Here is the agenda for the 1/27/2009 city council meeting. It looks like the new parking garage is not getting off to a good start (E3); the mayor states that the sergeant promotions will cost the city $26,000 (F3) (not $3,000 as Alderman Chapman claimed); The Children's School of Oak Park (located at St. Mary of Celle) wants to expand to be K-8 but the city denied a request for mobile units (Item I1); The mayor presents evidence to Alderman Chapman that he has reduced the cost of vehicle stickers (Item J6); and the city wants plans for the Maple Pool (Item F1)
BERWYN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 27, 2009
DEAR ATTENDEE.....THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WELCOME YOU. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS A MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS AS OPPOSED TO A PUBLIC HEARING WHERE ATTENDEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE. UNLESS INVITED BY THE MAYOR TO SPEAK, YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO INTERRUPT. IF YOU ARE RECOGNIZED BY THE MAYOR, PLEASE PREFACE YOUR REMARKS BY STATING YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. THANK YOU.
MICHAEL A. O'CONNOR THOMAS J. PAVLIK
MAYOR CITY CLERK
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENDA
ROLL CALL
(A) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - MOMENT OF SILENCE
(B) OPEN FORUM - (TOPIC MUST NOT BE ON THE AGENDA)
(C) PRESENTATION OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
1. REG-1/13/09-COW-1/13/09
(D) BID OPENING - TABULATIONS
(E) BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORP.-BERWYN TOWNSHIP/HEALTH DISTRICT
1. BDC DIR-REPLACEMENT OF CERMAK CLOCK
2. BDC DIR-REQ APPROVAL FOR 2009 ANNUAL EVENTS
3. BDC DIR-PARKING STRUCTURE-CAISSON RELATED CHANGE ORDER
4. BDC DIR-WIRELESS NETWORK LINK-PARKING STRUCTURE
(F) REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
1. MAYOR-REQ- FOR FUNDING OF ARCHITECT & PLANS FOR MAPLE POOL
2. MAYOR-RED SPEED CAMERAS
3. MAYOR-POLICE SERGEANT PROMOTION
4. MAYOR-SNOW REMOVAL PROCESS
(G) REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY CLERK
(H) COMMUNICATIONS FROM ( ZONING) BOARD OF APPEALS
1. ZBA-ORD/RESL-VARAIATION-T-MOBILE CENTRAL LLC-6940 W. OGDEN AVE.
(I) REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS FROM ALDERMEN, COMMITTEES OTHER BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
1. ERICKSON-TEMPORY BUILDING AT ST. MARY'S
2. BERWYN HISTORIC PRES COMM-BUDGET LINE ITEM REQUEST
3. WEINER-AT &T BOXES
4. CHAPMAN-3600 BLK OF WENONAH AVE-EXTEND"RES PKNG ONLY" HRS
5. CHAPMAN-3300 BLK OF GROVE AVE-REQ-SUPERZONE"PERMIT PKNG ONLY"
6. CHAPMAN-WINDSON AVE-CONFLICTING SINAGE PROBLEMS VS OUR WRITTEN ORDINANCES
(J) STAFF REPORTS
1. DEFER-BUILDING DIRECTOR-DISPOSAL OF TWO INSPECTOR VEHCICLES
2. TRAFFIC ENG-PARKING IN THE STANLEY-WINDSOR AVE AREA
3. DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF-CHANGE ORDERS TO 16TH STREET FIREHOUSE CONST.
4. POLICE CHIEF-REQ-APPR FOR HIRING ONE OFFICER FROM LATERAL ENTRY POOL
5. FINANCE DIR/BUDGET CHRMN-PAYABLES-1-7-09-$757,039.84 (NOTE: A separate payable report and total from the New World System may be available under separate cover prior to meeting for consideration and approval.)
6. COLLECTOR-COST OF VEHICLE STICKERS
7. COLLECTOR-COST OF BUSINESS LICENSE SEALS
8. LAW DEPT-ORD-REDEVELOPMENT AGRMNT -6801-6821 W CERMAK
9. LAW DEPT-ORD-AMENDING & RESTATED REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT-6801-6821 W CERMAK
10. LAW DEPT-ORD-HARLEM METRA STATION SUBLEASE AGREEMENT-FIRST AMENDMENT
11. LAW DEPT-ORD-HARLEM METRA STATION SUBLEASE AGREEMENT-ASSIGNMENT TO HARLEM EXPRESSO, L.L.C.
(K) CONSENT AGENDA: ALL ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE IN NATURE AND WILL BE ENACTED IN ONE MOTION. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS A COUNCIL MEMBER SO REQUESTS, IN WHICH EVENT THE ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND ONSIDERED AS THE FIRST ITEM AFTER APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
1. BUDGET CHAIRMAN-PAYROLL-1/21/09-$933,842.33
2. COLLECTOR-LICENSES ISSUED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 2008
3. WEINER-HANDICAP SIGN-IGNACIO MORALES -6915 W. 29TH PLACE-APPROVE
4. PHELAN-HANDICAP SIGN-CINDY CAPUTO-1929 S EAST AVE-APPROVE
5. LOVERO-HANDICAP SIGN-MARIA MIRANDA-1628 S. GROVE AVE-APPROVE
6. SOUTH BERWYN ED FOUNDATION-3RD ANNUAL KELLY MILLER CIRCUS-9/9/09
ITEMS SUBMITTED ON TIME _33_
______________________________
THOMAS J. PAVLIK - CITY CLERK
In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with disabilities Act, any individual who is in the need of a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in or benefit from attendance at a public meeting of the City of Berwyn should contact Thomas J. Pavlik, City Clerk at 708/788-2660 as soon as possible before the meeting date.
Reading through the packet, a few comments:
- Officer promotions - is it wise to increase salaries and promote to new positions when budgets are so tight? I'm not against filling in open positions but it seems these are new positions.
- Snow removal - a new plan for snow > 2 inches. First, how much more will this cost? Second, isn't 2 inches a bit low. I can understand 1-2 feet of snow as an emergency but 2 inches?! Get real people, winters have snow, wake up 15 minutes earlier to account for a longer commute and expect a few days of snow everywhere after a storm. We need to save money, not waste it.
- B Historical Society - I agree with the need for funding but I would challenge them to find sponsor for items such as supplies, conferences and website. We should pay for survey as long as they can show the price is fair.
- City vehicle - I occasionally see City cards parked in front of homes. I usually pass it off as being "Official City Business" except sometimes, the vehicles are parked all night long. They must be working overtime. Does the city allow these vehicles to be used for personal business? Do we pay for the gas too?
I don't see anything on the agenda about the Berwyn Historical Society. You are confusing a private organization with a city commission.
I think only department heads can take home the vehicle. Which stands to reason that they may have a call in the middle of the night. But anyway, get a number and make sure.
Doing that would make be a boat rocker and given this small town, subject to retaliation. I will settle for making broad generalizations.
Quote from: tony la on January 26, 2009, 04:28:49 PM
I think only department heads can take home the vehicle. Which stands to reason that they may have a call in the middle of the night. But anyway, get a number and make sure.
Personally, I know someone who works for the city and has been told they can utilize one of the CSO vehicles as of 2 months ago but has not been able to use a city vehicle yet because of economics.
Quote from: n01_important on January 25, 2009, 11:42:25 PM
Reading through the packet, a few comments:
- Officer promotions - is it wise to increase salaries and promote to new positions when budgets are so tight? I'm not against filling in open positions but it seems these are new positions.
- Snow removal - a new plan for snow > 2 inches. First, how much more will this cost? Second, isn't 2 inches a bit low. I can understand 1-2 feet of snow as an emergency but 2 inches?! Get real people, winters have snow, wake up 15 minutes earlier to account for a longer commute and expect a few days of snow everywhere after a storm. We need to save money, not waste it.
- B Historical Society - I agree with the need for funding but I would challenge them to find sponsor for items such as supplies, conferences and website. We should pay for survey as long as they can show the price is fair.
- City vehicle - I occasionally see City cards parked in front of homes. I usually pass it off as being "Official City Business" except sometimes, the vehicles are parked all night long. They must be working overtime. Does the city allow these vehicles to be used for personal business? Do we pay for the gas too?
The chief of police is not a Berwyn resident. He probably takes the city vehicle home. Ring him up at work and ask about your fuel concerns.
So how did the meeting go? ???
Tell us about the fireman who spoke during open forum
Quote from: FedUp on January 28, 2009, 07:38:27 AM
Tell us about the fireman who spoke during open forum
So, if you know a fireman spoke during open forum, either you were there - or you've already heard about it. Why don't you fill everyone in?
Quote from: delbowz on January 28, 2009, 07:59:34 AM
Quote from: FedUp on January 28, 2009, 07:38:27 AM
Tell us about the fireman who spoke during open forum
So, if you know a fireman spoke during open forum, either you were there - or you've already heard about it. Why don't you fill everyone in?
Because the way things are going on this board if you are not a principal in whatever you state it is declared as hearsay. Besides Ted seems to do an excelent job of reporting. BTW weren't you there
I was there, but I wasn't taking notes, and I don't feel comfortable 'recapping' based on my memory only and not written notes. I know that my memory is pre-disposed w/ my personal feelings on the issue(s) and in no way would it be a fact-based recap.
I did not see Ted at the meeting, so if you're waiting for a recap from him, you'll probably be waiting for a LONG time.
The fireman who previously had been anonymous got up and felt that the mayor insulted him, his dead father and his mother and all his firefighter brothers. It was quite the speech.
The mayor then asked him several questions. Is he permanently injured? NO. Will you be able to to return to work? YES. Will you be able to perform your job when you return? YES. Are all your medical bills being covered by the city? YES. Has he lost any pay? YES. The mayor stated he had checked with HR and Finance, and he had continued to be paid his base salary. Your base pay? NO. Apparently he gets overtime on a regular basis and feels because he is not getting the overtime he deserved to be compensated and filed the workmans comp claim. Sorry, but that is BS.
The firefighter stated he performed a public service. The mayor made the point that if you were truly in it for public service, you would not be filing a claim to get money out of the city.
He also was using lots of words like defame, sounding like he'd been reading Slinkman vs Bear. He had a DVD/CD with the mayor's comments about an anonymous fireman. Felix was there video taping it all, so maybe he could give a verbatim transcription if the above is wrong.
The most interesting item that came out of the exchange? Guess how much the city has paid out in Workman's Comp claims over the last 4 years? $4 MILLION. And we currently have $2 MILLION sitting in reserve to cover pending claims. $1.5 Million in Workman's comp claims per year on average.
For each Workman's Comp claim filed, the cost to the city is $750 to just open the file.
Superblock will be moving forward. The vacant land will be used for a medical facility. Good to see a compromise worked out that puts the land to use and brings a new business to town.
Alderman Chapman's inquiry into the cost of parking stickers seemed to reveal that no money can be saved. Ald. Phelan pointed out that more money was wasted compiling this report than could be saved in several years. Ald. Chapman didn't seem to understand that black and white were two colors, not one.
Ald Chapman also thought it crazy to get rid of a couple of 14 year old cars. Rather that we should keep repairing them.
Meeting was over around 9, then they went back into closed.
Overtime pay?
Un frickin believable.
Btw, what's the point in videotaping city council meetings? I never have understood that.
If I'm a firefighter, the last thing in the world I want to do is videotape another firefighter claiming he filed a comp claim because he's not getting overtime.
So, the speech given by the injured ff was delivered in good fashion.
Quote from: ZORBA on January 28, 2009, 09:10:12 AM
Overtime pay?
Un frickin believable.
Btw, what's the point in videotaping city council meetings? I never have understood that.
If I'm a firefighter, the last thing in the world I want to do is videotape another firefighter claiming he filed a comp claim because he's not getting overtime.
The word he used wasn't overtime. It was something beyond his base pay. I used overtime to differentiate between base and non-base pay.
Quote from: Rizzo on January 28, 2009, 09:22:13 AM
So, the speech given by the injured ff was delivered in good fashion.
Sounds to me more like a diatribe against the city and OC because he's pissed he's not getting his extra pay. Let's see - he's not permanently injured, his medical bills are covered and he's receiving his base pay until he goes back. And who's to say he would be receiving OT if he was working. Is it guaranteed? He'll have a very hard time finding support among your average Berwyn resident in this economy.
I believe he used "class differential" or something along those lines.
He basically got up and asked the mayor to apologize for saying he was suing the city, b/c he isn't suing. OC then asked his questions, which get another point across. OC didn't apologize....
I think it's interesting to see the workmans comp claim totals - but you have to remember, these are FIREFIGHTERS and POLICE MEN. not exactly the safest jobs in the world. It would have been more effecitve if OC would have said, we have spent $X in claims from the fire department over this amount of time... and other municipalities with similar size communities have spent $Y. Then we'd see if it's truly out of whack. (how many workmans comp claims are from city hall employees, pw? )
I know OC is looking out for the taxpayers in trying to stem the flow of funds to workmans comp - but singling someone out - to make an example of ONE person from ONE department isn't right. It's like a teacher who gives the whole class a detention b/c one child misbehaves. This may not have been his best campaign move. That's just my opinon.
I agree on the comments of the ff, he's lucky he's getting base pay. Most of us get only worker's comp if we get injured.
More importantly, it seems that some of the items for discussion could take place outside of the city council meeting. Do we really need the entire city present to debate if it's more economical to fix the car or get a new one?!
No wonder things are so screwed up! If you spend more of your time bickering the small stuff, there is no time to discuss the big stuff.
Those workman's comp claims were for all employees, not just the BPD and BFD. I'd be curious to see the breakdown between various departments. I'd think PD, FD and PW would have the largest number of claims, due to the physical nature of the work they do.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 08:32:34 AM
Alderman Chapman's inquiry into the cost of parking stickers seemed to reveal that no money can be saved. Ald. Phelan pointed out that more money was wasted compiling this report than could be saved in several years. Ald. Chapman didn't seem to understand that black and white were two colors, not one.
This was my favorite discussion of the night. The stickers cost something like 17 CENTS each. Chapman thinks we can save $1.00 a sticker? And she said "black and white is one color".. HUH?
Also, I really want to know if it would Kill Nona and Michele to SMILE. ;D
Also, and Brian, I don't know if I missed this in your recap... #4 wanted to add $35,000 to the budget for the historical commission. It was voted down (mayor split the tie) - but how can you even suggest adding $35,000 to a budget you are already struggling to trim??????
Red light camera at East and 26th is being relocated to Harlem and Ogden I think???
The vote on the mobile units for the school were deferred for 2 weeks, giving school administrators time to canvass the community to get input from the neighbors.
Those are all correct.
There seems to be some confusion amongst council members regarding the Historical Commission (which they created) and the Historical Society (which is an independent non-profit). I didn't read the packet to see what the money was being requested for. Sounded like some plaques and other items. Skryd claimed she had taken this to the BDC and they said these items were TIF eligible. Why is this stuff never put in writing (as the mayor said)? A simple request to have the BDC director send an email to the aldermen and the mayor would have had this information in their hands, rather than doing everything by phone calls and letting confusion reign.
And, to add to the confusion...
I didn't think where the items were going was in a TIF district. So, how are they TIF eligible??????
delbowz,
What you fail address is that THIS particular fireman was injured while exercising, not battling a blaze. I think that's where OC's frustration (and probably the taxpayer) comes in. And he put in a claim for potential overtime.
I'm sure exercise is considered to be in the scope of employment for firefighters, legally, but boy oh boy are you going to have a hard time gathering public sympathy if you're the firefighter in question.
I don't think this has anything to do with "campaign moves", but rather a genuine desire to protect the taxpayers interests.
Quote from: ZORBA on January 28, 2009, 10:24:15 AM
delbowz,
What you fail address is that THIS particular fireman was injured while exercising, not battling a blaze. I think that's where OC's frustration (and probably the taxpayer) comes in. And he put in a claim for potential overtime.
I'm sure exercise is considered to be in the scope of employment for firefighters, legally, but boy oh boy are you going to have a hard time gathering public sympathy if you're the firefighter in question.
I don't think this has anything to do with "campaign moves", but rather a genuine desire to protect the taxpayers interests.
I understand and appreciate and respect OC's desire and actions to protect the taxpayer. However, all the FF was asking last night was for OC to set the record straight. That he was in fact NOT suing the City - he asked for an apology for mis-information that was provided - and he didn't get it. I understand OC's response wasn't a 'strategy' - but maybe this close to an election it SHOULD have been - that's all I'm saying.
OC used ONE person as an example of the issues the town is facing with workmans comp claims. I don't think that's fair . That's all I"m saying Andy. Is Bewryn's Workmans Comp really out of whack with what other like size communities have? WE dont' know that. Does the FD have excessive claims, we don't know that either. The only thing we do know is that one person has now been singled out to serve as the name and face of the workmans comp issues this city has.
Zorba,
The firefighter NEVER put in a claim for overtime. Your Wrong again!
Quote from: delbowz on January 28, 2009, 10:21:10 AM
And, to add to the confusion...
I didn't think where the items were going was in a TIF district. So, how are they TIF eligible??????
No idea...I hadn't read that item in the packet, so I don't even know what they were requesting money for.
If they aren't in a TIF district, that is an even better reason these communications should be in written, not oral, form.
Quote from: delbowz on January 28, 2009, 10:34:19 AM
Quote from: ZORBA on January 28, 2009, 10:24:15 AM
delbowz,
What you fail address is that THIS particular fireman was injured while exercising, not battling a blaze. I think that's where OC's frustration (and probably the taxpayer) comes in. And he put in a claim for potential overtime.
I'm sure exercise is considered to be in the scope of employment for firefighters, legally, but boy oh boy are you going to have a hard time gathering public sympathy if you're the firefighter in question.
I don't think this has anything to do with "campaign moves", but rather a genuine desire to protect the taxpayers interests.
I understand and appreciate and respect OC's desire and actions to protect the taxpayer. However, all the FF was asking last night was for OC to set the record straight. That he was in fact NOT suing the City - he asked for an apology for mis-information that was provided - and he didn't get it. I understand OC's response wasn't a 'strategy' - but maybe this close to an election it SHOULD have been - that's all I'm saying.
OC used ONE person as an example of the issues the town is facing with workmans comp claims. I don't think that's fair . That's all I"m saying Andy. Is Bewryn's Workmans Comp really out of whack with what other like size communities have? WE dont' know that. Does the FD have excessive claims, we don't know that either. The only thing we do know is that one person has now been singled out to serve as the name and face of the workmans comp issues this city has.
But until the guy came forward, he was "a firefighter". If someone hadn't PM'ed me with his name, I would only have said a guy with a shaved head. I think he was pretty anonymous to the general public.
Quote from: Acorn on January 28, 2009, 10:38:08 AM
Zorba,
The firefighter NEVER put in a claim for overtime. Your Wrong again!
Well Acorn, THIS is what Brian relayed:
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 08:32:34 AM
Apparently he gets overtime on a regular basis and feels because he is not getting the overtime he deserved to be compensated and filed the workmans comp claim. Sorry, but that is BS.
Now whether or not you want to term it overtime, or whether he put in the claim for actual overtime lost or BECAUSE he wasn't getting overtime, is of little significance.
What people got out of it is that his lost additional hours/overtime served as an impetus for the claim.
OPS:
The BHPC request was put in written form, you have to read the packet. And yes, potentially some of these things would be out of the TIF disttricts but I assume that would be hashed out when the coucil receives answers as to what is actually qualifies for TIF and what is not. And yes, there is confusion between the BHPC and the BHS, they are not one in the same.
And I stand corrected, I belive it was a request to add $10,000 to the budget for the historical commission, not $35,000 - but still, adding any line item when you are already struggling to make cuts just makes no sense to me.
Quote from: delbowz on January 28, 2009, 10:13:06 AM
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 08:32:34 AM
Alderman Chapman's inquiry into the cost of parking stickers seemed to reveal that no money can be saved. Ald. Phelan pointed out that more money was wasted compiling this report than could be saved in several years. Ald. Chapman didn't seem to understand that black and white were two colors, not one.
This was my favorite discussion of the night. The stickers cost something like 17 CENTS each. Chapman thinks we can save $1.00 a sticker? And she said "black and white is one color".. HUH?
If the paper or the plastic or whatever material they use for stickers is supplied in white, for example, only one color would have to be printed to yield a two-color print job. Perhaps that's what she's talking about.
The stickers are clear - I think thats the industry standard. I don't even think she knew what she was talking about anymore. It's a sad state of affairs when you are looking at cost savings on something with a per piece price tag of $0.17.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 08:32:34 AM
Ald Chapman also thought it crazy to get rid of a couple of 14 year old cars. Rather that we should keep repairing them.
This was my other favorite. #1 totally had an attitude that she didn't get the packet of info on the car maintenance histroy until right before the meeting so she didn't have adequate time to review them..... UNTIL BL said that he personally provided the copies to save money and this was the soonest he could get them to everyone. I think that may be the ONE time #1 smiled...
Quote from: delbowz on January 28, 2009, 11:17:43 AM
And I stand corrected, I belive it was a request to add $10,000 to the budget for the historical commission, not $35,000 - but still, adding any line item when you are already struggling to make cuts just makes no sense to me.
They clearly stated $35k.
EC, I was referring to the TIF information that Skryd mentioned, not the request itself from the Commission.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 11:57:58 AM
They clearly stated $35k.
See, this is why I don't type up meeting summaries. Suffice it to say, I have no idea how much $$$$ it was, but that an amount of money was requested to be put in the already in the red budget, and was voted down (4-4, mayor breaking tie).
:)
Here is the agenda for the 1/27/2009 city council meeting. It looks like the new parking garage is not getting off to a good start (E3); the mayor states that the sergeant promotions will cost the city $26,000 (F3) (not $3,000 as Alderman Chapman claimed); The Children's School of Oak Park (located at St. Mary of Celle) wants to expand to be K-8 but the city denied a request for mobile units (Item I1); The mayor presents evidence to Alderman Chapman that he has reduced the cost of vehicle stickers (Item J6); and the city wants plans for the Maple Pool (Item F1)
Mayor withdrew his communication regarding the SGT. promotion.
Children School in St Mary of Celle was deferred for 2 weeks after the gentlemen representing the school explained that they wanted to add another grade so it would be K-6. This was done during the open COW session. Actually after the council had already voted to go to closed session. #8 looked at the mayor and asked for the Children School gentleman to be able to speak. Mayor said next time let me know ahead of time (or words to that effect) so it could have been put on the COW agenda. Suggestion was made to survey the neighborhood and get back to council with results. Erickson offered to help the gentleman write the survey! ::) Mayor requested that when the survey questions were complete send them to city hall via email and he would get them to the aldermen to review. City has not denied or approved the request.
Out of the 75 students currently enrolled in the school about 5-10 are Berwyn residents children.
They are on a time constraint because they would like to notify the parents of the 5th graders if there will indeed be a 6th grade next year. The gentleman also stated that he had been in contact with #8 on December 15th and again in January. Mayor heard about it sometime after Christmas.
Redspeed camera from 26th & East will be moved to Cermak & Harlem.
Snow removal is being revamped.
BHPC did request a line item for the budget. #4 said she spoke with Tony Griffin and most of the $45K could/would be covered by TIF monies. So if approved the difference would be $10K added to the budget essentially. But the request was to be put into the budget and if the money was there they would go with it. The budget is still being considered and there is another budget hearing scheduled.
#3 communication regarding At&T boxes was sent to PW and Budget(?) committee
Firefighter addressed the council and the mayor and all he was asking for was an apology. Instead he was grilled on Workers Comp issues that had nothing to do with him. It was stated by the mayor that it was not in the contract. BTW, for those who don't know Workers Compensatation is state and federal law. It is in the contract and doesn't have to be spelled out anyway because of state and federal laws. BTW, he did not get the apology!
Joe Vallez requested $50K for a study(ies) regarding the Maple pool.
No money would be coming from the NBPD. Mayor said it would be paid out of the Bond/Infrastructure fund. He also stated that $30K was spent in emergency repairs at Maple Pool year before last. Joe Vallez and Tony Martinucci have been in contact with each other and working together on the possible transfer.
That is the way I heard it and saw it. Will check the tape to double check for accuracy. :)
More as I have time to review my notes.
Why do we care that there are only 5-10 Berwyn kids enrolled there? Did the representative from the school state that?
Why wouldn't we want to support a Berwyn Business?
If people from outside Berwyn are coming here everyday, maybe they'll have a favorable impression of the school.
Just repeating the questions and answers that were asked and given. Yes the representative from the school said that. DUH! I wouldn't have printed it otherwise.
A recap was asked for and given on the meeting.
Because having businesses and services that people in other communities might want to actually enter Berwyn to use would be "trying to turn Berwyn into Oak Park". We should continue to foster a business climate that no one wants to visit– gotta keep it real.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 10:17:43 AM
Why is this stuff never put in writing (as the mayor said)? A simple request to have the BDC director send an email to the aldermen and the mayor would have had this information in their hands, rather than doing everything by phone calls and letting confusion reign.
I know why. Because through recently released documents it turns out that Mortimer Snyrd and Michele Skyrd are one in the same!
For those of you under 50, Google Mortimer Snyrd. It's a hoot!
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 28, 2009, 10:12:41 AM
Those workman's comp claims were for all employees, not just the BPD and BFD. I'd be curious to see the breakdown between various departments. I'd think PD, FD and PW would have the largest number of claims, due to the physical nature of the work they do.
I'm getting into a lot of trouble but, nothing new. How much was Francine's lawsuit settled for ? I heard she was Judge Turrell's 300 lb. niece . Just a rumor of course. We could always ask Nona.
Quote from: TWW on January 28, 2009, 01:37:58 PM
Children School in St Mary of Celle was deferred for 2 weeks after the gentlemen representing the school explained that they wanted to add another grade so it would be K-6. This was done during the open COW session. Actually after the council had already voted to go to closed session. #8 looked at the mayor and asked for the Children School gentleman to be able to speak. Mayor said next time let me know ahead of time (or words to that effect) so it could have been put on the COW agenda. Suggestion was made to survey the neighborhood and get back to council with results. Erickson offered to help the gentleman write the survey! ::) Mayor requested that when the survey questions were complete send them to city hall via email and he would get them to the aldermen to review. City has not denied or approved the request.
Out of the 75 students currently enrolled in the school about 5-10 are Berwyn residents children.
They are on a time constraint because they would like to notify the parents of the 5th graders if there will indeed be a 6th grade next year. The gentleman also stated that he had been in contact with #8 on December 15th and again in January. Mayor heard about it sometime after Christmas.
I think as long as it is not costing Berwyn anything, our city should support this school. From what I know, it is a progressive, somewhat expensive private school that would fill some of the void left in that neighborhood since St. Mary of Celle closed. It seems like a great education option for families in the area and from neighboring communities. I know a few Berwyn families that are considering the school for next year. I think it has been only a year or two since the school made Berwyn home and I hope our city welcomes the opportunity to have the school with enthusiasm rather than paralysis that is usually caused by any kind of change in this town. A planning timeline is important for private schools. Families plan in the spring for education the following year and if our city council drags their feet on this, it could mean losing students and risking a big setback in the long-term viability for this school in Berwyn. After getting the community input, I hope CC makes a quick decision to NOT stand in the way of the expansion of this school.
Thank you Shelley.
I agree. This school is not hugely expensive for a private education and may offer incentive for people considering living in Berwyn.
I think businesses like the Children's School have the potential to turn around the reputation that Berwyn seems to be mired in.
This is a prime example of personalities getting in the way of moving Berwyn forward. Skryd voted against raising the sticker 5 bucks. That five bucks would have gone a long way in achieving a balance. It was not the 5 bucks, it was revenge. Now she wants 10k or 35k which ever one it is. Where is the common sense here. Personally I like Michelle, but this was way wrong.
Quote from: tony la on January 29, 2009, 12:15:15 PM
This is a prime example of personalities getting in the way of moving Berwyn forward. Skryd voted against raising the sticker 5 bucks. That five bucks would have gone a long way in achieving a balance. It was not the 5 bucks, it was revenge. Now she wants 10k or 35k which ever one it is. Where is the common sense here. Personally I like Michelle, but this was way wrong.
Tony, I agree and it seems to me that this revenge/obstructionism is on both sides. Raise the sticker price 5 bucks and make the stickers black and white if that is any savings at all. All additional revenue should go directly toward purchasing salt and a reserve for public works OT when we have storms.
Actually, how about a discounted price for a sticker for "garage cars". 1/2 price because you commit to parking in your garage. If a "garage car" is parked on the street...ticket the car w/ a fine of the difference between the two stickers. All of that revenue should go to car related city expenses, too.
Just an idea.
Shelley
Kind of like my idea which fell on deaf ears. Every residence is eligible for 2 yellow stickers for vehicles. If you have a 3rd vehicle it has to have a garage for it. Any 3rd vehicle gets a red sticker. If a red sticker is on the street after 11pm it gets a ticket.. And this could be a complaint driven ordinance. If there are many cars on the street at night all the police have to do is look for a red sticker on that block after 11 and give them a ticket. I may be wrong but it is a pretty simple idea and I think it get many 3 car families to either rent a garage or clean out theirs. Also I think garage spaces will be getting a decent monthly price for a rental.
Tony: I think it would work better in reverse: you get two red stickers for cars that cannot be on the street after 11 PM, and one yellow sticker for the car that can. That way you are forced to get TWO cars off the street, not just one. I am a three car family and religously park two of the cars in my garage, after all that's what it was made for. My third must stay on the street, but at least I have two off the street. Or did I miss read your post?
That works well for single family homes but what about the 2s and 3s on the north end. That would be the only problem. It is still way better than oak park having no cars on the street. It's like the smoking in a public place. When the law first came out there was much opposition. Now I think some of the smokers actually like the idea. Samething, people would get used to it and after awhile they would like the fact that the street was empty and clean.
Quote from: tony la on January 29, 2009, 04:01:28 PM
That works well for single family homes but what about the 2s and 3s on the north end. That would be the only problem. It is still way better than oak park having no cars on the street. It's like the smoking in a public place. When the law first came out there was much opposition. Now I think some of the smokers actually like the idea. Samething, people would get used to it and after awhile they would like the fact that the street was empty and clean.
What people need to get used to is the fact that they DON'T live in the suburbs. The fact is this is CITY LIVING. There are now and there will always be too many cars. So we are inconvenienced by a couple of snow days. The streets of Berwyn will never be empty of cars. If thats what we want we should all move to Plainfield..............Oh but leave your cars here!!!
Just a thought. I don't it right that one family has 4-5 cars and another has 1-2 and they can't park.
The key is getting people to use the garages that they have. Or even build garages if they don't or build bigger ones. Some incentive to build? Reduced building dept. fees or small CDBG grants? As for the multi-family buildings, Should the bldg. owners try to make better provisions for tenants rather than letting tham fend for themslves? A near by parking lot for nigh parking? The new developers coming in say their tenants don't have cars, or kids for that matter. But if you build 3 bedroom units, are you telling me it's for one or two adults that walk all the time? Just a thought. If I had the answers I probably would not be here right now.
Re using the garages they have: often, when applying for a handicapped parking sign, residents explain that they need the sign because the garage is too full of stuff to use. Perhaps the city could have an arrangement with one of those "we'll clear your clutter" businesses and give a discount to residents making use of those services. For example:
http://www.1800junkusa.com/articles/chicago-junk-removal.php
I never could understand, why people insist on keeping clutter/garbage in their
garages? It is probably part of the hoarding syndrome some have.
What should be stored in a garage? Car, lawn mower, bikes, snow blower more then that could be
a fire hazard, or a breeding place for mice and rats!!
Patsy, as far as the Bungalows go ... years ago not as many ppl had finished attics and basements. Now, lots of Bungalows have been built out. They have bedrooms upstairs, family room in the basement. For them, the garage now is the only place for storage. Couple that with fact that people tend to have more than 2 cars (because of teenagers, or whatever), and it just piles onto to the list of reasons ppl don't use their garage.
Parking garages are to park cars, not store clutter. Most people also don't make good use of space. Buy some shelves and get organized. Make room for the car.
Also, if a developer is building an apartment building, they should make provisions for parking. At least provide 1 space per apartment.
Maybe we can raise fees to deter parking on the street? If you have a 2 car garage, you can get 2 stickers at a lower price but you must park in the garage (except weekends). If you have 1, you get 1 sticker. If you have none, or have more than your alloted share, you pay a few hundred dollars per year. The fees could only be used for enforcement of the parking regulation.
Damn, I'm starting to sound like liberal!? Maybe I should go to therapy.
n01, you are actually sounding like a TRUE conservative who believes in how the markets can correct themselves.
We are dealing with a limited supply of parking spaces, and demand is ever increasing. Your request to increase the price of the commodity (parking on the street) or even lowering the price for parking in the garage (high supply, low demand) is what the market is demanding. Unfortunaltely, It's the liberals that want to have free parking for all, all the time, and not allow the price to change according to the market conditions.
Wow. Where my SIL lives in LA-- they are now required to have enough space in their garage to use for its purpose.
Having too much clutter is not the city's problem
Quote from: n01_important on January 30, 2009, 09:46:33 AM
Parking garages are to park cars, not store clutter. Most people also don't make good use of space. Buy some shelves and get organized. Make room for the car.
Also, if a developer is building an apartment building, they should make provisions for parking. At least provide 1 space per apartment.
Maybe we can raise fees to deter parking on the street? If you have a 2 car garage, you can get 2 stickers at a lower price but you must park in the garage (except weekends). If you have 1, you get 1 sticker. If you have none, or have more than your alloted share, you pay a few hundred dollars per year. The fees could only be used for enforcement of the parking regulation.
Damn, I'm starting to sound like liberal!? Maybe I should go to therapy.
Developers don't as a rule build apartment bldgs. As they do not want to be landlords. What they do build are condos. When developing these condos they have to show 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Obviously not enough but at least there are some parameters.
Quote from: maraire on January 30, 2009, 10:42:37 AM
Developers don't as a rule build apartment bldgs. As they do not want to be landlords. What they do build are condos. When developing these condos they have to show 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Obviously not enough but at least there are some parameters.
True that. But don't they sell the spaces separately?
Quote from: n01_important on January 30, 2009, 12:34:27 PM
Quote from: maraire on January 30, 2009, 10:42:37 AM
Developers don't as a rule build apartment bldgs. As they do not want to be landlords. What they do build are condos. When developing these condos they have to show 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Obviously not enough but at least there are some parameters.
True that. But don't they sell the spaces separately?
[/quote
No they can't sell them they have to go with the property. I guess if the new owner wanted to sell their space that could happen.
They do try to. Our new condo developement is selling them. In some areas of the city 20k to 30k is not out of the question with a deed
Quote from: maraire on January 30, 2009, 02:09:05 PM
Quote from: n01_important on January 30, 2009, 12:34:27 PM
Quote from: maraire on January 30, 2009, 10:42:37 AM
Developers don't as a rule build apartment bldgs. As they do not want to be landlords. What they do build are condos. When developing these condos they have to show 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Obviously not enough but at least there are some parameters.
True that. But don't they sell the spaces separately?
[/quote
No they can't sell them they have to go with the property. I guess if the new owner wanted to sell their space that could happen.
No, the parking spaces are DEEDED, and SOLD, separately.
I sold mine for 20K, 9 years ago.
Quote from: ZORBA on January 30, 2009, 03:42:02 PM
Quote from: maraire on January 30, 2009, 02:09:05 PM
Quote from: n01_important on January 30, 2009, 12:34:27 PM
Quote from: maraire on January 30, 2009, 10:42:37 AM
Developers don't as a rule build apartment bldgs. As they do not want to be landlords. What they do build are condos. When developing these condos they have to show 1.5 parking spaces per unit. Obviously not enough but at least there are some parameters.
True that. But don't they sell the spaces separately?
[/quote
No they can't sell them they have to go with the property. I guess if the new owner wanted to sell their space that could happen.
No, the parking spaces are DEEDED, and SOLD, separately.
I sold mine for 20K, 9 years ago.
I have recently purchased property here in Berwyn with the intentions of building condos. The city will not accept the plans unless there are 1.5 designated parking spaces for each unit.
Interesting, you know I have not thought about it but as long as the space is there to purchase. I wonder if the city has considered what if the builder has the space but does not sell it to the purchaser. I was just in the new Century Station. I know for a fact they are trying to sell them for 20k.
Thinking about it I guess once its ok'd and built who says you have to give them the parking. Seems a little underhanded to me but could be the case. I just can't imagine anyone whose going to buy a condo buying it with out parking. Especially in this market.
A friend I grew up with lives in the Gold Coast of Chicago in a condo near State Street. Her unit came with a deeded parking space (not all units in her building have one) and she doesn't even drive. She rents it out for a quite a tidy sum. In certain neighborhoods it's a real perk and worth a pretty penny.