Megan Drake

The Regular Village Board Meeting agenda included a proclamation honoring Jan Novak Dressel and a State of the Village Presentation. The consent agenda covered the approval of minutes from prior Committee of the Whole and Village Board of Trustees meetings, the Fire Department Annual Report, the Administration Department Report, approval for annual maintenance payment to Springbrook Holding Company LLC, approval for a purchase agreement with Quadbridge for a Datto Backup Appliance, and the appointment of Trish Ivansek as Primary Delegate for IRMA. New business addressed the purchase of a Dodge Durango for the Fire Department, an agreement with Branniff Communications Inc. for outdoor warning siren equipment replacement, entering an agreement for the purchase of two tandem-axle dump truck bodies and chassis, and authorizing participation in a funding application for the Harlem Avenue Multimodal Bridge Replacement Project.

The meeting featured the swearing-in of newly elected officials. Key discussions and approvals involved the consent agenda items, including departmental reports and financial matters totaling $1,843,846.55 for Accounts Payable, and ordinances amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Compensation Plan, and amending Water and Sewer Rates. New business focused on awarding contracts for the 2023 Public Works Garage Parking Lot Reconstruction and Police Shooting Range Improvements. The Board also approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Operating and Capital Budget, renewed the contract with Thrive Counseling Services for Crisis Intervention, and appointed Matt Walsh as Village Administrator, Zoning Administrator, and Budget Officer through May 12, 2025, followed by the execution of his employment agreement and his swearing-in.

The meeting's agenda included the adoption of the minutes from the September 15, 2021 meeting and public comment session. A key discussion item was a request from a resident to install speed bumps or a 3-way stop control at the intersection of Thatcher Avenue and Vine Street. The meeting minutes from the September 15, 2021 meeting detailed extensive public comment regarding excessive cut-through traffic speeds and volumes on streets like Lathrop, Harlem, and Greenfield. Following discussion, the commission passed a motion to suggest a traffic study for the quadrant between Harlem, Lathrop, Greenfield, and North Avenue to address speeding concerns, potential access restrictions, and parking issues during athletic events. A traffic evaluation memorandum regarding the Thatcher Avenue and Vine Street intersection concluded that an all-way stop control was not warranted based on volume, speed data (85th percentile speed of 32 mph), and lack of crashes. The memorandum recommended enforcement measures and the consideration of temporary or permanent radar speed signs to mitigate excessive southbound speeding.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of Collective Bargaining Agreements with IAFF #2391 for Firefighter/Paramedics and Lieutenants, covering the period from May 1, 2016, through April 30, 2019, which included specific retroactive wage increases. The Board approved bids for Green Alley Improvements and Thomas Street Alley Improvements. Ordinance considerations involved amending the Village Code for an ADA Parking Space on Linden Street. The agenda included numerous recommendations from Boards, Commissions, and Committees, notably several Variation Requests from the Zoning Board of Appeals and various Board and Commission Appointments/Reappointments across multiple bodies like the Economic Development Commission, Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, and Sustainability Commission. New Business covered real estate purchase and sales contracts, authorization for a Compliance and Settlement Agreement, updates on Village Hearing Notifications, amendments to the Village Code regarding underage tobacco possession, and a discussion summarizing the Illinois Legislative Session. Unfinished Business included an update on Thatcher/Hawthorne Intersection Improvements, where landscaping boulders were recommended as a barrier solution. The Board also addressed the creation of Village Initiatives and Trustee Assignments, and approved an Ordinance to eliminate Standing Committees, and a Resolution supporting a 2020 US Census Complete Count Committee. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss real property purchase/lease, collective negotiating matters, and pending litigation.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which authorized the submittal of an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant Application with the Village of Elmwood Park for North Avenue Streetscape Improvements, approval of the 2018 Schedule of Public Meetings, and review of the October 2017 Monthly Financial Report and Accounts Payable. Separate consideration was given to North Avenue TIF Vendor Payments. Recommendations from Commissions involved an Ordinance to amend Title 8 regarding the Regulation of Bees and Beekeeping, and several Ordinances related to traffic safety, including installing a Two-Way Stop Sign at Keystone and Vine, installing safety signage and striped crosswalks at Franklin Avenue and Ashland Avenue intersections with Oak Avenue, and establishing a No Parking Zone on Division Street. The Board also discussed the introduction of a potential Planned Development Application for an Independent Living Project at Chicago & Harlem. Unfinished business concerned the NSMP Outfall Structure, where direction was given to install deterrent signage. New business involved accepting the estimate for the 2017 Corporate Property Tax Levy, passing an Ordinance to permit a Class 1 and Class 4B Liquor License for Good Earth Cafe, and discussing the timeline for Alley reconstruction at Bonnie Brae and Thomas, factoring in related condominium development. Finally, the Board authorized a Resolution for the purchase of property at 7620 Madison Street in the Madison Street TIF District and an Ordinance authorizing a loan from the Village General Fund to the TIF Fund to cover related costs, as well as amending the Annual Budget.