2016 Summary

12-12-16 Meeting (2 hours 42 minutes)    

• Comprehensive Annual Financial Report    (17 minutes)

  Comprehensive annual financial report presented by the accounting firm Baker Tilly.
  Includes a discussion of investment losses incurred by the police pension fund and its effect on the city.

• Sewer Rate Study    (50 minutes)

  Presentation by Eric Callocchia of Municipal and Financial Services Group of a sewer rate study they conducted to determine what amount the city needs to charge the residents in order to properly maintain the city sewer system.

• Thornton's Gas Station    (8 minutes)

  Discussion and vote on proposal to allow a Thornton's gas station to be built at the intersection of Thomas and Rand Roads. Also includes comments from area residents.

• Creation of McDonald Creek Commission    (16 minutes)

  Creation of McDonald Creek Commission to help maintain the areas along McDonald Creek.
  Also includes a lengthy discussion of the differences between ordinances and resolutions and between committees and commissions.

• Capital Budget Discussion    (12 minutes)

  Discussion of the capital budget. Also includes a discussion of drainage issues.

• Liquor License and Video Gaming Review    (33 minutes)

  Review and discussion of city liquor ordinance and video gaming.

11-28-16 Meeting (1 hour 51 minutes)    

• Airport Report    (5 minutes)

  Chicago Executive airport report presented by William Kearns.

• Thornton's Gasoline Station    (1 hour 14 minutes)

  Representatives from Thornton's, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, give a recap of their proposal to build a gasoline station at the intersection of Thomas and Rand Roads. Also includes numerous comments from nearby residents.

11-14-16 Meeting (1 hour 30 minutes)    

• City Banner Program    (13 minutes)

  Proposal to implement a city banner program to honor military veterans. These banners would be hung at various locations throughout the city.

• McDonald Creek Committee    (5 minutes)

  Proposal about possibly reinstituting the McDonald Creek Committee to help with numerous creek issues including bank erosion. This would be separate from the Natural Resources Commission which has indicated that the creek is not their focus.

• Chase Bank Update    (2 minutes)

  Chase Bank Construction Update by Building Director Peterson.

• Health Savings Plan for Retired Police    (3 minutes)

  Discussion about and approval of a health savings plan for retired police to be administered by International City Management Association Retirement Corporation.

• Willow Woods Pond Engineering Study    (11 minutes)

  Discussion about and approval of an engineering study to be conducted by Gewault Hamilton Associates in the amount of $18,200 to examine storm water management issues at Willow Woods ponds. Includes comments by Willow Woods Association Treasurer Svetlana Ostrovskaya.

• Estimated Tax Levy    (6 minutes)

  Presentation of estimated tax levies by Finance Director Hannon.

• Drainage Issues    (7 minutes)

  Discussion of city drainage issues led by City Engineer Berecz.

10-24-16 Meeting (42 minutes)    

• Treasurer's Report    (2 minutes)

  Treasurer's report presented by Finance Director Hannon.

• Airport Report    (5 minutes)

  Chicago Executive Airport report presented by James Kiefer.
  Topics Include:
     Runway Construction
     New Airport Ramp
     Replacement of Sanitary Sewer Line Behind Ramada Inn
     New Welcome Sign at Milwaukee & Palatine
     NBAA Convention
  

• Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance    (5 minutes)

  Report and discussion led by City Clerk Wendy Morgan Adams regarding the Cook County Paid Leave Ordinance and whether or not the city may opt out of it.

10-10-16 Meeting (2 hour 3 minutes)    

• Building and Development Report    (3 minutes)

  Topics Include:
     Self Storage Buiding
     Community Parking Lot Power Pole
  

• Homeland Security Installation at Airport and Review of Vape Ordinance    (11 minutes)

  Presentation by Police Chief Steffan about Department of Homeland Security Installation at Chicago Executive Airport.
  There is also a discussion and review of the current Vape Ordinance.

• Willow Woods Ponds - Request for Funds & Increase of Tax Levy    (1 hour 4 minutes)

  Presentation and a request for funds and increase in the tax levy by Svetlana Ostrovskaya , Treasurer of Willow Woods Association.
  This money would be used to restore several ponds in the Willow Woods complex.

• National Business Aviation Association Convention Attendance    (9 minutes)

  Lively discussion regarding who attended the NBAA convention and who should be allowed to attend these type of events in the future.

09-26-16 Meeting (1 hour 50 minutes)    

• Treasurer's Report    (4 minutes)

  Treasurer's report presented by Finance Director Hannon.

• Sale of City Owned Property    (32 minutes)

  Lively discusssion regarding whether or not to sell city owned land, located at 25-35 Piper Lane. This is the old proposed arena property. Also includes discussion and approval of a contract with Cornerstone Commercial Properties to sell this property on city's behalf.

• Airport Report    (13 minutes)

  Chicago Executive Airport report presented by Bill Kearns.

• Milwaukee Avenue Landscaping    (5 minutes)

  Discussion regarding hiring a firm to provide landscaping for Milwaukee Avenue.

• Old Sanitary District Dissolution    (3 minutes)

  Status update on the dissolution of the Old Town Sanitary District.

• Mayor's Cell Phone Reimbursement    (21 minutes)

  Lively discussion regarding a request by Mayor Helmer to reimburse him $1800 for use of his personal cell phone.

09-12-16 Meeting (1 hour 51 minutes)    

• Thornton's Presentation    (23 minutes)

  Presentation by Senior Manager of Development Joe Ballard of Thornton's regarding their proposal to build a gasoline and convenience store at Rand and Thomas Roads.

• Building and Development Report    (3 minutes)

  Topics Include:
     Permit fees collected
     Vacant city land for sale
     Thornton's gas station proposal
     Bellas Bistro
     Vacancies at Deli for You shopping center located at Rt 83 & Camp McDonald Roads
  

• Discussion of City Owned Land    (1 hour 9 minutes)

  Discussion of city owned land located at 25-35 East Piper Lane and a proposal and presentation by Peter Carlis and Ron Reese of Cornerstone Commercial Partners regarding selling this property for the city.

• Review of Liquor License Code    (28 minutes)

  Discussion regarding the possibliliy of rewriting the city liquor license code to make it more streamlined and less confusing. Also discussed is the large number of video gaming locations that the city currently has.

• Metra Agreement Update    (5 minutes)

  Metra is requesting an additional assistance package from the city to help maintain the metra train station on Wolf Road. Our 20 year agreement with them expires in November of this year.

08-22-16 Meeting (1 hour 28 minutes)    

• Airport Report    (3 minutes)

  Chicago Executive Airport report presented by Betty Cloud.

• Police & Fire Commissioner Report    (10 minutes)

  Police & Fire Commissioner Report presented by Commissioner Jerry Meyer.

• Strategic Directions Committee Report    (8 minutes)

  Strategic Directions Committee Report presented by Alderman Larry Rosenthal. Topics discussed include Hillcrest Lake, development of a methodology for future general project priorities, and the design of a calendar of strategic items to be discussed.

• Special Events Planning    (4 minutes)

  Presentation by City Clerk Wendy Morgan of proposed future city events including a Mayfest and an Octoberfest.

• Building & Development Report    (5 minutes)

  Building & Development status report presented by Building Director Dan Peterson.
  Topics Include:
     Bridge Church
     Two new single family homes
     New Chase Bank facility
     Grandbriar (fna Greenbriar)
     Stella's restaurant
     New self storage facility
  

• Liquor License Modification    (5 minutes)

  Discussion regarding possible modification of the liquor license ordinance to allow unconsumed alcohol to be removed from the premises.

• Health Savings Accounts for Employees    (10 minutes)

  Report and discussion led by Finance Director Stepahnie Hannon regarding the possibly of setting up health savings accounts for city employees.

• Proposed Sanitary Sewer Rate Study    (6 minutes)

  Recomendation and discussion led by City Administrator Joe Wade regarding hiring Municipal Financial Services to do a $27,500 sanitary sewer rate study.

07-25-16 Meeting (51 minutes)    

• Airport Report    (5 minutes)

  Chicago Executive Airport report by William Kearns.

• Ditch Drainage Followup    (2 minutes)

  Ditch drainage issue update by City Administrator.

• Approval of Three Project Bids    (2 minutes)

  Approval of the following bids:
     Country Club Drive Resurfacing and Salt Dome Prep Work to Peter Baker & Son for $297,556
     Public Works Salt Dome to Bulk Storage for $164,300
     2016 Crack Sealing Program to Patriot Pavement Maintenance for $23,910
  

• Rob Roy Water Valve Replacement    (5 minutes)

  Contract Award to Glenbrook Excavating in the amount of $18,692 for replacement of a water valve in Rob Roy.

• City Project Updates    (1 minute)

  Report by Director of Building and Development Dan Peterson regarding status of Grandbriar (fna Greenbriar) and self storage building projects.

06-27-16 Meeting (2 hours 58 minutes)    

• Swearing In of Three New Police Officers   (12 minutes)

  Introduction and swearing in of three new Prospect Heights police officers; Cory Simpson, Keith O'Connor and Jocelyn Garza.

• Appointment of a New Fifth Ward Alderman   (4 minutes)

  Introduction and appointment of a a new fifth ward alderman, Matthew Dolick, replacing outgoing Alderman David Derwin.

• Report & Discussion of Hillcrest Lake   (60 minutes)

  Report by city and Clarke Aquatics regarding their treatment of the weed problem in Hillcrest Lake. Also includes numerous resident comments and concerns.

• Drainage Issues   (27 minutes)

  Discussion and report by City Engineer Steve Berecz of drainage issues of various ditches and swales around the city. Includes various resident comments.

• City Council Orders Natural Resources Commission to Cease All Work   (11 minutes)

  In response to numerous complaints from residents and a complaint and resignation letter from one of the NRC board members, the City Council orders the Natural Resources Commision to cease all work.

• City Attorney Not to Attend Future Workshop Meetings    (10 minutes)

  Discussion regarding the mayor's request for the city attorney to no longer attend city council workshop meetings.

• City Attorney Not to be Contacted by City Council Members    (14 minutes)

  Lively discussion regarding the mayors request for the city attorney to no longer be contacted by city council members without the mayor's permission.

• Chicago Executive Airport Report    (4 minutes)

  Report of Chicago Executive Airport by Jim Kiefer.

• Increase City Administrator's Spending Limit    (7 minutes)

  Motion and discussion regarding increasing the City Administrator's spending limit to $20,000.

06-13-16 Meeting (35 minutes)    

• Council Debate Over What Constitutes a Quorum   (4 minutes)

  Lively debate regarding how many Aldermen need to be present to constitute a Quarum.

• Project Status Report by Building Director   (2 minutes)

  Report by Building Director Dan Peterson regarding the status of current projects and permit requests.

05-23-16 Meeting (1 hour 10 minutes)    

• Chicago Executive Airport Fuel Rate Discussion and Resident Comments.   (19 minutes)

  Report by Chicago Executive Airport Director Betty Cloud regarding noise abatement, accident at airport, and fuel prices at the airport. There is also a resident comment by a former airport director recomending that the fuel prices get lowered at the airport to generate more revenue by getting more pilots to buy their fuel at Chicago Executive.

• Discussion Regarding Stop Work Order Issued by City at a Commercial Property for Performing Work Without a Permit   (9 minutes)

  Lively discussion regarding the city's issuance a stop work order on a commercial property located at 1098 South Milwaukee.

05-09-16 Meeting (42 minutes)    

• Treasurer’s Report   (2 minutes)

  Treasurer’s report presented by Finance Director Hannon.

• Building Project and Activity Report   (2 minutes)

  Report on current status of building projects presented by Building and Development Director Peterson.

• Miscellaneous Staff and Aldermen Reports   (8 minutes)

  Miscellaneous reports from staff members and aldermen.

04-25-16 Meeting (1 hour 50 minutes)    

• Report from Chicago Executive Airport Report   (7 minutes)

  Presentation by Vice Chairman Betty Cloud of Chicago Executive Airport.

• Appointment of New Chairman of Chicago Executive Airport Board   (33 minutes)

  Appointment of John Tourtelot as Chairman of the Chicago Executive Airport Board.

• Bridge Church   (35 minutes)

  Discussion and vote of ordinance approving a subdivision and granting a special use and variations for the Bridge Community Church, located at 302 East Euclid. This video also contains numerous comments by concerned local residents objecting to this project.

• Request and Vote Regarding Opening of New Video Gaming Sit Down Restaurant – Elsie’s Place   (5 minutes)

  Second request by Mr. Chuck Knoblauch of Lieberman Companies (Bloomington, Il.) to open a new video gaming sit down restaurant (Elsie’s Place) at 1204 N. Milwaukee Avenue / 99 East Palatine Road, Unit B. This video includes a discussion by members of the city council expressing concerns about allowing this special use and a vote by the city council.

• Water Rate Increase Presentation by Water Supplier   (23 minutes)

  Presentation by Richard Hermann of Illinois American Water regarding water rates and service for Prospect Heights.

04-11-16 Meeting (2 hours 22 minutes)    

• New Appointment to Chicago Executive Airport Board   (7 minutes)

  Approval of Mayor Nick Helmer's appointment of James Kiefer to the airport board to fill a vacancy left by former board member Rodney Pace.

• Bridge Community Church   (33 minutes)

  Second reading and discussion of an ordinance approving a subdivision and granting a special use and variations for the Bridge Community Church, located at 302 East Euclid. This video also contains numerous comments by concerned local residents objecting to this project.

• Water Rate Increase   (5 minutes)

  First reading and subsequent discussion of ordinance which established water rates for fiscal year 2016-17.

• Request to Open New Video Gaming Sit Down Restaurant – Elsie’s Place   (15 minutes)

  Request by Mr. Chuck Knoblauch of Lieberman Companies (Bloomington, Il.) to open a new video gaming sit down restaurant (Elsie’s Place) at 1204 N. Milwaukee Avenue / 99 East Palatine Road, Unit B. This video includes a discussion by members of the city council expressing concerns about allowing this special use.

• Discussion and Approval of the 2016-17 Budget   (21 minutes)

  Discussion and subsequent approval of 2016-17 city budget which, according to state law, must be approved by April 30, 2016.

• Amendment of Mail Notice Requirements in Zoning Code   (23 minutes)

  The city council discusses and ultimately votes to amend the mail notice requirement in the zoning code. The code currently requires notice be given to neighbors about variance requests in construction that exceed the state requirements and in many cases has proven to be very expensive to implement in its current form.

03-28-16 Meeting (1 hour 19 minutes)    

• Chicago Executive Airport Annual Budget Presentation   (5 minutes)

  Presentation of the Chicago Executive Airport Annual Budget By Executive Director Jamie Abbot and Chief Financial Officer Scott Campbell.

• Bridge Community Church   (27 minutes)

  First reading and discussion of an ordinance approving a subdivision and granting a special use and variations for the Bridge Community Church, located at 302 East Euclid. This video also contains numerous resident comments at the conclusion of the discussion.

• Water Rate Increase   (4 minutes)

  First reading and subsequent discussion of ordinance which established water rates for fiscal year 2016-17.

• Budget Report   (18 minutes)

  Status report by by Finance Director Stephanie Hannon of 2016-17 budget and subsequent discussion.

03-14-16 Meeting (1 hour 55 minutes)    

• Farmers Market Business Plan   (32 minutes)

  Presentation of a proposted farmers market business plan by Economic Development Director Steve Skiber, followed by a discussion by the city council.

• Proposed 2016-17 Budget Adjustments and Discussion   (1 hour)

  Discussion of the following items:
     City Sticker purchases
     Tree replacement
     Farmers market
     Summer Intern
     New City signs
     New city hall carpeting
     GIS system
     Natural Resources Commission
     New fence near police department
     Trackless municipal tractor for sidewalk snow removal
     Engineering services
  

02-08-16 Meeting (1 hour 37 minutes)    

• Possible Purchase of Property to Create a Downtown Center   (15 minutes)

  Lively discussion about the possible purchase of 6 North Elmhurst with the intent to create a downtown center for the city.

• Project Status Report by Building Director   (9 minutes)

  Report by Building Director Dan Peterson regarding the following current projects:
  Ruffalo Fresh Market Opening
  Players Pub Construction Update
  Bridge Church Redevelopment Plan (302 Euclid)
  Chase Bank Update
  Greenbriar Retirement Development
  Uncle Bob’s Storage Units (1414 N Rand)
  Vacant Building at 711 N Elmhurst (new owner)
  Thrupty Grocery Interior Remodel (836 N Elmhurst)
  

• Economic Development Activities and Role of Economic Development Director   (14 minutes)

  Discussion regarding recently appointed Economic Development Director Steve Skiber and what his role should be for the city. Discussion also includes possible use of the property located at Thomas and Rand Roads, which includes the recently closed Prospect Heights Grill as well as Altimate Auto Repair and Secret Gardens restaurant.

• Budget Amendment Ordinance    (9 minutes)

  Presented by Prospect Heights Finance Director Stephanie Hannon.

• Fairbridge Inn Furniture Giveaway    (4 minutes)

  Report by Deputy Clerk Karen Shulheis regarding Fairbridge Inn giving away all of its furniture for free.

01-25-16 Meeting (2 hours 3 minutes)    

• Chicago Executive Airport Master Plan   (35 minutes)

  Presentation of Chicago Executive Airport Master Plan by Jamie Abbott, Executive Director. There is also a discussion regarding the noise of the planes taking off and landing at the airport.

• New Sewer Bills and Old Town Sanitary District   (16 minutes)

  Discussion about the new sewer bills and possible consolidation of SSA's for billing purposes.

• Comprehensive Annual Report   (12 minutes)

  Presentation of the city financial annual report by Joseph Lightcap from Baker Tilly.

• Budget Amendment Ordinance    (8 minutes)

  Presented by Prospect Heights Finance Director Stephanie Hannon.

01-11-16 Meeting (1 hour 59 minutes)    

• MWRD Proposed Project to Raise Willow Rd, Hillcrest Rd and Owen Court   (41 minutes)

  According to the presenter, David Handwerk of Globetrotters Engineering, the purpose of this project is to reduce the flooding frequency of Willow Road, Hillcrest Drive & Owen Court. The project would be undertaken jointly by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, City of Prospect Heights, and the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways.

• Request from Players Pub and Grill for $50,000 Payment to Assist with Construction Costs   (52 minutes)

  Request from Players Pub and Grill, 5 South Wolf Road for an early disbursement of $50,000 of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money which they say will allow them to complete the construction of their remodeled facility. After this payment they will have received a total of $250,000 of the total of $300,000 agreed to by the city.

• Request from Yugo's Grill for a Liquor License   (5 minutes)

  Request by the owners of Yugo Grill, 5 South Wolf Road, for a liquor license so that they may serve beer and wine at their new Hungarian cuisine restaurant.

• Treasurer’s Report from Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2016    (5 minutes)

  Presented by Prospect Heights Finance Director Stephanie Hannon.

            See 2015 Meetings...