported that he has been looking into the possibility of whether University Park can do repairs to part of the railroad crossings at Governors Highway and University Parkway.

Trustee Oscar Brown asked if the Village would incur liability if someone was injured on the premises of an Ice Skating Rink operated by the Village.

Attorney Miles responded that the premises would be covered under the blanket of insurance as all other properties owned and operated by the Village.

Mayor Pro-tem Covington asked if the Village of University Park can clean the area of roadway between Richton Park and University Park down the Cicero corridor.

Attorney Miles responded that since that is a Will County Highway he has concerns that it might expose the Village of University Park to unnecessary liability. He also reported that the Village has been in negotiation with the Village of Park Forest for use of Hidden Meadow Golf Center for the summer. He is currently working on an Intergovernmental Agreement that he expects to have on the agenda of June 10, 2008.

Trustee Roudez commented on residents concerns of feeding wildlife, and asked Attorney Miles to look to see if there is something we can do to address the issue.

Attorney Miles stated that he would check into laws and what some other municipalities are doing to deal with the situation relating to wild animals, and what can be enacted relating to birds. Because he feels that there might be backlash from the community if bird feeding is prohibited.

Cable Studio Manager Christel Allen reported that she met with the Village of Sauk Village relating to developing a Young Broadcasters Program; Over the last month they have recorded the SSMMA meeting and Chicago Southland Convention. She also reported that the Illinois Department of Public Health Department is hosting several summits relating to preparations and necessary equipment needed during storms.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud reported that she and the inspectors have been out touring and inspecting properties throughout the Village most of the month, and issuing notices and tickets. She reminded residents that garbage cannot be put out before 7:00 PM the night before your regular garbage pick up day.

Mayor Pro-tem Covington asked if Code Enforcement extends consideration to people with disabilities.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud responded that she is currently working on a program to assist the elderly and disabled to abate code violations that will be presented to Chief Exner shortly.

Public Works Director Jerry Crockett reported that the contractor who constructed the walkway between the Village and the Town Center did not make it ADA compliant, so he has contacted the contractor that he must correct the problem immediately. He also reported that the trees donated by Santa Fe Landscaping would be planted along the walkway leading to the Town Center, and interviews for a Foreman at Public Works have begun and the position should be filled within thirty to forty-five days.

Mayor Pro-tem Covington asked Mr. Crockett for a status of the number of complaints related to pothole damages.

Public Works Director Jerry Crockett stated that there were fourteen complaints that are now down to none.

Trustee McGuire voiced her concern and disappointment that her request to have curbs and sidewalks ADA compliant ignored, and asked why this has not been done and who is responsible for overseeing these projects.

Interim Manager Sevier apologized that the walkway project was not properly supervised and assured the Board that that situation would be taken care of immediately, and all future projects would be ADA compliant. He also reported that the new owners of Governors House Apartments are on site and cleaning up the property.

Mayor Pro-tem Covington asked Mr. Sevier if the Village is receiving tax revenue from Governors House and Cityscape. She also directed Deputy Police Chief Box to submit to her a report of the theft of the copper wiring missing from the Co-Op.

Golf Club Manager Paul reported that he is working with the IT Department on the phone system; Junior Golf and Golf for ladies Clinics are ongoing. There is no cost for residents for the junior golf program.

F. DISCUSSION AGENDA

F-1: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

F-2: NEW BUSINESS

F-2a: First, Second, and Third Readings – Ordinance Amending Section 230-09 “Recovery Of Administrative Costs”; Chapter 230, Division Of Police, To Add New Sub-Section 230-09(c) Providing For The Recovery Of A Towed Vehicle Release Fee

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

Trustee Roudez asked if the Village ever goes out for bid for towing, or if TMW automatically gets the contract.

Interim Manager Sevier stated that he would check into the process of awarding the towing.

Roll call on F-2a;

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, Young, and Roudez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Larry Brown and Mayor McCowan

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-23

F-2b: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Rescinding Ordinance No. 1622 Authorizing The Execution Of A Lease Agreement With Dayla O’kima Bailey And The Right Place For Kids, Inc. For The Operation Of A Day Care Center In Space No. 82 Of The University Park Towncenter Building And Authorizing Further Negotiations With A Different Proposed Tenant

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, Young, and Roudez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Larry Brown.

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-24

F-2c: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Authorizing The Execution Of An Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement Concerning The Reciprocal Reporting Of Criminal Offenses Committed By Students Between The Village Of University Park And Crete-Monee Community Unit School District 201-U

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

There was a brief discussion by the Board relating to this ordinance.

Trustee Oscar Brown moved Trustee Young seconded a motion to postpone action on this ordinance to the next meeting of June 10, 2008 for clarity.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, Young, and Roudez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Larry Brown.

Motion to post pond carried.

F-2d: Bills Payable

Trustee Young moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves the listing of the General Operating Expenses that the Village of University Park has incurred for the last two (2) weeks from May 10, 2008 to May 27, 2008 in the following funds:

General Operation Fund $195,380.40
Road and Bridge Fund $ 23,995.99
Towncenter Fund $ 1,262.85
University Golf Club $ 74,572.25
Capital Project Fund $ 3,958.85
Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 7,171.10
$306,340.52

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, Young, and Roudez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Larry Brown and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried.

G. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ms. Antoinette Watts – 626 Old Forge Lane - addressed the Board and commented on a letter she received from the Department of Code Enforcement relating to repairs needed to the gutters, with a date of June 1st to complete repairs. She asked the Board for an extension of time stating that she has been approved by the County’s Energy Program to have weatherization done on her home in August.

Ms. Sandra Heard – 1206 Anvil - addressed the Board and stated that she loved the tone of the meeting tonight and noted that she has presented two tentative dates for foreclosure workshops. The dates are June 21st and August 16, 2008 at #90 Town Center Drive beginning at 10:00 a.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling her at (708) 669-1033, or e-mail her at 1gransan@sbcglobal.net.

H. BOARD CAUCUS

Mayor Pro-tem Covington suspended the meeting at 9:09 p.m. to allow the Board to caucus. The meeting reconvened at 9:11 and the following responses were given to concerns raised by residents under general comments:

Mayor Pro-tem Covington referred Mrs. Watts to Code Enforcement Supervisor Stroud for an extension of time, noting that the Board does not see a problem with extending the time for compliance.

I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS

J. TRUSTEES’ COMMENTS

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 9:30 p.m.

Motion to adjourn carried by voice vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
_____________________
Dorothy R. Jones, CMC
Village Clerk