Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees For The Village Of University Park, Will And Cook Counties Illinois, Held Tuesday, June 24, 2008 At #90 Town Center Drive, In The Village Of University Park.

Village Clerk Dee Jones announced that Mayor McCowan would not be present for the meeting tonight, and noted that a quorum of the Board was present. Therefore, with the absence of Mayor McCowan, the Board must appoint a Mayor Pro-tem for the meeting,

A. CALL TO ORDER

Trustee Jimmie Young called this regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 8:13 p.m.

Motion To Appoint Mayor Pro-tem For Meeting

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves the appointment of Trustee Jimmie Young as Mayor Pro-tem for this meeting.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: Mayor McCowan and Trustees Covington and Roudez.

Motion to approve carried.

B. ROLL CALL

Mayor: Alvin R. McCowan Absent
Trustees: Sharon A. McGuire Present
Oscar H. Brown, Jr. Present
Vivian E. Covington Absent
Jimmie D. Young Present
Joseph E. Roudez, III Absent
Larry B. Brown Present

Also present were Interim Village Manager/Finance Director David Sevier, Village Attorney Forest Miles, Village Treasurer James Ellis, Police Chief Melvin Easley, II, Public Works Foreman Jerry Townsend, Executive Liaison Kari Boykin, Fire Chief Charles Exner, IT Director Deryl Bolton, Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud, Golf Club Manger/PGA Golf Pro Paul Blockoms, and Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones.

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Pro-tem Young led the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

D. READING OF MINUTES

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Larry Brown seconded a motion that the Board approved minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 with correction as noted by Trustee Oscar Brown on page 8, item F-2e: to add: Trustee Brown stated that he was glad to see the agreement with Park Forest, because it did not make sense to have a golf club without a driving range.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustee Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried.

E. NON-DISCUSSION AGENDA

E-1: Village Manager’s Report

Interim Village Manager Sevier reported that vehicle stickers are to be purchased and displayed by July 1st and to allow those who have not purchased vehicles stickers an extra opportunity, Village Hall would be opened on Saturday June 28th from 9:00 a.m. until noon. He noted that enforcement of the vehicle sticker ordinance would begin July 2nd, including the price of the sticker would double; Deadline to purchase animal license is July 15, 2008; Baxter & Woodman have requested a meeting with the Public Services & Utilities Committee to discuss the Cicero Avenue Project; Finance Committee meeting of June 23rd was cancelled, he is waiting for the close out of the 2006 audit.

Trustee McGuire asked Manager Sevier if the power outage in the Village of University Park last night was related to ComEd bringing electrical service back on permanent power.

Trustee Larry Brown requested a status on the audits, truck weight enforcement, and results of the Lobbyist.

Interim Village Manager Sevier responded that they are working on 2007; however there are approximately three questions that must be cleared up from the 2006 audit before they can complete 2007. He will be meeting with the Auditors later this week, and hopefully the 2006 will be complete within the next two weeks. Relating to overweight truck enforcement he stated that one officer has completed the truck enforcement training and hopefully the program will be up and running again in July, 2008. He had no updates on status of progress of the lobbyist, but would contact him for an update.

E-2: Mayor’s Report

Mayor McCowan absent, therefore no report was given.

E-3: Committee & Commission Reports

No verbal reports given.

E-4: Reports Of Other Officers

Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud thanked residents for making sure that contractors were licensed before beginning repairs and/or alterations, and noted that they are aware that certain areas needs to be cut, but due to the large demand the contractor is falling a little behind.

Police Chief Easley reported that portable scale training for two officers of the Police Department would be finished next month.

Golf Club Manager Paul Blockoms reported that the Driving Range is now open, and they are holding Ladies Golf Clinics on Thursday evenings and Junior Golf Clinics weekday mornings. The Junior Golf Clinic is free to the kids. He elaborated on the programs and plans for the summer.

Trustee McGuire stated that history is being made at the University Golf Club with Mr. Blockoms as our General Manager, and noted that he is the only African American Golf Professional in the State of Illinois, and he will also have a female golf pro working with him on some of the programs.

Interim Village Manager Sevier introduced Mr. Jerry Townsend as the new Foreman of the Public Works Department.

Mr. Townsend thanked the Board and Mr. Sevier for the opportunity to serve the Village of University Park, and pledged to prove himself worthy of the opportunity.

F. DISCUSSION AGENDA

F-1: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

F-1a: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Authorizing The Execution Of An Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement Concerning The Reciprocal Reporting Of Criminal Offenses Committed By Students Between The Village Of University Park And Crete-Monee Community Unit School District 201-U

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None,
Absent: Trustee Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-27.

F-1b: Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Authorizing The Execution Of A Lease Agreement With PK’s Christian Learning Site, Inc. For The Operation Of A Child Care Facility In Space No. 82 In The University Park Towncenter Building

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Larry Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves second and third readings of this ordinance

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None,
Absent: Trustee Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-28.

F-2: NEW BUSINESS

F-2a: First, Second, And Third Readings - Ordinance Authorizing The Acquisition Of Laptop Computer Software, Hardware, And Computer Accessories

F-2a: continued:

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

Trustee Larry Brown asked who are these computers purchased for, and the purpose of these purchases.

Interim Village Manager Sevier responded that the computers would be used by the
Mayor, Clerk and Board of Trustees as they move with technology into the age of the paperless agenda.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None,
Absent: Trustee Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-29.

F-2b: Resolution Approving Preliminary Terms For TIF Benefits With Cleotis Taylor, Individually And D/B/A Cleo’s Liquors, For A Small Grocery Store Expansion Within The TIF I Redevelopment Project Area

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Trustee Oscar Brown noted his concerns that this resolution included inventory cost and asked if inventory would be included as part of the lease. He stated that he is okay with the improvement cost.

Attorney Miles commented that he did not feel that inventory was an allowable or appropriate expense under the TIF, and also noted that if the property is sold the lease would include provisions for termination, and stated that all future leases would have a ninety day termination clause. He also noted that this TIF would roll off in 2009.

Trustee Larry Brown asked the status of sale of the Town Center, and also commented that he appreciated the fact that Mr. Taylor plans to cater to the senior citizens of the community, but also feels that he should consider the needs of the entire community.

Mr. Sevier responded that there are currently two prospective individuals or companies interested in the property.

Trustee Larry Brown moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves a table of this resolution until Mr. Taylor can be present, or there are answers to the noted concerns.

Roll Call On F-2b:

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None,
Absent: Trustee Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to table approved.

F-2c: Resolution Approving A Revised Preliminary Proposal For A Planned Development In Connection With Thorn Creek Station

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Trustee Larry Brown commented that he would not like to see retail taken out of this project, and asked if this is a public/private partnership, and voiced his concern that this project would not become stalled as the Cityscape Development.

Trustee McGuire commented that this is the beginning of the development of the Cicero Corridor.

Interim Manager Sevier responded that retail would be kept in the project and the Village of University Park, Governors State University and Metra are involved in this project.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown..
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustees Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-22.

F-2d: Resolution Authorizing The Use Of Valet Parking Services At The University Park Golf Club And Conference Center

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Trustee Oscar Brown asked how large of a problem parking is as it now exists at the facility, and if parking would be all valet.

Mr. Blockoms responded that parking is a problem, and where the majority of the parking is there are concerns with the lack of lights on Crawford and safety for ladies walking that distance without adequate lighting. The village would not incur any additional cost for the service, because the parking fees would offset the cost of the service.

Interim Manager Sevier commented that he has just hired an electrician and would be addressing the issue of lights at the golf club immediately.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, and Young,
Nays: Trustee Larry Brown.
Absent: Trustees Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-23.

F-2e: Resolution Allowing Kwadjo And Priscilla Baffour D/B/A Pk’s Christian Deli To Sublease A Portion Of The Space At Unit 22 In The University Park Towncenter Building

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Larry Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustees Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-24.

F-2f: Resolution Supporting The City Of Chicago’s Bid For The 2016 Olympic And Paralympics Games

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Larry Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this resolution.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustees Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-25.

F-2g: Motion To Accept The Mission Statement Of The University Park Youth Commission

Trustee McGuire moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves this motion.

Trustee Oscar Brown commented that there are some sections that need to be added to this mission statement, and asked that the Board consider a table of this ordinance to the next meeting to add the new section.

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves to table this item to next meeting.
Roll Call On F2g:

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustees Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to table carried.

F-2g: Bills Payable

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion that the Board approves the listing of the General Operating Expenses that the Village of University Park has incurred for the last two (2) weeks from June 11, 2008 to June 24, 2008 in the following funds:

General Operation Fund $140,155.78
Road and Bridge Fund $ 34,448.78
Towncenter Fund $ 3,964.47
University Golf Club $114,883.89
Capital Project Fund $ 1,961.77
TIF I Town Center $ 1,262.25
TIF II Industrial Park $ 114.75
TIF IV Governors East $ 457.50
TIF V Dralle Industrial Fund $ 652,475.00
$949,724.17
Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Young, and Larry Brown.
Nays: None.
Absent: Trustees Covington, Roudez, and Mayor McCowan.

Motion to approve carried.

G. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ms. Sandra Heard – 1206 Anvil addressed the Board and stated that only a few residents attended the foreclosure workshop held on June 21st and noted that she sent out several letters, but many were returned “vacant.” She noted that on July 19, 2008 she will host a meeting for investors, and August 16, 2008 another meeting for concerned residents at #90 Town Center Drive beginning at 10:00 a.m. For additional information may be obtained by calling her at (708) 669-1033, or e-mail at 1gransan@sbcglobal.net. She also asked if the partners in the Thorn Creek Project have begun picking up any of the cost of the project, and stated that she does not agree that the audit was the reason for cancelling the finance committee meeting.

Ms. Patti Gwinn addressed the Board and asked the type of rental units would be available at Governors House and if they would have security on the property.

General Comments continued:

Mrs. Mary Truss commented that she feels self parking should be close to the entrance and valet parking should be further away; If there is a problem with the contractor responsible for cutting grass, she will train; There is a need for mosquito repellent pellets to be put in standing water near the schools, and the Village should re-think the laptop computer purchase.

Mr. Steven Allen commented that he thinks valet parking is a great idea, and the mosquito problem is area wide.

Mr. Robert Travis commented that he feels we should invest in Code Blue devices.

H. BOARD CAUCUS

Mayor Pro-tem Young suspended the meeting at 9:10 p.m. to allow the Board to caucus. The meeting reconvened at 9:16 and the following responses were given to concerns raised by residents under general comments:

Interim Manager Sevier responded to Ms. Heard relating to the Thorn Creek Project and stated that the Village of University Park no longer pays the fee for Town Builders Studios, that fee is now picked up by the fund; Relating to the cancellation of the finance committee meeting he explained that the finance system used by the village does not allow for more than two years to be open at the same, therefore, they cannot finish 2007 until 2006 is completed.

Responding to Ms. Gwinn, Manager Sevier stated that Governors House Apartments continues to be privately owned, and he does not know what type of units will be available. Responding to Mrs. Truss he stated that there is no problem with the contractor and grass cutting, but due to the vast amount of rain this season and the increase in the number of vacant homes there has been a much greater demand on the contractor than usual; The price approved for the purchase of the laptop computers is the best price available, and relating to the mosquito problem, he stated that spraying is done as scheduled and lava pellets have been put in retention ponds and areas where water stands. However, if residents experience problems they can call Clarke Mosquito at 1-800 942-2555.

Mrs. Sandra Warren – 725 Circle commented that Aqua Water Company owns the property behind her home, and it is a wooded area with a lot of standing water, and asked if the Village can force them to do something about the abatement of mosquito in that area.

I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS

None noted,

J. TRUSTEES’ COMMENTS

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Oscar Brown moved, Trustee McGuire seconded a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 9:27 p.m.

Motion to Adjourn Carried By Voice Vote.

Respectfully Submitted,
_____________________
Dorothy R. Jones, CMC
Village Clerk