Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees For The Village Of University Park, Will And Cook Counties Illinois, Held Tuesday, May 13, 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 8:06 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL

Mayor: Alvin R. McCowan Present

Trustees: Sharon A. McGuire Present
Oscar H. Brown, Jr. Present
Vivian E. Covington Absent (arrived @ 8:08)
Jimmie D. Young Absent (arrived @ 8:08)
Joseph E. Roudez, III Present
Larry B. Brown Absent (arrived @ 8:16)

Also present were Interim Village Manager/Finance Director David Sevier, Village Attorney Forest Miles, Village Treasurer James Ellis, Police Chief Melvin Easley, II, 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 Manger/PGA Golf Pro Paul Blockoms, and Village Deputy Clerk Kellye Kidd.

C. PLEAGE 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 McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approved minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held Tuesday, April 22, 2008.

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

E. NON-DISCUSSION AGENDA

E-1: Village Manager’s Report

Interim Village Manager Sevier reported that Fire Chief Exner was attending a training class and Director of Information Technology Deryl Bolton had a family emergency and they would not be able to attend tonight’s meeting.

A grant was submitted in conjunction with Governors State University to install a path from the Metra Station through Governors State University to University Parkway. Feedback should be received soon. Governors House property purchase should close tomorrow (May 14, 2008). Thorn Creek Station Project will present some decisions to the Board in the next two weeks or so.

Staffmark along with DSC Logistics located at 300 Central Avenue has 70 jobs available for University Park residents. Positions are for forklift operators, general laborers and janitorial servers. The information will be on the website, cable station, and at Village Hall.

E-2: Mayor’s Report

Mayor McCowan reported that the Thorn Creek Station Project is progressing well. The land purchase is complete and the first stage of development is to build diversified income multi-family housing along with student housing for Governors State University. The developers will attend a meeting either at the end of May or beginning of June.

Aqua Illinois, Inc. has a new Vice President and Regional Manager, Craig Blanchette. He is a former village administrator and should be understanding to village needs/concerns. Mayor McCowan would like Manager Sevier to arrange a meeting with Mr. Blanchette to discuss residential inquiries and extend an invitation to attend a Board Meeting.

E-3: Committee & Commission Reports

No verbal reports given.

E-4: Reports Of Other Officers

Police Chief Melvin Easley reported that the Police Department was given some mementos by the first President/Mayor of Park Forest South, Kipp Coneth, to present to the Board – 1971 groundbreaking shovel of the first business in the Industrial Park (Wilson Laboratories) and June 12, 1971 groundbreaking shovel for Governors State University.

Public Works Director Jerry Crockett reported that Public Works will begin the annual planting of flowers throughout the Village – between rainfall and lawn maintenance. Flower pots will be mounted on major residential corners and bike paths of University Park instead of the major roads (Western, Cicero, etc.) which were done last year.

Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor Keely Childress reported that the spring/summer programs are ready and posted. 85 summer employees have been hired and the orientation will take place at Riegel Farm, Thursday, May 15th at 7 p.m. Invitation is extended to all Board Members and department heads to attend the orientation. The pool will open Saturday, June 7th at 12 noon. Attendees are asked to bring identification so a membership card can be created for future reference to expedite return visits. Ms. Childress along with a Public Works personnel and a pool supervisor attended the Will County Swimming Facility Seminar and everyone passed the given exam. The pool also has a food sanitation license.

Interim Manager Sevier reported that BP signed and delivered the agreement to complete Will Center Road.

Executive Liaison Kari Boykin reported that the National Caucus of Black Mayors Scholarship applications were distributed to the high school via the Peerleaders and the winner will be announced during the conference held June 4-8, 2008. Santa Fe Landscaping donated ten various types’ trees that will be planted near the new sidewalk located between Village Hall and the Towncenter.

Cable Studio Manager Christel Allen reported that she has collaborated with the Illinois Department of Public Health Department and surrounding area health departments because this month is Health Awareness Month. She will be airing footage regarding prostate cancer, diabetes and heart disease – the number one killer in African American communities, not AIDS as many people assume. Information pertaining to the STD rates are increasing will also be aired. The Millennium Group Mortgage Seminar that was held at 90 Towncenter, April 26th will broadcast this month.

F. DISCUSSION AGENDA

F-1: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

F-1a: 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 And Further Amending Section 610-99 “Penalty” To Increase The Penalty For Failing To License A Dog Or Cat From Not Less Than $25.00 To Not Less Than $50.00

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

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-18.

F-1b: Resolution Accepting The Bid For Fertilizing And Weed Control Of Village Properties (Awarding bid to P.T.L. Landscaping)

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

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-14.

F-1c: Resolution Accepting The Bid For Mowing & Trimming Of Village Properties (Awarding bid to P.T.L. Landscaping)

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

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-15.

F-2: NEW BUSINESS

F-2a: First, Second, and Third Readings – Ordinance Waiving The Applicable Provisions Of Chapter 271 Of The Codified Ordinances And Authorizing The Hiring Of An Experienced, Sworn Police Officer

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

Trustee Larry Brown asked if a current part-time officer was being hired as a full-time officer and is the certification transferable from town to town.

Interim Manager/Finance Director Sevier responded that he is correct; a current part-time officer is being hired as a full-time officer.

Police Chief Easley stated that University Park does accept certification from another town. The officer in question was a part-time officer in Ford Heights and the officer will attend the academy for 80 hours.

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-19.

F-2b: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Amending Chapter 230, Division Of Police, To Add New Section 230-09 Entitled “Recovery Of Administrative Costs”

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

Trustee Covington requested clarification of the ordinance.

Trustee Oscar Brown asked if the fee could remain at $5.00 and charge an additional page cost.

Interim Manager/Finance Director Sevier responded that the Village currently charges $5.00 for a police report and fingerprinting. The ordinance increases the cost to $10.00 and he stated that University Park has one of the lowest fees for these services, most communities charge $25.00.

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-20.

F-2c: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Amending Section 636-04 Of Chapter 636 “Offenses Relating To Persons” Of The General Offenses Code To Increase The Renewal Registration Fee For Sex Offenders

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 2008-21.

F-2d: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Reinstating Chapter 295 Entitled “Youth Commission” With Certain Amendments

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

Trustee Covington asked for the purpose of the specific amendments.

Village Attorney Miles responded that this is to correct the ordinance that was inadvertently restated that was rescinded last. These are the finalized amendments from a February meeting.

Trustee McGuire asked Mayor McCowan if this is the commission that Trustee Roudez chairs.

Mayor McCowan responded yes, Trustee Roudez chairs along with Trustee Oscar Brown and the ordinance may be revisited to increase the member number to 50.

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-22.

F-2e: Resolution Protecting The Magnolia Tree Planted In Memory Of Cheryl McCowan At Or Near The Entrance To The New Clubhouse At The University Park Golf Course And Conference Center As An Official, Village Memorial

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

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-16.

F-2f: Resolution Approving A Statement Of Preliminary Terms Pertaining To Redevelopment Site No. 5 In Amended Redevelopment Project Area Number V (Reyes Holdings, L.L.C.)

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

Trustee Oscar Brown asked for an explanation related to 165 available jobs only 13 jobs are be committed to University Park residents. He would like to see the commitment increase to 20%.

Village Attorney Miles responded that 10% is the average residential job commitment. Most of the jobs are relocation positions with the possibility of an increase. This is not a binding commitment for either party. University Park was competition with two other locations.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-17.

F-2g: Resolution Approving A Statement Of Preliminary Terms Pertaining To Redevelopment Site No. 4 (A) In Amended Redevelopment Project Area Number V [TCB – TCB NWC Venture LLC]

Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Roudez seconded a motion that the Board approves the resolution.

Trustee Larry Brown wanted to know the total number of resident jobs is committed.

Village Attorney Miles responded that the current commitment is 5 local hires, but he is hopeful that the number will increase when the project is complete based on the history of University Park – job fairs, etc. Smuckers Jelly will be the tenant.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-18

F-2h: Motion To Approve Expenditure Of Scholarship Funds

Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approves expenditure of scholarship funds in the amount of $8,000 for University Park scholarships for FY 2008/09. The scholarships will be presented to the students on Award Day at Crete-Monee High School at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2008.

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

Motion to approve carried.

F-2i: Appointments To Youth And Code Enforcement Commissions

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Covington seconded a motion that the Board approves the appointment of Pamela Jackson, Jozcelynn Kendrick and Vernon McDaniel as permanent members of the Youth Commission. Linda Roudez, Dalbert Steele, Leon Vandiver to the Youth Commission term to expire December 31, 2011. Police Department Representative, Delores Buckley and Trustee Members Joseph Roudez and Oscar Brown appointed to the Youth Commission terms to expire December 31, 2010. The appointed associate members to the Youth Commission are Randy Allen, Walter Lee Banks, Addie Brooks, Rachel Buckley, Darrell Byther, Harvey Davidson, Ozzietta Flucker, Phyllis Hampton, Shaleaf Hemphill, Luta Joseph, Rupel Marshall, Laquando Minor, Farenceer Nelson, Ken Roberts, Tirone Rogers, Phyllis Saunders, Claude Spivey and Sis Tammy Terrell.

Addie Brooks, Shaleaf Hemphill, Farenceer Nelson and Charles Scoggins appointed as associate members to the Code Enforcement Commission.

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

Motion to approve carried.

F-2J: Bills Payable

Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Roudez 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 three (3) weeks from April 18 to May 9, 2008 in the following funds:

General Operation Fund $328,324.20
Debt Service $ 78,668.75
Debt Service 1998 $ 80,000.00
Road and Bridge Fund $ 33,418.00
Towncenter Fund $ 28,788.33
University Golf Club $ 62,912.35
Capital Project Fund $ 591.17
TIF I – Towncenter Area Fund $ 114.75
TIF II – Industrial Park Fund $ 13.50
TIF IV – Governors East Fund $ 540.00
TIF V – Dralle Industrial Fund $ 1,312.50
$614,683.55

Trustee Brown wanted to know when the Debt Service & Debt Service 1998 complete and if the golf cart payment is for a purchase or lease.

Village Manager/Finance Director Sevier responded that Seaway will complete in a year. The Golf cart payment is towards a lease.

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

Motion to approve carried.

G. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ms. Sandra Heard addressed the Board in hopes of rescheduling a meeting with Mayor McCowan and to postpone the mortgage foreclosure awareness workshop she was hosting Saturday, May 17th at 90 Towncenter, due to inadequate advertisement. She also asked the Board the status of searching for a Village Manager or Finance Director for the Village and are two salaries being paid to the Interim Village Manager/Finance Director.

Mr. Keith Griffin asked when collected tax revenue becomes a part of the General Fund because he feels some of those funds should be used for a Youth Recreation Center.

Mr. Steve Allen asked when Pine Lake will be stocked.

H. BOARD CAUCUS

Mayor McCowan suspended the meeting from 9:16 p.m. to 9:21 p.m. to all the Board to caucus.

The Mayor reconvened the Board meeting and the following responses were given to concerns raised by residents under general comments:

Mayor McCowan responded to Ms. Heard and stated that there is no active search for a Village Manager or Finance Director. David Sevier was approved to a given length of time to act in both capacities; therefore, there is no immediate need. The Mayor also stated that only one salary, as Village Manager, is being paid to Interim Village Manager/Finance Director.

Interim Village Manager Sevier responded to Mr. Griffin as to the budget of the Village. The Village operates under a budget of $7.1 million in which $4.3 million is tax payer funds and the balance from other revenue sources that are used to offset any deficits.

Trustee Young addressed Mr. Allen concerning the stocking of Pine Lake. He would have to meet with the Park and Recreation Program Supervisor Keely Childress to discuss Pine Lake.

I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS

J. TRUSTEES’ COMMENTS

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 9:32 p.m.

Motion to adjourn carried by voice vote.

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