City Council Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER,
MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2008

CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to order by Mayor Anthony W. Arredia at 6:00 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, March 3, 2008.

ROLL CALL: Roll call indicated the following aldermen present: Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason, Walsten, Smith and Argus. Alderman Brookman was absent.

Also present were: Acting Director of Finance Wisniewski, Deputy Police Chief Burton, Fire Chief Jaeger, Director of Engineering Oakley, Director of Public Works Dusckett, Director of Community & Economic Development Conlan, Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development Angell, Assistant City Attorney Bartel and City Attorney Wiltse.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to go into Executive Session to discuss acquisition of real property, pending litigation and personnel. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

The City Council recessed at 6:01 p.m.

The City Council reconvened at 7:07 p.m.

Roll call indicated the following aldermen present: Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason, Walsten, Smith, Argus.

PRAYER:

The opening prayer was given by Deacon Jim Ernst, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

RECOGNITION:

Mayor Arredia recognized the Elk Grove cheerleaders who are three-time Illinois State Champions in the Co-Ed Division.

CITIZEN PARTICIPA.:

Ms. Patti Haugeberg, 1702 Mill Street, addressed the City Council regarding the construction going on next to her condo building; construction workers drive onto their property and have done damage; their huge heavy equipment comes down their street; they should be on River Street; they park in their parking lot; their garbage is not being picked up because the garbage truck can= t get down their driveway; Ms. Haugeberg passed out pictures to the aldermen showing the damage that has been done.

Mayor Arredia asked Staff to arrange a meeting with the developer regarding these problems, and asked Alderman Beauvais and Ms. Haugeberg to attend if possible.

Mr. Wayne Serbin, 835 Pearson Street, addressed the City Council stating that he has walked through residential areas in Des Plaines and the sidewalks are shoveled but not at Oakton and Lee Streets; their sidewalks were not shoveled.

Mr. Dick Sayad, 290 Shannon Court, former alderman of the Fourth Ward, addressed the City Council stating that in May of 2006, the City Council voted to change the required parking spaces from 1.5 to 2.0 per dwelling unit for new development; the ordinance was prepared and approved for 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit; he finds it appalling that this ordinance was changed to 1.5; he also stated that we should have read the draft ordinance when it was presented and approved; shame on us.

ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY/EVALUATION SERVICES TIF #1 PROPERTIES:

Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Higgason, to concur with consensus in Executive Session that City accept proposal from Integra Realty Resources, 566 W. Lake Street, Suite 320, Chicago, IL 60661, for Phase I Consulting and Evaluation Services for several parcels in the downtown TIF District #1 area, for the approximate cost of $32,250/TIF District #1 Funds. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

PENDING LITIGATION/GEORGE SARKIS V. CITY:

Moved by Smith, seconded by Argus, to concur with consensus in Executive Session that Staff be authorized to join with the Des Plaines Police Pension Board and file a Petition for Leave to Appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court in the matter of George Sarkis v. City of Des Plaines. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

PERSONNEL/CONTRACT OF CITY MANAGER:

Resolution R-24-08

Moved by Smith, seconded by Higgason, to concur with majority agreement in Executive Session that Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute Employment Agreement - As Amended, with City Manager Jason Bajor at an annual salary of $138,000, effective March 3, 2008; and further recommend to adopt Resolution R-24-08, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN JASON BAJOR AND THE CITY OF DES PLAINES FOR HIS SERVICES AS CITY MANAGER. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 5-Beauvais, Moylan, Higgason, Walsten, Smith

NAYS: 2-Murphy, Argus

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Alderman Higgason requested that Items 6 and 6a be removed from the Consent Agenda; Fire Chief Jaeger requested that Item 7 be removed and Alderman Walsten requested that Item 8 be removed.

Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Moylan, to establish a Consent Agenda except for Items 6, 6a, 7 and 8. Motion declared carried.

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried. Minutes were approved; Staff recommendations and requests were approved; and Ordinances MC 7-08, MC 8-08 and Z-5-08 were placed on First Reading.

MINUTES:

Consent Agenda

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to approve minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held February 19, 2008, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to approve minutes of the Executive Session of the City Council held February 19, 2008. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

LIQ. LIC./1526 MINER:

Consent Agenda

Ordinance M-7-08

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with Staff recommendation to amend Title 4, Chapter 4 - A Intoxicating Liquors,@ Section 4-4-5 of the City Code to add one (1) new Class A Tavern Liquors Dealers License for property located at 1526 Miner Street, d/b/a Karma Karaoke Bar; contingent upon verification of fingerprints; and further recommend to place on First Reading Ordinance MC 7-08, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 4, A BUSINESS REGULATIONS,@ CHAPTER 4, A INTOXICATING LIQUORS,@ SECTION 5, A LICENSE FEES AND NUMBER,@ OF THE DES PLAINES CITY CODE TO ADD ONE CLASS A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR KARMA KARAOKE BAR, INC. D/B/A KARMA KARAOKE BAR LOCATED AT 1526 MINER STREET, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

2008A GO BONDS/REFUND 2001C BONDS:

Consent Agenda

Ordinance M-8-08

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with Staff recommendation to issue $2,455,000 in Taxable General Obligation Corporate Purpose Refunding Bonds, Series 2008A, to refund Series 2001C Taxable General Obligation TIF Bonds (TIF Districts #1 and #3); and further recommend to place on First Reading Ordinance MC 8-08, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2008A, OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

ZONING CASE 08-01-V VARIATION/1700 S. MT. PROSPECT:

Consent Agenda

Ordinance Z-5-08

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with recommendation of Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals, re Zoning Case 08-01-V, to grant request for a Variation to permit a building height of 75' instead of the permitted maximum height of 40' on property located at 1700 S. Mt. Prospect Road (and 51 Wille Road) in MC 2 General Manufacturing District; and further recommend to place on First Reading Ordinance Z-5-08, AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A VARIATION TO SECTION 7.4-5 D. OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES ZONING ORDINANCE TO PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PILOT PLANT WITH A HEIGHT OF 75 FEET, INSTEAD OF THE PERMITTED MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 40 FEET, AT 1700 S. MT. PROSPECT ROAD, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

FACADE REHABILITA. PROGRAM REBATE/701 LEE:

Resolution R-31-08

Moved by Higgason, seconded by Argus, to concur with recommendation of Des Plaines Economic Development Commission to authorize payment of $19,066/TIF District #1 Funds, to Management/Marketing Services, Inc., as the City= s contribution for exterior facade improvements under the Facade Rehabilitation Rebate Program for property located at 701 Lee Street; and further recommend to adopt Resolution R-31-08, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT OF $19,066 TO MANAGEMENT/MARKETING SERVICES, INC., OWNER OF 701 LEE STREET, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, AS THE CITY= S CONTRIBUTION OF THE PROPERTY= S FACADE REHABILITATION. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

PURCHASE/EXTRICATION EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE DEPT.:

Fire Chief Jaeger requested that the purchase of two (2) sets of Holmatro Extrication Equipment be referred back to Staff for further review.

Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Murphy, to REFER BACK TO STAFF for further review the purchase of extrication equipment for the Fire Department. Motion declared carried.

PURCHASE OF SANDBAG MACHINE:

Moved by Walsten, seconded by Argus, to concur with Staff recommendation to accept proposal from The Sandbagger Corporation, P.O. Box 607, Wauconda, IL 60084, for purchase of one (1) Model II Motorized Sandbag Machine in the amount of $17,000/Budgeted Funds; and it would be in the best interest of the City that usual bids procedures be waived (sole source). Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

PURCHASE OF MESSAGE BOARD FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPT.:

Consent Agenda

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with Staff recommendation to authorize purchase of one (1) Model #KKMB9055-150 Message Board through the Federal Government General Services Administration from K&K Systems, Inc., 687 Palmetto Road, Tupelo, MS 38801, in the total amount of $13,659/Budgeted Funds. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

PURCHASE OF FORESTRY CUTTER ATTACHMENT & EQUIPMENT:

Consent Agenda

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with Staff recommendation to accept proposal from Atlas Bobbcat, Inc., 5050 N. River Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176, for purchase of Forestry Cutter Attachment and Associated Protective Equipment for City= s Bobcat Skid-Steer Loader, in the amount of $20,464/Budgeted Funds; and it would be in the best interest of the City that usual bid procedures be waived (sole source). Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

PURCHASE OF PICKUP TRUCK FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPT.:

Consent Agenda

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with Staff recommendation to authorize purchase through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (Northwest Municipal Conference) of one (1) 2008 Ford F-350 Pickup Truck from Currie Motors, 9423 W. Lincoln Highway, Frankfort, IL 60423, in the total amount of $33,840/Budgeted CERF Funds. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

ADVERTISING FOR BIDS:

Consent Agenda

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to concur with Staff recommendation that City Clerk be authorized to advertise for bids for 2008 Street Improvements, MFT 08-00204-00-RS, returnable by 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

REAPPOINT.:

Consent Agenda

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to approve Mayoral reappointment to the BOARD OF FIRE & POLICE COMMISSIONERS of Don Rosedale, term to expire April 30, 2009. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.

ORDINANCE MC 6-08 2008 APPROPRIA.:

Moved by Smith, seconded by Moylan, to POSTPONE until March 17, 2008, approval of Second Reading of Ordinance MC 6-08, AN ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES DESIGNATED THE A ANNUAL APPROPRIATION BILL@ FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2008 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008. Motion declared carried.

FIRE FACILITY  4 OR 5 STATION CONFIGURA.:

Moved by Walsten, seconded by Smith, to postpone until March 17, 2008, the matter of Fire Facility/4 or 5 Station Configuration scheduled to be discussed under Committee of the Whole later in the evening because Alderman Brookman was absent.

Alderman Beauvais stated that her committee met and discussed this matter; the committee recommendation is to only move forward on Station 4 on Central Road as Phase I; there will be other meetings and discussions in the future on locations of the other stations. 3/3/08

Alderman Murphy stated that there are a lot of people here tonight; we should hear it tonight just for discussion.

MOTION DECLARED FAILED (Aldermen Walsten and Smith voted yes; Aldermen Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason and Argus voted no).

MAYOR ARREDIA DECLARED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WAS NOW RESOLVED INTO A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION - Alderman Smith, Chair

WARRANT REGISTER:

Mr. Dick Sayad, 290 Shannon Court, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating he is concerned about how bills are paid; when he was alderman there was always a dot on the Warrant Register if it was not a budgeted item; it that still being done? Alderman Smith said yes.

Moved by Higgason, seconded by Murphy, to recommend to the City Council approval of the March 3, 2008 - Warrant Register, in the total amount of $2,742,426.17, and further recommend that Resolution R-29-08 be adopted at appropriate time this evening. Motion declared carried.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - Alderman Murphy, Chair

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME/VARIATIONS 1382-1398 PRAIRIE:

Alderman Murphy reviewed this request from R. Franczak & Associates for an Extension of Time for construction of a 40-unit condominium development (approved by the City Council on March 19, 2007 - Ordinance Z-7-07) and variations to permit a lot area of 27,900 sq. ft. instead of a minimum lot area of 65,000 sq. ft, and to allow development with no interior parking lot landscaping, rather than the required 5% interior parking lot landscaping on property located at 1382-1398 Prairie Avenue.

Alderman Moylan stated that he is very concerned about this project; this 40-unit condominium project is being A shoehorned@ into a very small lot; there will not be enough parking for this area with only 1.5 parking spaces per condominium unit; if the City changes it= s parking space requirement to 2.0 parking spaces, there is no agreement by R. Franczak & Associates that they will do that.

Attorney for the petitioner, Barry Collins, Tuttle, Vedral & Collins, P.C., 733 Lee Street, Suite 210, Des Plaines, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that his client has agreed to a shared parking arrangement with the City; they are prepared to go to 2.0 parking spaces per condominium unit if the City requires them to do that.

Moved by Moylan, seconded by Walsten, to refer back to Staff for further review the request from R. Franczak & Associates for Extension of Time for variations for property located at 1382-1398 Prairie Avenue.

Alderman Argus stated that the City Council voted to approve this project; they should get their extension.

Aldermen Moylan and Walsten withdrew their motion.

Mr. Brian Burkross, 2133 Webster Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that it was an honest mistake when the ordinance was passed for 1.5 parking spaces instead of 2.0; if R. Franczak & Associates= project was approved before that ordinance, he should be allowed to do this; the City should look at all projects approved after that ordinance was passed.

Moved by Argus, seconded by Smith, to concur with Staff recommendation and recommend to the City Council to grant request for Extension of Time, until March 1, 2009, for construction of a 40-unit condominium development with variations (approved by the City Council on March 19, 2007 - Ordinance Z-7-07) for property located at 1382-1398 Prairie Avenue in C-5 Central Business District; and Ordinance Z-6-08 be placed on First Reading at appropriate time this evening. Motion declared carried. Alderman Moylan and Walsten voted no.

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME/CONDIT. USE & VARIATION 1750 S. ELMHURST:

Alderman Murphy reviewed this request from Asbury Court Retirement Center for an Extension of Time for Conditional Use and Variation (approved by the City Council on April 2, 2007 - Ordinance Z-9-07) to permit expansion of existing assisted living center in C-3 General Commercial District on property located at 1750 S. Elmhurst Road, and permit a total of 198 parking spaces instead of the required 255 parking spaces.

Mr. Hilel Shapiro, Administrative Director, Asbury Court Retirement Center, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that there has been a regulatory delay by the State of Illinois; they submitted the required documentation to the State on May 18, 2007 and are still awaiting approval.

Aldermen Beauvais stated that she will be abstaining because she works for an assisted living facility. Alderman Higgason stated that she will be abstaining because she works for Asbury Court Retirement Center.

Moved by Argus, seconded by Walsten, to concur with Staff recommendation and recommend to the City Council to grant request for Extension of Time, until April 5, 2009, for Conditional Use and Variation (approved by the City Council on April 2, 2007 - Ordinance Z-9-07) to permit expansion of existing assisted living center in C-3 General Commercial District on property located at 1750 S. Elmhurst Road; and place on First Reading Ordinance Z-7-08 at appropriate time this evening. Motion declared carried. Aldermen Beauvais and Higgason abstained (conflict of interest).

ZONING CASE 07-87-CU CONDIT. USE/397 ALLES:

Alderman Murphy reviewed Zoning Case 07-87-CU regarding request for a Conditional Use to permit continued operation of a boarding house in R-4 Central Core Residential District on property located at 397 Alles Street; there have been significant issues regarding this operation from both the Building Division and the Police Department; both Staff and the Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals recommend that this request be denied.

Alderman Murphy stated that petitioner Veronica King was not present this evening and indicated to Staff that she was not going to pursue this matter due to problems with her landlord.

Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Walsten, to concur with Staff recommendation and recommend to the City Council to DENY request, re Zoning Case 07-87-CU, for Conditional Use to permit continued operation of a boarding house in R-4 Central Core Residential District on property located at 397 Alles Street. Motion declared carried.

ZONING CASE 07-89-V VARIATION/2100 TOUHY:

Alderman Murphy reviewed Zoning Case 07-89-V regarding request for Variation to permit construction of a car wash with a small convenience store operation with a lot size of 19,729 sq. ft. instead of the required 25,000 sq. ft. on property located at 2100 E. Touhy Avenue; the Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals recommended that this request be granted with the following conditions: a left turn-only exit onto Hickory Street; additional data on traffic volume; and a formalized shared parking agreement with the adjacent office building; Staff also recommends the request be granted with consideration given to the Zoning Board of Appeals= recommended conditions.

Petitioner Dr. Aboulmassih Abdulmassih, ANA Group, LLC, 1706 Kendale, Glenview, IL 60025; Architect Irene Edgar, Design Studio C, 4030 North Point Boulevard, Waukegan, IL 60085; and property owner Charles Flaherty, Meadow View Crossing, West Chicago, IL 60185, addressed the Committee of the Whole and answered questions from the aldermen.

Mr. Jeff Johnston, 2384 Hickory Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that he is not totally against this project but is concerned about the traffic; could the car wash driveway be moved off Hickory Street?; that is directly across from his property.

Mr. George Rizos, 2392 Hickory Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating he has had a lot of problems with cars in this area; there have been a lot of accidents at this corner.

A representative for the office building at 2340 Touhy Avenue addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that this project could be an asset to his building but the entrance to this business is near the entrance to his building; this is purely a traffic issue; the project is an improvement to the area; if they could reverse the footprint, he thinks it would be better.

Mr. Franz Grossmann, 2344 Hickory Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking what the noise would be like; would it affect their water pressure?; will the property be kept clean? Architect Edgar said the noise would be relatively minimal because it is a hand car wash; we will be using recycled water.

Ms. Linda Hinrichs, 2360 Hickory Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that she is totally against this car wash; the traffic will be a big problem; they have enough traffic in the area.

Mrs. Jan Arens, 2376 Hickory Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating cars will be literally driving out of the car wash and into their driveways; the traffic will be bad with a lot of accidents; you should look at this project again.

Alderman Beauvais stated that she is concerned about placing too much on this property; she agrees that there will be traffic issues; how will cars back out of the convenience store if cars are waiting for the car wash?

Mr. Jeff Johnston, 2384 Hickory Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that as long as the exit from the car wash is on Hickory Street, he will be opposed to this project.

Moved by Walsten, seconded by Murphy, to recommend to the City Council to REFER BACK TO STAFF for further review Zoning Case 07-89-V regarding request for Variation to permit construction of a car wash with a small convenience store operation with a lot size of 19,729 sq. ft. instead of the required 25,000 sq. ft. in C-3 General Commercial District on property located at 2100 E. Touhy Avenue, and Ordinance Z-8-08. Motion declared carried. 3/3/08

PUBLIC SAFETY - Aldermen Beauvais, Chair

FIRE FACILITY 4 OR 5 STATION CONFIGURA.:

Alderman Beauvais stated that the Public Safety Committee met to discuss construction of new fire facilities with either a four (4) or (5) station deployment; the Public Safety Committee= s recommendation is to move ahead with with construction of a new 25,408 sq. ft. Fire Station Headquarters at Central Road on City-owned property; there will be further meetings and discussions in the future on other phases of this project.

Fire Chief Jaeger provided a PowerPoint presentation focusing on the current deployment of fire department resources within the City and an assessment of the future needs of the department in terms of Fire Station locations, apparatus and staffing.

Mr. Wayne Serbin, 835 Pearson Street, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking what the A green effect@ was. Fire Chief Jaeger said it is the efficiency of the structure and how is helps the environment, i.e. using recyclable material, efficiency of heating and air conditioning.

Mrs. Cheryl Hurtenbach, 1212 Prospect Avenue, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that the City could do Strategy A A@ while downsizing the headquarters; you could sell the land at Prospect Avenue and Lee Street; you need to look at staffing; other towns are doing this with less personnel.

Mr. Brian Burkross, 2133 Webster Lane, addressed the Committee of the Whole stating that he was very impressed with the Public Safety Committee meeting last week; he thanked the committee members and Fire Chief Jaeger for their efforts to defer other stations for more data; you are going in the right direction.

Mrs. Cheryl Hurtenbach, 1212 Prospect Avenue, addressed the Committee of the Whole asking why the Administrative Office came in at twice the recommended size. Fire Chief Jaeger said because the facility will also be used for vehicle storage.

Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Moylan, to concur with Staff recommendation and recommend to the City Council to authorize construction of a new 25,408 sq. ft. Station #4 including an Administrative Headquarters on City-owned property on Central Road. Motion declared carried.

MAYOR ARREDIA ASSUMED THE CHAIR AND DECLARED THE CITY COUNCIL BACK IN SESSION

AMENDMENT/MINUTES OF 2/4/08:

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Argus, to approve amendment to minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council February 4, 2008, as follows:

Page One - A PERSONNEL/SELECTION OF CITY MANAGER@

AFTER First Paragraph insert:

A Alderman Argus stated that the Mayor and City Council interviewed two candidates besides Jason Bajor on January 9th and 11th. There was a tape recorder on the table but it was found not to be working on both days so there is no recording for executive session for either day.

The two candidates interviewed were men who were city managers and/or are city managers. Both men had reviewed our budget and said that they had ideas on how to make it more user friendly. They could present the budget with a short recap which would allow anyone who was interested to immediately know what the City was doing and for what purpose.

The candidates stated that they worked with residents, committees, focus groups to let them know what the City was doing, planning; they appreciated residents= input and they were very transparent with their City= s intentions and goals.

They worked with newspapers to let them know what was going on and to answer their questions so that the people who read the newspaper would know what the City was doing...so that taxpayers knew what their elected officials were doing and why.

They told us about their experience in economic development, which was extensive. They told us about projects that they were involved in. One candidate had experience in building a police and fire station.

The candidates talked about weekly reports sent home to the aldermen/trustees describing what of importance had happened that week. The candidates told us they communicate with residents, the newspapers, the aldermen...they return phone calls. They bring their community together.

We are a large city...we need the experience and maturity of one of these two candidates. We need someone like one of these two candidates with extensive economic development experience...a City Manager who returns phone calls.

Therefore, I cannot support Jason Bajor for city manager.@

Motion declared carried. Alderman Smith voted no.

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Higgason, to approve minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council held February 4, 2008 - AS AMENDED. Motion declared carried. Alderman Smith voted no.

WARRANT REGISTER:

Resolution R-29-08

Moved by Smith, seconded by Murphy, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to adopt Resolution R-29-08, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES THAT THE FOLLOWING BILLS ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AND THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK BE AND ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE PAYMENT FOR SAME. Total: $2,742,426.17. Upon roll call, the vote was:

AYES: 7-Beauvais, Moylan, Murphy, Higgason,

Walsten, Smith, Argus

NAYS: 0-None

ABSENT: 1-Brookman

Motion declared carried.

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME/VARIATION 1382-1398 PRAIRIE:

Ordinance Z-6-08

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Smith, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to grant request for Extension of Time, until March 1, 2009, for construction of a 40-unit condominium development with variations (approved by the City Council on March 19, 2007 - Ordinance Z-7-07) for property located at 1382-1398 Prairie Avenue; and place on First Reading Ordinance ZC 6-08, AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN EXTENSION OF ORDINANCE Z-7-07 WHICH AUTHORIZED TWO MAJOR VARIATIONS TO SECTIONS 7.3-8 E. AND 10.8-2 OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 40-UNIT CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT WITH A LOT AREA OF 27,900 SQUARE FEET WITH NO INTERIOR PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING AT 1382-1398 PRAIRIE AVENUE, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (Case 06-134-V).

Moved by Moylan, seconded by Walsten, that this matter be DEFERRED until March 17, 2008.

Alderman Murphy called for the order of the day (the agenda should proceed as posted).

City Attorney Wiltse ruled in favor of Alderman Moylan based on Section 1-6-3-1 - Rule 34 of the City Code.

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME/CONDIT. USE & VARIATION 1750 S. ELMHURST:

Ordinance Z-7-08

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Argus, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to grant request for Extension of Time, until April 5, 2009, for Conditional Use and Variation (approved by the City Council on April 2, 2007 - Ordinance Z-9-07) to permit expansion of existing assisted living center in C-3 General Commercial District on property located at 1750 S. Elmhurst Road; and further recommend to place on First Reading Ordinance Z-7-08, AN ORDINANCE GRANTING AN EXTENSION OF THE CONDITIONAL USE GRANTED BY ORDINANCE Z-9-07 WHICH AUTHORIZED THE EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 7.3-6 C. OF THE ZONING CODE AND AUTHORIZING A MAJOR VARIATION TO SECTION 9.7 TO ALLOW A TOTAL OF 198 PARKING SPACES FOR THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1750 ELMHURST ROAD, DES PLAINES (Case 05-16-CU-V). Motion declared carried. Aldermen Beauvais and Higgason abstained (conflict of interest).

ZONING CASE 07-87-CU CONDIT. USE/397 ALLES:　

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Walsten, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to DENY request, re Zoning Vcase 07-87-CU, for Conditional Use to permit continued operation of a boarding house in R-4 Central Core Residential District on property located at 397 Alles Street. Motion declared carried.

ZONING CASE 07-89-V VARIATION/2100 TOUHY:

Ordinance Z-8-08

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Argus, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to REFER BACK TO STAFF for further review Zoning Case 07-89-V regarding request for Variation to permit construction of a car wash with a small convenience store operation with a lot size of 19,729 sq. ft. instead of the required 25,000 sq. ft. in C-3 General Commercial District on property located at 2100 E. Touhy Avenue, and Ordinance Z-8-08. Motion declared carried.

FIRE FACILITY 4 OR 5 STATION CONFIGURA.:

Moved by Beauvais, seconded by Murphy, to concur with recommendation of Committee of the Whole to authorize implementation of Phase I of Strategy A A@ for construction of a new 25,408 sq. ft. Station #4 including an Administrative Headquarters on City-owned property on Central Road. Motion declared carried.

ADJOURNMENT:

Moved by Murphy, seconded by Beauvais, that the regular meeting of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m.

Donna McAllister, MMC - CITY CLERK

APPROVED BY ME THIS

DAY OF , 2008

Anthony W. Arredia, MAYOR

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