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11/22/2010Page 1 of 2 C.O.W. 11/22/10 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – Minutes of Meeting November 22, 2010 The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the Board Room of the Village Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22, 2010. In attendance were: Village Board Staff Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor Kent Street, Village Manager Robert Benton, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works & Engineering Alan Farkas, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance Thomas Jester, Trustee John Sliozis, Police Chief Mary Oppenheim, Trustee Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney (arrived at 6:20 pm) William Seiden, Trustee Jenny Maltas, Asst. to the Manager Barbara Struthers, Trustee Clint Case, Code Enforcement Supervisor Tom Keane, Deputy Police Chief Rick Wilk, Deputy Police Chief Brad Fink, Asst. Director of Public Works Proposed Parking Violation Fines Chief Sliozis reviewed proposed changes to the parking violation fines in the Municipal Code. Many have not changed since 1979 and no longer serve as a deterrent. Most fines would increase to $25, Fire Lane fines increase to $50 and Handicapped space fines increase to $250. The Board agreed with the proposed changes and Mayor Rosenthal summarized that fines needed to be increased to be an effective deterrent, but the increase should not be viewed as a revenue enhancement. An ordinance that includes the proposed changes will be presented to the Village Board at an upcoming regular meeting for further consideration. Proposed Massage Facility Regulations Chief Sliozis reviewed proposed regulations for massage facilities, largely based on regulations used in Northbrook. Proposed requirements include verification of valid licensing by the State of Illinois, compliance with zoning regulations, background checks of employees concerning criminal convictions, inspections to verify sanitary conditions, and no employment of minors under the age of 18. Exceptions to the requirements would be included for hospitals, nursing homes, occupational therapy offices or other facilities where duly licensed health care workers, physicians and chiropractors provide massage services as part of a treatment or therapy. Questions concerning at-home providers were raised as well as would periodic compliance checks be made. Staff will work to develop a list of current practitioners that can be provided a copy of the proposed regulations so that their input can be gained for further consideration of the proposed regulations. Proposed Municipal Code Changes re: Dangerous Buildings Village Manager Street introduced proposed changes to the Municipal Code intended to provide specific tools to better address deteriorated and dangerous structures like those at 1515 Wilmot and 679 Castlewood. Village Attorney Coblentz noted that state statutes require specific notice requirements before the Village can take action. Mr. Case added that the inspection provision would be a key addition to the Municipal Code. Trustee Struthers suggested further consideration be given to a vacant property registration and inspection requirement. Other Board members expressed support for the proposed Municipal Code changes given the relatively few number of problem properties. These regulations could always be revisited if the problem became more widespread. An ordinance that includes the proposed changes will be presented to the Village Board at an upcoming regular meeting for further consideration. Page 2 of 2 C.O.W. 11/22/10 Proposed Animal Control Regulations Chief Sliozis reviewed proposed changes to the Village’s Animal Control regulations that have been suggested by residents or come from review of other town’s regulations. During the discussion, it was agreed that a limit of 5 rather than 3 animals should be further considered, the term “service dogs” included, and research concerning invisible fence regulations be conducted prior to further consideration of the matter at an upcoming regular Village Board meeting. Proposed Policy on Public Comments at Meetings Ms. Maltas reviewed the proposed public comment policy to allow public comment at all Village Board and advisory commission meetings subject to the Open Meetings Act. This is a new state law requirement as of January 1, 2011. The Village Board agreed to consider it further at an upcoming Village Board meeting. Proposed Political Sign Regulations Village Attorney Coblentz noted that a recent state law change prohibits as of January 1, 2010, any Village from regulating the length of time a political sign can be posted on residential private property. The current Village regulations require political signs to be removed within one week of an election. The size and number can still be regulated and the Village’s current limit is 20 square feet. A concern about traffic site line obstructions was noted and since the regulation is in the Zoning Code, the Plan Commission will need to hold a public hearing and forward a recommendation on any change. Proposed Raffle License Regulations Village Attorney Coblentz noted the state law requirement for organizations conducting raffles for charitable, non-profit, fraternal or religious causes to be licensed. Staff has received several inquiries recently from organizations, including the DHS Booster Club, if the Village had raffle license procedures. The Board agreed that a simple and low cost raffle licensing procedure be developed for further consideration by the Village Board so that worthwhile fund-raising activities can be held without being in violation of State requirements. Traffic Calming Techniques and Measures Director Little reviewed the traffic calming memorandum prepared by Assistant Village Engineer Bob Phillips. After discussion, it was agreed to continue to consider traffic calming needs on a case by case basis. Reimbursement for Professional Services for Land Use Proposals Village Manager Street reported that Trustee Seiden had requested consideration of adding a requirement that outside professionals necessary to review land use proposals be contracted to the Village and paid for by the petitioner. This method, as opposed to having the petitioner’s contract directly with the professional consultants, is intended to better assure that the expert is analyzing the matter and formulating recommendations objectively. After discussion, it was agreed to continue to review professional reports on land use petitions on a case by case basis, and require additional expertise, at the petitioner’s expense, if necessary. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. following unanimous approval of the motion to adjourn made by Trustee Jester and a second by Trustee Struthers. Respectfully Submitted, _________________________________________ KENT S. STREET, Village Manager