Minutes Of The Special Meeting Of The Board Of Trustees For The Village Of University Park, Will And Cook Counties Illinois, Held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 At #90 Town Center Drive, In The Village Of University Park.

A. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor McCowan called this regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 8:00 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL

Mayor: Alvin R. McCowan Present
Trustees: Sharon A. McGuire Present
Oscar H. Brown, Jr. Present
Vivian E. Covington Present
Jimmie D. Young Present
Joseph E. Roudez, III Absent (arrived @ 8:05 pm)
Larry B. Brown Present

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

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor McCowan led the audience in the pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

D. READING OF MINUTES

Trustee Young moved, Trustee Oscar Brown seconded a motion that the Board approves minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees held Tuesday, May 27, 2008 as presented.

Ayes: Trustees McGuire, Oscar Brown, Covington, and Young.
Nays: None.
Absent: Roudez.
Abstained: Trustee Larry Brown.
Motion to approve carried.

E. NON-DISCUSSION AGENDA

E-1: Village Manager’s Report

Interim Village Manager Sevier reported that on Saturday, June 7, 2008, the Village of University Park, along with neighboring communities, experienced severe weather, in which a tornado touched down in our Industrial Park and the Arbor’s of Hickory Creek Apartments on Cicero Avenue. He noted how very fortunate that no one was killed or seriously injured. He thanked Fire Chief Chuck Exner and the Fire Department for the superb job that they did in responding to such emergency; Police Chief Mel Easley and the Police Department for their immediate assistance with safety issues; and Marshall DeFrank and the Public Works Department for its response to traffic and emergency clean-up throughout the town. All three departments were notified in advance and on the scene immediately to assist. Saturday was just a great day of all departments pulling together in our time of crisis. Even though our emergency procedures were executed, there still were a few wrinkles that occurred, and he assured the Board and residents that steps have been taken to improve on our efforts in the event there is a next time.

Interim Manager Sevier extended sincere apologies to all residents who did not receive the proper notification, via our five sirens around town, but a couple of them failed and have since been serviced or scheduled for service later this week. He also stated that a change has been made to our testing policy to ensure the safety of all residents in the future.

In addition to the emergency response departments named above, Interim Manager Sevier thanked Deryl Bolton and the IT Department for making sure that our communication highway and cable stations were up and functioning the next day and Keely Childress and our Park and Recreation staff for getting notices out to residents on Sunday regarding our incident on Saturday. He also noted how proud he was as a resident, employee and manager within the Village of University Park as he saw our highly qualified personnel respond swiftly and with confidence as we navigated through our time of emergency.

Manager Sevier also reported on a meeting he had last week with a corporation who is interested in building in our Industrial Park that would bring jobs for approximately 65 to 75 residents; he stated that he would keep the Board posted on any updates. On Monday and Tuesday of last week he attended a public financial seminar in downtown Chicago and various financial challenges that municipalities are facing during this time of a recession were discussed. He stated that he felt somewhat relieved that we were not doing as bad as our neighbors, due to the fact that we do not heavily rely on various taxes to make our Village function on a daily basis.

Mr. Sevier reported that some other communities are dealing with how to deal with major losses of revenue due to the current state of the economy and increased prices; He also reported on the Thorn Creek Nature Center’s 30th year anniversary that he attended on Saturday, where he truly got an education, and encourages the residents of University Park to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity we have near our community.

Trustee Covington asked for a status on the opening of the Sunoco Station on Cicero.

Fire Chief Exner responded that he expects that they will open by this fall.

Trustee Larry Brown asked for a report of the time line for response of emergency personnel when the tornado hit the Village of University Park last Saturday, and he wants the Board to take a look at our procedures and address what did not work well.

E-2: Mayor’s Report

Mayor McCowan began his report by complimenting all mutual aid responders, our Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, Village Clerk Dee Jones, Trustees Young, Covington, and Roudez, Debbie Stroud of Code Enforcement, and everyone that came out and assisted in our emergency situation. He thanked ComEd for the rapid response and the efforts to bring us back on line as soon as possible, and for their assistance in getting generators in place for Thornwood House. He congratulated our firefighters for carrying oxygen supplies up several flights of stairs at Thornwood House to assist our residents. Mayor McCowan noted his displeasure with the response from Thornwood House Management during the recent emergency. He also explained the reason for the power outages in the Village, noting that the tornado knocked down two (2) of the electrical towers just off I-57 that bring power to this village, and stated that we have power now, but another major storm could knock out the power.

Mayor McCowan commented on the workshop held earlier tonight relating to the Thorn Creek Station and stated that hopefully by the next Board meeting he will have some timelines to begin that project.

Swearing In Of Fire and Police Department Personnel

Accompanied by Mayor McCowan, Trustee Larry Brown and Fire Chief Exner, Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones administered the Oath of Office to Firefighter/Paramedic Mickil Smith. Mr. Smith was accompanied by his son, friend and members of the Phoenix Fire Department

Accompanied by Mayor McCowan, Trustee Larry Brown and Police Chief Easley, Village Clerk Dorothy R. Jones administered the Oath of Office to Police Patrolman Shawn Apps. Officer Apps was accompanied by his wife.

E-3: Committee & Commission Reports

Trustee Covington reported that the Special Events Committee would meet the last Saturday of the month, and invited interested residents to come to the meeting.

E-4: Reports Of Other Officers

Police Chief Easley commended Fire Chief Exner and all Fire Department personnel for the great job they did responding to the tornado and emergency conditions. He also commended and thanked members of the Police Department for a job well done.

Golf Club Manager Paul Blockoms reported that except for one tree that was knocked down during the tornado, business at the golf club was not affected.

Fire Chief Exner reported that the tornado was classified as EF2 with winds up to 157 miles per hour, and started around 6:15 p.m. He described his experience in sounding the alarm at Station II where he was at the time the alert came in of a touchdown of a tornado near Peotone and heading toward University Park. He noted that major damage was done to the newly constructed building that is occupied by Smucker’s that had not opened, and to units at the Arbors of Hickory Creek Apartment Complex. They received twenty calls for service, and called out additional personnel until electrical power was restored. He thanked all mutual aid responders for their assistance, noting that on-site we had three fire engines from other municipalities and several firefighter/paramedics from other areas. Chief Exner commented that thanks to an emergency management plan, combined with all departments of the Village, the emergency situation went well. He acknowledged that there are some flaws in the procedures, and that he has already begun to institute changes in the siren alert procedures. He stated that during the storm he discovered that some of the new technology did not work. Special thanks to Lincoln Plaza Auto for responding and opening up their facility to get supplies needed during the aftermath of the tornado.

Trustee Covington thanked fire department personnel for the attention given to residents at Thornwood House during the power outage after the tornado.

Parks & Recreations Program Supervisor Keely Childress reported that opening day at the Hickok Aquatic Center went well; there were 189 participants prior to evacuation of the pool on Saturday. She noted that the evacuation process went in proper order, and she thanked staff at the farm for taking care of the animals and calming them during the storm. She also reported that Day Camp begins Monday, June 16th for kids K – 8.

Cable Studio Manager Christel Allen reported on events that she and the Young Broadcasters have covered this month, such as graduation at the elementary school, and the 30th anniversary celebration of Thorn Creek Nature Center. Additionally, she is putting together footage of storm damage from the latest tornado here and in the surrounding areas; and the Young Broadcaster’s cookout will be Saturday, June 14th at Pine Lake.

Code Enforcement Supervisor Deborah Stroud reported that the new owners of Governors House Apartments want to coordinate a meeting with the Manager and Department Heads regarding that property; relating to Thornwood House and when air conditioning must be turned on by management, she stated that the Will County Ordinance states that management must provide air beginning June 15th of each year, and Code Enforcement will monitor for compliance and citations would be issued for violation of the ordinance. She is also in the process of sending notices by Certified Mail to multi-family property managers.

Mayor McCowan stated that during the power outage, he discovered that Thornwood House does not have a back-up generator that would allow at least one elevator to be working during power failure, and he wants the Board to look at conditions at that complex and address the air conditioning problem.

Interim Manager Sevier stated that a meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 12th with Thornwood House management and representatives from HUD.

Trustee Covington asked if Thornwood has enough oxygen outlets for residents with respiratory problems.

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

Mayor McCowan asked the Board to consider a table of this ordinance for clarity.

Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Roudez seconded a motion that the Board approves to table this ordinance.

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

Motion to table carried.

F-2: NEW BUSINESS

F-2a: First 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 Roudez moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approves first reading of this ordinance.

Attorney Miles commented on an amendment to the Lease that was distributed to the Board, noting that Mr. Baffour had reviewed the document and agrees with the terms that if the Board sells the town center property there is a ninety (90) day cancellation clause.

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

Motion to approve carried.

F-2b: First, Second and Third Readings – Ordinance Amending Section 610-02 Of Chapter 610 “Animals” Of The General Offenses Code Regarding The Feeding Of Wild Animals

F-2b continued:

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

Trustee Covington stated that she does not understand the necessity of this ordinance.

Attorney Miles explained the essence of this ordinance, noting that violators could be cited and fined for feeding wild animals included in this ordinance. However, the ordinance exempts feeding birds.

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-25.

F-2c: First, Second, And Third Readings – Ordinance Declaring Certain Personal Property (25 Sets Of Structural Firefighting Coats And Pants And 15 Pairs Of Rubber Boots) No Longer Necessary Or Useful To The Village And Authorizing The Sale Or Disposal Of Said Vehicles And Equipment

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

Trustee Larry Brown moved, Trustee Roudez seconded a motion to amend the main motion to strike the word “sale” from the ordinance.

Roll call on secondary motion:

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

Motion to approve carried Ordinance Number 2008-26.

Roll call on main motion as amended:

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

Motion to approve carried.

F-2d: Resolution Authorizing The General Manager Of The University Golf Club And Conference Center To Terminate The Golf Cart Lease With Nadler Golf Car Sales, Inc.

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

Trustee Larry Brown asked if there would be any penalties for terminating this contract.

Golf Club General Manager Blockoms responded that if proper notification is given there is no cancellation penalty. Additionally, he is looking at going electric versus gas.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-19.

F-2e: Resolution Approving An Intergovernmental Agreement By, And Between, The Village Of University Park And The Village Of Park Forest To Allow The University Golf Club And Conference Center, Owned And Operated By The Village Of University Park, To Use And Occupy The Driving Range And Club House At The Hidden Meadows Golf Course Owned By Park Forest

Trustee Covington moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion that the Board approves first, second and third readings of this ordinance.

Interim Village Manager Sevier reported that the Village of Park Forest passed a resolution approving the agreement at their Board Meeting on June 9, 2008.

Trustee Larry Brown asked if the Village of University Park is responsible for all aspects of that facility.

Responding to Trustee L. Brown, Golf Club General Manager Blockoms stated that the Village of University Park is responsible for all aspects of that facility during the agreement, but should prove to be profitable to the Village because it would allow for a driving range and the Junior Golf Program. He also noted that the junior golf program is a free program.

Trustee Oscar Brown commented that the Village of University Park should consider purchasing that property should it become available.

Roll Call on F-2e:

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-20.

F-2f: Resolution Of Condolence In Memory Of Harold Cobb

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

The resolution was read by Trustee Roudez.

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

Motion to approve carried Resolution Number 2008-21.

F-2g: Bills Payable

Trustee Young moved, Trustee Roudez 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 May 28, 2008 to June 10, 2008 in the following funds:

General Operation Fund $229,285.30
Road and Bridge Fund $ 29,156.45
Towncenter Fund $ 41,89
University Golf Club $ 51,139.64
Capital Project Fund $ 5,070.17
$306,340.52

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

Motion to approve carried.

G. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mr. Robert Travis addressed Trustee Covington and asked her to read the Plaque dedicated to the late Cable Commission Member Harold Cobb, and stated that he would like to know how often the generators at the Police Department are checked.

Ms. Patti Gwinn thanked Mayor McCowan, Trustee Covington, Village Clerk Jones, Manager Sevier, Code Enforcement Debbie Stroud, and all members of the Fire & Police Departments for all the assistance they rendered during the power outage after the tornado. She also asked the Village to look at passing an ordinance that is more stringent than the Will County Ordinance relating to when multi-family building managers must turn on air conditioning. She would like to see wording that would include “when temperature goes above a certain degree rather than a specific date.”

Mrs. Melody Pullen addressed the Board regarding the termination of her husband’s employment from the Village of University Park; she read from a prepared statement that addressed their contention that the termination of her husband was without cause, and has put her family in financial difficulties.

Ms. Sandra Heard – 1206 Anvil - addressed the Board and stated that she has confirmed the dates for foreclosure workshops. The dates are June 21st and August 16, 2008 at #90 Town Center Drive beginning at 10:00 a.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling her at (708) 669-1033, or e-mailing her at 1gransan@sbcglobal.net. She thanked Kari Boykin for getting the dates and asked that WUPC TV4 covers the workshops.

Mr. Andre’ Covington addressed the Board and asked why the emergency sirens were not heard in advance of the tornado; who is responsible for notification and who gets notified, and stated that he was disheartened to see the Mayor of Crete acting in a command position and giving orders at our Fire Department. He also stated that he would like to know who is in command in emergency situations.

Mr. Keith Griffin addressed the Board and relinquished his time to Mr. Fred Pullen.

Mr. Fred Pullen addressed the Board and stated that he is disappointed with the treatment he has received since his termination from employment with the Village of University Park.

Mr. Steven Allen addressed the Board and commended all involved in the emergency response stating that they did an outstanding job during the disaster at Thornwood House, and stated that that complex needs an evacuation plan. He also asked for a status on stocking Pine Lake with fish.

Mr. Kujo Baffour addressed the Board and informed the public that PK’S Christian Catering now has a website. The website is www.pkscatering.com.

H. BOARD CAUCUS

Mayor McCowan suspended the meeting at 9:08 p.m. to allow the Board to caucus. The meeting reconvened at 9:27 and the following responses were given to concerns raised by residents under general comments:

Responding to Mr. Travis, Mayor McCowan stated that since a presentation of a Plaque was not on the agenda, nor was members of the Cobb family present, the plaque would not be read tonight. It would be read and presented at the next meeting, or when someone is present to accept it.

Responding to Mr. Travis relating to the generator at the Police Department, Interim Manager Sevier stated that the generator was down briefly, but has been repaired, and additional backup generators are stored at Public Works.

Interim Manager Sevier responded to Ms. Gwinn relating to conditions at Thornwood House with Will County Ordinance stating that air conditioning must be turned on and maintained by June 16th annually, and stated that the Board will be looking at a possible ordinance that would better address the needs of residents in this community. Relating to Mr. & Mrs. Pullen, he informed the public that since Mr. Pullen was terminated from the Village of University Park, employment had been secured for him at one of the businesses in the industrial park area but Mr. Pullen refused to accept the position.

Responding to Mr. Covington relating to siren alerts that were not heard, Fire Chief Exner stated that all of the sirens did not function properly at the time of the tornado. However, all sirens are being tested and the fire department will begin monthly testing.

Responding to Mr. Covington relating to the presence of Crete Mayor Einhorn performing in a command position at the Village of University Park Fire Station during the aftermath of the tornado, Trustee Larry Brown stated that when there is a need for mutual aid, emergency personnel from surrounding communities respond, and Mayor Einhorn is a certified firefighter.

Fire Chief Exner stated that Mayor Einhorn is also a Deputy Fire Chief who responded to our call for mutual aid, he is familiar with our town and his rank gives him command authority in emergency situations. He also noted that Thornwood House does have an evacuation plan.

Parks & Recreation Program Supervisor Keely Childress stated that prior to this recent tornado, the sirens at Riegel Farm were working.

Interim Village Manager Sevier responded to Mr. Allen relating to stocking Pine Lake with fish and noted that the lake has not been stocked, but he is meeting with Parks & Recreation Supervisor on June 11th to discuss that issue.

I. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEDULED MEETINGS

• Youth Commission Meeting – June 18th @ #90 Town Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.

J. TRUSTEES’ COMMENTS

K. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None.

L. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Roudez moved, Trustee Young seconded a motion to adjourn the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees at 9:50 p.m.

Motion to adjourn carried by voice vote.

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