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Minutes of
Village Board Meeting - May 25, 2010
MINUTES OF VILLAGE BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2010
President Patrick Brennan called the meeting to order at
7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present:
Rudy Martin, Ray Mason, Dennis Martin, Terry Houchens, Dick
Parrish and Barry Thompson. Also present: Jim Grabowski –
Village Administrator, John Harrington – Finance Director, Rob
Tonarelli – Superintendent of Public Works, Steve Thornton –
Building & Zoning Officer, Justin Meyer –Police Chief, Chris
Spesia – Village Attorney and Sean Kelly – Village Engineer.
Changes To Agenda – There were no changes
to the agenda.
Review of Minutes –
Minutes of Village Board Meeting of April 27, 2010 were
reviewed. Trustee Mason moved, Trustee Parrish seconded the
motion to accept the minutes of April 27, 2010 Village Board
meeting as presented.
Ayes: Mason,
Parrish, Houchens, D. Martin and R. Martin
Nays: None
Abstain: Thompson
Motion
carried.
Bills and Transfers – Trustee
D. Martin moved, Trustee Houchens seconded the motion to approve
the Bills and Transfers as presented at the Committee of The
Whole meeting and with the addition of those passed out at this
meeting, totaling $704,426.70.
Ayes:
Thompson, R. Martin, Parrish, D. Martin, Mason and Houchens
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report
– Trustee D. Martin moved, Trustee Houchens seconded the motion
to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented.
Ayes: Houchens, Parrish, D. Martin, Mason, R. Martin and
Thompson
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Public Forum – President Brennan opened
public forum at 7:05 p.m.
Curt Jebens of 703 Coady Drive
came forward and commented that he couldn’t have been closer to
the police chase that had taken place the day before and in his
opinion, it was conducted in a very professional manner. He
stated that he has nothing but respect for the Minooka Police
Department and they did a fantastic job; it is a department to
be very proud of. President Brennan added that he had heard
others say the same thing to him and he was also very proud. Mr.
Grabowski listed the other agencies that had been involved in
the criminal’s apprehension including the Channahon Police
Department, Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, the Will-Grundy
Major Crimes Task Force and the Minooka Fire Department. Mr.
Grabowski commented that they were grateful for making it as
safe as it was. President Brennan said he was also grateful that
the criminal wasn’t allowed to return to the interstate. Chief
Meyer expressed his appreciation for everyone’s support and
comments and noted that the offender stated during his
confession that he tried getting away but everywhere he turned
there was a police officer. President Brennan stated that the
Board and the people of Minooka were very appreciative of their
performance.
Dick Sievers of 204Church Street
came forward and apologized but said he had a few complaints to
make. He stated that he received a letter about business
registration as did all the business owners in town and he
thought it was a very poor time to bring this ordinance along.
Businesses are experiencing hard times and some may be only $50
away from closing their door. A $50 a year fee to come up with
every year for an inspection that he didn’t think was necessary
was too much. He wondered what brought it about now and noted
that it wasn’t needed since 1969. Mr. Grabowski replied that it
was only $50 for the first year and that thereafter it would
drop to $25 and it had been talked about for a couple of years.
It was expected to help control zoning and it was needed for
information and for public safety. Mr. Sievers remarked that
sometimes government, instead of enforcing the laws they have,
make a new law. He has been running his business since 1988 and
he hasn’t needed anyone to inspect the building to make sure
he’s not going to burn it down. He said he thought it was just
another government intrusion to keep their thumb on the business
owner because they don’t believe they’re smart enough to run
their own business.
On another topic, Mr. Sievers stated
that since the Village was so concerned about public safety,
what about business owners that rent out apartments in town. He
wanted to know if we inspect those. Mr. Grabowski confirmed that
the Village did not. Mr. Sievers then commented about when he
was Chairman of the Village Public Works Committee a number of
years before, a lot of money had been spent bringing approaches
to sidewalks up to ADA standards. There are at least two
residents in his neighborhood that cannot get around without
wheelchairs or their families taking them in a car. When he and
his wife walk they use the sidewalk, not the street, and they
constantly have to go around cars and a basketball standard that
block the sidewalk. He wanted to know why officers aren’t
writing tickets for this. President Brennan noted that there was
an ordinance on the agenda, later in the meeting that would
address that.
Mr. Sievers then went on to say about 15
years ago his neighbor built a shed without a permit and the
same neighbor also started building a fence without a permit.
Today, 2 sides of that shed have no siding on it, and half of
the posts on the fence are rotted off. A stop work order had
been put on the project and he wanted to know why no one had
ever followed through to make sure something happened there. Mr.
Grabowski replied that he wasn’t aware of it but he or Steve
Thornton would be happy to talk to him about it. Mr. Sievers
noted that he didn’t want his neighbors to have to pay fines or
anything, but he said he wanted the Village to do their job.
President Brennan noted that since Mr. Sievers was on the Board
at the time, he should have seen that it was corrected. Mr.
Sievers remarked that he could see he wasn’t going to get
anywhere and left the meeting.
President Brennan closed
the public forum at 7:13 p.m.
Consent Agenda
– Mr. Grabowski read each item listed on the Consent Agenda and
noted that all had been discussed at the Committee of The Whole
and were recommended for approval by the Board. Trustee Thompson
moved, Trustee Mason seconded the motion to approve the consent
agenda as presented.
Ayes: Parrish, R
Martin, Thompson, Houchens, Mason and D. Martin
Nays: None
Motion carried.
- Ordinance Adopting the Prevailing Wage Act (2010-19)
- Resolution Approving Pay Request #8 to D Construction
for Ferguson Boulevard Project ($538,596.44) (2010R-1312)
- Resolution Accepting Grant of Easement – The Meadows
Subdivision – Doug Fredin (2010R-1313)
- Resolution Approving Tag Day Request, Lamb’s Fold of
Joliet (2010R-1314)
Old Items – There were no old items to
consider.
New Items
Ordinance
Amending Sections 5-3-1(D) and 9-1-16(I) of Municipal Code,
Parking Over Sidewalks – Mr. Grabowski noted that the
amendment was taken from the zoning ordinance Title 5-3-10(D-2)
and appeared to be a better fit in Title 9. He added that the
Public Safety and Ordinance Committees and both recommended
approval. Trustee Mason moved, Trustee R. Martin seconded the
motion to adopt Ordinance #2010-20 Amending
Sections 5-3-1(D) and 9-1-16(I) of Municipal Code, Parking Over
Sidewalks. Trustee Thompson asked what the fine was for parking
over a sidewalk. Police Chief Meyer replied that the new fine
would be $10 if paid within 72 hours when it goes up to $30; no
difference for repeat offenders. Mr. Spesia added that for
repeat offenders a long-form complaint could be filed which
would seek a higher fine from a judge.
Ayes: R. Martin, D. Martin, Houchens, Parrish, Thompson and
Mason
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Renewal for
Waste Hauling Contract – Mr. Grabowski reported that it
was a five-year contract for the residential portion of town.
Public Works Committee had reviewed three separate proposals for
the contract and Homewood was the least expensive. He noted that
they had been the Village’s provider for the past five years and
had done a fine job. The new rates reflect a 24% increase the
first year from the current rates, and a 4% increase each year
thereafter. The contract provisions will remain the same; the
only difference is a reduction in their performance bond from
20% to 15%. He noted that Public Works Committee recommended
approval. Trustee Thompson moved, Trustee Mason seconded the
motion to pass Resolution #2010R-1315
Authorizing Execution of a Renewal for Waste Hauling Contract.
Trustee Thompson added that the other haulers remarked that we
had a very good contract and none of them could touch it or come
close to what we had in the contract. The increases are
unfortunate but because of what is happening in the business,
they are the best that could be negotiated. Mr. Grabowski
replied that what we pay the waste hauler amounts to
approximately $3 per month increase depending on the size of the
tote. Hearing no further discussion, President Brennan called
for a vote on the motion. Trustee Parrish asked for the dollar
value of the increase.
Ayes: D. Martin,
Houchens, Thompson, R. Martin, Mason and Parrish
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Resolution
Authorizing Professional Services Agreement with Robinson
Engineering for McLindon Road and Watermain Improvements
Engineering Design – Mr. Grabowski stated that this
agreement was for the design of McLindon Road from Twin Rail
Drive north to the north side of the ComEd right-of-way and also
includes the design of a watermain to cross under the EJ&E rail
tracks. The not to exceed amount to complete the design is
$29,900. Additionally for any easement or any license approval,
they’ve included a clause for a not to exceed amount of $4,000.
He further explained that the project would provide the design
plans for the new crossing of the EJ&E which we are partnering
with the ITC and IDOT to pay for and additionally the watermain
beneath will help loop the system. Thompson moved, Trustee Mason
seconded the motion to pass Resolution #2010R-1316
Authorizing the Acceptance of Scope of Services with Robinson
Engineering Ltd. for McLindon Road and Watermain Improvements.
Ayes: Mason, Thompson, Parrish, Houchens, D. Martin and R.
Martin
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Appointments
Freedom of Information Act Officer,
Justin Meyer - President Brennan asked the Board for
their consideration of the appointment of Interim Police Chief
Justin Meyer as Freedom of Information Act Officer. Trustee
Houchens moved, Trustee Parrish seconded the motion to approve
appointment of Justin Meyer as Freedom Of Information Act
Officer.
Ayes: Thompson, R. Martin,
Parrish, D. Martin, Mason and Houchens
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Plan/Zoning Board
of Commissioners, Dan Friant - President Brennan asked
the Board for their consideration of the appointment of Dan
Friant to a five-year term as Plan/Zoning Commissioner. Trustee
Mason moved, Trustee Thompson seconded the motion to reappoint
Dan Friant to a five-year term as Plan/Zoning Commissioner.
Ayes: Houchens, Parrish, D. Martin, Mason, R. Martin and
Thompson
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Jim Brownlee – President Brennan asked the
Board for their consideration of the appointment of Jim Brownlee
to a five-year term as Plan/Zoning Commissioner. Trustee
Houchens moved, Trustee Thompson seconded the motion to
reappoint Jim Brownlee to a five-year term as Plan/Zoning
Commissioner.
Ayes: Parrish, R. Martin,
Thompson, Houchens, Mason and D. Martin
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Police Commissioner
Don Jack – President Brennan asked the Board for their
consideration of the appointment of Don Jack to a three-year
term as Police Commissioner. Trustee Parrish moved, Trustee
Houchens seconded the motion to reappoint Don Jack to a
three-year term as Police Commissioner.
Ayes: R. Martin, D. Martin, Houchens, Parrish, Thompson and
Mason
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Set Meeting Dates for Fiscal Year 2010/2011
– Trustee Thompson moved, Trustee R. Martin seconded the motion
to set meeting date for Fiscal Year 2010/2011 per provided copy
attached. Trustee Parrish asked if the list of dates reflected
the change of the July meeting date from the normally scheduled
date. President Brennan replied that it did. He noted that it
would make it the fifth Tuesday, not the fourth.
Ayes: D. Martin, Houchens, Thompson, R. Martin, Mason and
Parrish
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Staff Reports – Mr. Grabowski announced
that they were cancelling the Special Parks Committee meeting as
the Wapella Street Park plans were not quite to the point where
they needed to be. They would be ready, most likely for the
regular committee meeting in June. He then commented that he
wished again to thank the Police Department adding that he
thought it was amazing with the set of circumstances given, how
quick they were able to capture the suspect and he wanted to
thank Police Chief Meyer and his people for that.
Liquor Commission Report – Commissioner Brennan
had nothing to report.
.
Annexation Committee
Report – Chairman Brennan had nothing to report.
Executive Session - President Brennan
announced that there was a need for an executive session and
entertained a motion. Trustee Thompson moved, Trustee Parrish
seconded the motion to go to executive session at 7:27 p.m. to
discuss personnel, collective bargaining, and probable
litigation.
Ayes: Mason, Thompson,
Parrish, Houchens, D. Martin and R. Martin
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Trustee Mason moved, Trustee Parrish
seconded the motion to return to regular session at 9:02 p.m.
Ayes: Mason, Thompson, Parrish, Houchens, D. Martin and R.
Martin
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Action From Executive Session
Resolution
Authorizing Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding
- President Brennan announced that there was action to be taken
as a result of executive session and entertained a motion
regarding the Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Memorandum
of Understanding. Mr. Grabowski explained that what the
resolution does is extends the sick leave buy back program to
the Operators Union Local #150 members and their collective
bargaining agreement. He noted that it also has a clause that
the Village is looking for: “entire agreement”. Trustee Houchens
moved, Trustee Parrish seconded the motion to pass
Resolution #2010R-1317 Authorizing Execution of a
Memorandum of Understanding to extend the sick leave buy back
program to Local #150 members and their collective bargaining
agreement, and adds the clause “entire agreement”.
Ayes: Thompson, R. Martin, Parrish, D. Martin, Mason and
Houchens
Nays: None
Motion carried.
As Appropriate – President Brennan noted
that he and Mr. Grabowski would be going to Rosemont, IL the
following morning to attend a program being put on by Grainger
and the Grundy Economic Development Council to espouse the
advantages of Minooka’s location for economic development. Mr.
Grabowski added that they had been asked to attend to answer any
questions that prospective companies might have and commented
that they were happy to attend. Trustee Thompson commented that
he had noticed that the area farmers’ markets had been listed in
the Joliet Herald News and Minooka had not been on the list. He
asked that Staff look into adding ours so that everyone would
know we were still having it. Mr. Grabowski replied that they
would.
President Brennan stated that he and Trustee
Parrish had attended the DARE program graduation the night
before. He reported that Police Chief Meyer and Officers
Wagenius and Tatgenhorst had also been present to celebrate the
graduation of around 160 students; very well done. He added that
Judge Nash who graduated from Minooka Community High School was
the speaker and did a great job. trustee Parrish added that it
was a pleasure to see so many children getting the word so early
in their school career; he thought it was a good program and
hoped they would continue doing it and emphasizing it in all the
schools.
Hearing no further comments or
questions, President Brennan called for adjournment. Trustee
Thompson moved, Trustee Parrish seconded the motion to adjourn
the meeting at 9:07 p.m. All voted yes, motion carried.
Mary L. Ray, Village Clerk
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The Village of Minooka, Illinois
121 East McEvilly Road
Minooka, IL 60447
(815) 467-2151
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