Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees For The Village Of University Park, Will And Cook Counties Illinois, Held Tuesday, April 22, 2008 At #90 Town Center Drive, In The Village of University Park.

A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor McCowan called this regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 8:00 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL
Mayor: Alvin R. McCowan Present
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 Present

Also present were Interim Village Manager/ Finance Director David Sevier, Village Attorney Forest Miles, Village Treasurer James Ellis, Police Chief Melvin Easley, II, Fire Chief Charles Exner, Executive Liaison Kari Boykin, Public Works Director Gerald Crockett, Cable Studio Manager Christel Allen, Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud, Parks & Recreations Program Supervisor Keely Childress, Golf Club Manager/PGA Golf Pro Paul Blockoms, and Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones.

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor McCowan led the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

D. READING OF MINUTES
Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held Tuesday, April 8, 2008 as presented.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, Young, Roudez, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Motion to approve carried.

E. NON-DISCUSSION AGENDA
E-1: Village Manager's Report

Interim Village Manager Sevier reported that the new tax rate for University Park is 4.23 which is a 15% reduction over last year; the draft 2006 audit should be available for the Board’s review within the next two weeks; he reminded the Board that the Shoppers Convention in Las Vegas Trip is scheduled for May 18 – 21, 2008 and he needs to know who will accompany him; Public Works has done a tremendous job in getting the ball fields and park areas ready for the season.

Trustee Roudez commented that Hickok Bridge is not handicapped accessible, and asked Manager Sevier to check into that matter, and also give him an update of what, if any, measures have been taken to look at dedicating Hickok Bridge in memory of former resident and artist Buck Brown as he previously suggested.

Trustee Larry Brown commented on the board-up of the garage portion of a house on Union, and asked if there were reasons for the board-up since he did not think our ordinance allowed board-ups. He also noted that the farmhouse on Cicero Avenue is in total disrepair and asked who is responsible for maintenance.

Fire Chief Exner stated that Code Enforcement would check to see if the farmhouse is in town; if so, they would proceed accordingly, and the house on Union was boarded up for safety reasons.

Trustee Roudez asked if a representative from Aqua could possibly be invited to attend our next Board meeting, or consider hiring some of our youth during the summer to paint the fire hydrants.

Trustee Young asked Mr. Sevier the status of the cut-off valves for the pool.

Trustee Covington asked about the status of the sale of the town center, and if a workshop could be scheduled to address status of projects being addressed by our Consultant and a possible date of completion, and how to best market the Village of University Park.

E-2: Mayor’s Report

Proclamation Re: Municipal Clerks Week

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Larry Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this proclamation designating May 4 through May 10, 2008 as Municipal Clerks Week.

Mayor McCowan read the proclamation and thanked Clerk Jones for the work she is doing and her involvement in the Clerks professional organizations.

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

Motion to approve carried.

Mayor McCowan thanked everyone involved in the success of the Town Hall Meeting that was held last Saturday, and noted that he feels that it was the most productive one to date; recognized and thanked Village Treasurer James Ellis for giving back to the community through his involvement with the Boy Scout Troop at Pilgrimage, and stated that without the efforts of Jim Ellis we probably would not have a troop in town.

E-3: Committee & Commission Reports

No verbal reports given.
E-4: Reports Of Other Officers

Police Chief Melvin Easley reported that the Police Department will be proactive in addressing the problem with kids walking the streets where a sidewalk is available, and enforcing the Curfew Ordinances. So, he advised parents and guardians to be aware that tickets can be written to violators. He also reported that during the first quarter of the year, the Police Department responded to 4,300 calls.

Public Works Director Jerry Crockett reported that summer employees will be on board this week, and the department will begin a massive clean-up and beautification effort throughout the Village.

Trustee Covington asked about the status of the Towncenter beautification competition she suggested between residential landscapers.

Trustee Oscar Brown asked that consideration is given to building a larger salt storage shed.

Director Crockett responded that he has not received responses from the Landscapers regarding beautification, and he would love to have more storage space.

Trustee McGuire asked if there had been any movement on the Village wide clean-up as suggested at the Town Hall meeting, and if the Village checks the creeks for debris and cleans them out, and who is responsible for removal of dead branches at vacant homes.

Director Crockett responded that the creeks are checked and cleaned by Public Works based on weather and the availability of staff. His crew is responsible for pick-up of branches when they are put out as required. However, they do not remove trees that have been cut down by the owner. Relating to the village wide clean-up, they need to look at a method to coordinate the project.

Mayor McCowan suggested that the clean up is done by dates by precincts because there may not be enough staff to do the entire village in one weekend.

Trustee Roudez asked about mosquito control.

Mr. Crockett stated that Clarke Mosquito Control has begun addressing the mosquito problem and instituting an abatement process.

Trustee Covington asked if the problem with lights in the Vistas is being addressed, and how often does Aqua flush the fire hydrants.

Mr. Crockett responded that the problem with the lights in the Vistas is an underground break. ComEd is aware and responsible for repairs, their representative informed him that they are dealing with the problem. Regarding flushing fire hydrants, he stated that an Aqua employee told him that they cannot flush frequently because of damage that could occur to the infrastructure.

Parks & Recreations Program Supervisor Keely Childress reported that the Historical Riegel Farmhouse is listed in a historical publication; Training for swimming pool operators will be held on April 29, 2008 and is sponsored by Will County Health Department.

Ms. Childress reported that the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services has agreed to pay cost for foster kids to attend summer camp this year, and spaces are still available. She also thanked Public Works employees for the excellent job they did in getting the ball fields ready for play.

Fire Chief Exner offered condolences to the family of former University Park Firefighter Joe Radavick who just recently passed away. He asked residents to use caution when grilling this summer, with special attention to fires when using patios. Addressing a concern raised at the Town Hall meeting relating to water problems on Harvest Lane, he stated that a meeting is scheduled this Thursday with our Engineer to evaluate the situation. Construction at the SUNOCO site on Cicero & University Parkway was slowed due to the sinking of tanks and the permitting process required through the Office of the State Fire Marshall; however, he has been informed that the permits are beings reviewed and hopefully, work will begin shortly.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud reported that they have begun a street by street inspection of all vacant residential properties to check compliance with maintenance ordinances.

Trustee Young noted that there is a lot of debris at a home in the 600 block of Gordon and asked if something could be done.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud responded that the owner has been sent a letter informing them of the violation.

Cable Studio Manager Christel Allen reported that tapes from the Town Hall meeting will be available this Saturday, and informed the Board that Cable Commission member Harold Cobb is in the hospital in Texas. She wished Mr. Cobb a speedy recovery and asked he be kept in the prayers of the Village of University Park.

F: DISCUSSION AGENDA
F-1: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.
F-2: NEW BUSINESS

F-2a: First, Second, and Third Readings – Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 2008-14 To Add “Mission Drive” To Section 420-02 Of The Traffic Code Regarding Speed Restrictions

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

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-16.

F-2b: First, Second, And Third Readings - Ordinance Amending Chapter 404 Of The Traffic Code To Add New Section 404-01(a)(8) Adopting Act 25 Of The Illinois Vehicle Code Entitled “Child Passenger Protection Act”

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Covington seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-17.

F-2c: First, Second and Third Readings - Ordinance Amending Section 610-14(B) Of Chapter 610 “Animals” Of The General Offenses Code To Increase The License Fees For Dogs And Cats

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee Larry Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves a table of this ordinance.

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

Motion to table carried.

F-2d: Resolution Approving A Final Plat Of Subdivision For University Crossing Phase 2 [Property Located Southeast Of Stuenkel Road And Crossings Drive]

Trustee Young moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Mayor McCowan noted that the Board had been given a letter from the Village Engineer that is to be added to the document as part of Exhibit B.

Attorney Miles explained that the Plan Commission had reviewed and approved this plat subject to the owner addressing concerns detailed in a letter from the engineer. This amendment letter addresses and corrects some of the concerns. So, the Board can approve the Plat with the stipulation that the owner must address concerns as specified in the letter dated April 21, 2008.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-10.

F-2e: Resolution Of Condolences In Memory Of Armenia “Nina” Johnson

Trustee Young moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Village Clerk Dee Jones read the resolution.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-11.

F-2f: Resolution Opposing The Discontinuation Of The Certificate Of Need For St. Francis Hospital In Blue Island By The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.
F-2f continued:

Mayor McCowan read the resolution and explained the essence and the importance of support to help keep that medical facility operating.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-12.

F-2g: Resolution Accepting The Bid For Mowing And Trimming Of Village Properties

Trustee Larry Brown moved, Trustee Covington seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Trustee Covington asked if the Village has employees who could the mowing and trimming.

A discussion was had by the Board relating to whether or not to table this item or reject all bids and look at measures to address residential performance point or set asides in our bidding process.

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

Motion failed to carry.

F-2h: Resolution Accepting The Bid For Mowing And Trimming Of Non-Compliant Properties Through The Code Enforcement Department (Awarding Bid To Gabe’s Peculiar Cut)

Trustee Larry Brown moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-13.

F-2i: Bills Payable

Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approves the listing of the General Operating Expenses that the Village of University Park has incurred during the last two (2) weeks from April 9, 2008 to April 22, 2008 in the following funds:

General Operation Fund $ 211,363.47
Road & Bridge Fund $ 23,699.40
Towncenter Fund $ 3,809.20
University Golf Club $ 44,336.26 Capital Project Fund $ 17,920.88
TIF I Town Center $ 486.00
TIF II McCarthy Duffy $ 175.00
TIF III Cicero Industrial Fund $ 648.00
TIF IV Governors East $ 442.50
TIF V Dralle Industrial Fund $ 397.50

Total $ 303,278.71

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

Motion to approve carried.

G. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mrs. Mary Truss addressed the Board representing the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area and commented that the League is hosting the movie “Iraq For Sale” at the Park Forest Library Thursday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. The movie is free, but space is limited so call her at 534-2156 to reserve your space. She also noted that she would host a League training session at the University Park Library.

Mr. Keith Griffin thanked Trustee Covington for the hard work she has done in the Village of University Park for the past five years, and asked who is responsible for the monitoring, fencing, and management at City Scape properties. He voiced his concern with the safety of our children on that property where construction has halted, and asked about fencing and security.

Ms. Kubi Johnson addressed the Board and thanked the Mayor, Board, Trustees, members of the Senior Citizens Committee, and all those involved for the outpouring of support and assistance with the loss of her mother Armenia Johnson. She thanked the Board for the use of the facility and the resolution passed in honor of her mother.

Mrs. Marilyn Crockett addressed the Board with her concerns with Governors House Apartment Complex and the issues of safety and aesthetics and commented that she hopes the Village holds the owners to the time frame set for repairs.

Ms. Cynthia Hudson thanked Police and Fire Department personnel and everyone who supported or participated in the Annual Fun Fair, with special thanks to Paula & Jim Ellis for support of the students and Mayor McCowan for agreeing to be the keynote speaker at the Boy Scout Program.

Mr. Steven Allen addressed the Board and commented that the Town Hall meeting was terrific and hopes more residents will come out for the next meeting.

Interim Manager Sevier announced that on April 26, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m. the Finance Department will be hosting a Mortgage Seminar. This seminar will have an on site mortgage counselor, mortgage broker and attorney to discuss any financial needs you may have regarding your current mortgage, or potential mortgage.

H. BOARD CAUCUS

Caucus not called.
I. BOARD OF TRUSTEES & MANAGER COMMENTS
Interim Manager Sevier responded to concerns raised in General Public, relating to City Scape, he stated that he has been informed that there are two prospective investors in that property.

Fire Chief Exner stated that portions of the property is fenced, but he will survey the property and ascertain what steps to recommend.
J. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS

As listed in the agenda and calendar.

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.
L. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Larry Brown 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