City of Oak Forest City Council met Oct. 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Kuspa called the City Council meeting to order at 7 : 30 p. m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call as follows :
Present: Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Absent: Alderman Gray
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Kuspa announced the Oak Forest- Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce community expo is on Saturday, October 15th from 9 a. m. to 1 p. m. at Arbor Park Middle School. The free expo includes exhibits, crafts, DJ, games, blood drive and kids costume parade at 10am. Be sure to stop by the cafeteria, visit with city staff and take a turn at our selfie booth. For more information visit the Chamber website at www.oc-chamber.orq.
City trick or treat hours are from 3 to 7 p. m. on Monday, October 31St We wish you and your little ones a safe and happy Halloween. Trick or treat hours are not going to change, rain or shine.
Applications for the Cook County Promise Guarantee Income Pilot are available until October 21st through acounty wide lottery. More than 3, 000 eligible residents will be selected to receive $ 500 per month for two years. No strings attached. For details visit the County website.
The 2022 holiday season marks the 75thanniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The Oak Forest Police Department proudly celebrates this significant milestone by once again serving as a local toy drop location now through December 21St. City hall foyer will be the drop location.
The City is now on Instagram, @cityoakforest.
Alderman Selman asked everyone on October 13th to celebrate the birthday of the United States Navy. 247 years of service on and under the sea by brave men and women all around the world.
4 . MOTION TO ESTABLISH CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Emmett made the motion to establish consent agenda. Alderman Danihel seconded.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows:
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to establish consent agenda carried 6/ 6.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Consideration of the following List of Bills dated:
1 . Regular Bills : FY 2022- 2023 October 11, 2022
2. Supplemental Bills: FY 2022- 2023 - October 11, 2022
B. Consideration of the following minutes:
1. Fire & Police Commission September 2, 2022
2. Planning & Zoning August 3, 2022
3. Planning & Zoning September 21, 2022
C. Consideration of the following reports:
1 . Baxter and Woodman progress report - September 30, 2022
D. Approval of Proclamation No. 2022- 10- 0291P recognizing October 2022 as domestic violence awareness month.
E. Approval of Proclamation No. 2022- 10- 0292P recognizing October 9- 15, 2022 as fire prevention week.
Alderman Danihel made the motion to approve Consent Agenda. Alderman Selman seconded.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows :
AYES Alderman Danihel
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve Consent Agenda carried 6/ 6.
City Clerk Janozik read Proclamation No. 2022- 10- 0292P into record.
Christine Elkhorn- Catina read the Proclamation recognizing October as domestic violence awareness month.
6. PUBLIC WORKS
A. Approval of Ordinance No. 2022- 10- 09320 authorizing the sale/ disposal of property owned by the City of Oak Forest.
Alderman Danihel made the motion to approve.
Alderman Selman seconded.
Mike Salamowicz noted as done in the past, Public Works is looking to sell equipment they no longer use. We have been successful with sales on the other equipment such as the Gradeall, dump truck and things of that nature. We have four new items. Three generators purchased for use at the water towers. They are 20 years old and meant for indoor service not outdoor. An enclosure would have to be built for them. We would be better off getting smaller brand new generators . We also have a 1999 Wacker, small roller, they have not used in quite a few years . We can use the dump truck themselves to spread the stone shoulders. We also have a 1990 Ingersoll Rand air compressor. It was used for putting a temporary fencing in for the fest. We have gotten other equipment to replace that. We have a 1990 tilt deck trailer sitting in the weeds for the last 3 to 4 years. Our goal is to surplus these out and use the money to repair the equipment we have or purchase new equipment.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows :
AYES Alderman Danihel
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
B. Discussion of 151st Street Culvert replacement and Boca Rio ditch reconstruction project.
Mike Salamowicz reported that last year the city entered into a governmental agreement with Cook County for the design of Boca Rio drainage ditch reconstruction as well as the replacement of the culverts under 151st Street. The intent of the project was to replace the existing culverts which are corrugated metal pipes. They are rusting significantly and have sinkholes. The smaller culverts lead to blockages . The County is going to replace those culverts with two larger box culverts which will provide additional capacity underneath 151st Street. This will help with any kind of flooding going along the Boca Rio ditch. Additional grading will also take place along Boca Rio ditch from 151St Street to Arroyo. There is a lot of sediment build up and low spots holding water. Soil will be placed in the lower areas for constant flow in the ditch. The intent is to add a native type cross section. At the very bottom of the ditch at the slope, there is going to be larger boulder rip- rap to help protect from erosion. The bottom of ditch will be planted with native plants to provide water quality improvements as well as help with the erosion. The City is going to need to do maintenance annually. Two different IGAs will need to be entered into. The first one would be between the City and the County. Second one will be a tri-party agreement between the City, the County and the MWRD. The MWRD agreed to pay for 90% of the construction costs. The City and the County would pay for the remaining 10% . Because of the type of work that is taking place, it may not be a 50/ 50 split. It is believed, 41% will be the City' sresponsibility based on the actual work that is taking place. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $ 900, 00.
We are working on those IGAs between the MWRD and the County. Scott Uhler, the City' s attorney, is involved in meetings with representatives from Cook County and MWRD to work out terms of different IGAs. In addition to the actual construction of the ditch, because of the wetlands involved in portions of the Boca Rio ditch, we are going to need wetland mitigation. We have to purchase wetland credits. The estimated cost of the wetland credits is $ 36, 480. Planting native plants along the bottom of the ditch will improve water quality as well as flood control . The overall estimated cost to the City would be $ 33, 500 for the wetland banking. Approximately 37, 147 is the City' s share of the 10% of actual construction cost. In addition, there would be construction engineering. An engineering firm would be contracted to monitor and manage the project. The City would be responsible for a portion of that. It is estimated at 55, 720 . If this project goes forward, it would go out for bid.
Adam James, Cook County representative stated the County is the lead agency on the construction and engineering.
Mayor Kuspa voiced his concern regarding the proposed rendering. Recently the City had to do shoreline reestablishment of the wetland planting along Lake Emily and Daniels Pond. Residents are not allowed to mow it. This will be a difficult and costly for the City to properly maintain. Mike Salamowicz stated the City' s contractor can mow up to the boulders and use the weed wacker at the areas where the stones are. He is aware that it can become an issue with residents in that area. Goal is to send out the renderings to the residents along the Boca Rio ditch.
Adam James stated 151St Street right away is the County' s responsibility, which would involve a big portion of the box culvert that will be put in, some incidental work and patching the road over the culvert. Mayor Kuspa inquired about the erosion on the south side of 151St Street. Mr. James stated that is the County' s responsibility and will be taken care of.
Mayor Kuspa inquired about the culvert on Oak Park Avenue. The ditch is about 4 to 4- 1/ 2 feet deep. He asked if the County can look at it and take care of it. Adam James stated that prior to the jurisdictional transfer with the City it was IDOT jurisdiction. He does not believe it was a county road beforehand.
Alderman Emmett confirmed the City does not have anything to do with plowing or maintaining151st Central to Oak Park Avenue. Adam James confirmed this project will not change jurisdictional responsibilities .
Alderman Hortsman questioned whether the sewers under the ditch are going to be impacted. Adam James stated they will not. They have been working with the County on elevation and depth of the sewers and water main. They are going to accommodate any storm sewers that tie into the Boca Rio ditch.
Alderman Danihel asked how the residents will be impacted during the project. Adam James stated during construction there will be some road closures, specially151st Street during culvert work. The traffic will be diverted to 147th Street. When they are doing the Boca Rio ditch, there will be various road closures. It will be open to the residents that live in that vicinity but thru traffic will be diverted. There is a traffic control plan included in the overall construction plan. Alderman Danihel confirmed that notices will be sent out to residents before road closures .
Alderman Selman questioned whether the five other culverts down Arroyo will be affected. Adam James reported that the culverts down Arroyo are concrete pipes and are in good condition. Joints may need to be addressed for some of the sink holes .
Alderman Selman asked for clarification on the native plants in ditch. Adam James stated the native plants will help to provide water quality and improvement. They also will help with sediment. There will be sediment basins constructed throughout the project. The basins will be a location for sediments that are naturally carried down the stream to settle. This will make it easier for clean up as it will be concentrated in the basin.
Alderman Selman asked if the County or other agencies would assist in bidding process. Adam James stated the County will be addressing the whole bid process . The project will be advertised and all qualified contractors will have an opportunity to bid. He anticipates putting the project out to bid in January.
At Alderman Hortsman' s request, Mr. James stated the County can look into the placement of the stones down Arroyo to Victoria after completion the project. The goal is to remove the sediment to open the base of the channel so it is more free flowing. This will help upstream.
Alderman Emmett inquired whether the new box culvert will be longer to accommodate the future bike path on151St. Mr. James confirmed it will and they are not constructing the bike path during this project.
Mike Salamowicz stated that it is an ongoing project. The project and any approval of IGAs will be a topic at future City Council meetings .
C. Approval to purchase a 2023 F350 in the amount not to exceed 50, 000.
Alderman Emmett made the motion to approve.
Alderman McCarthy seconded.
Mike Salamowicz advised there is $50, 000 budgeted in the CIP budget plan for a new F350 Ford pick- up truck. They received notice from Ford that the pick- up truck ordered last August has a bill date. The five ton previously ordered is actually a quote for a 2024 . He is asking for City Council approval to order pick- up truck as soon as the ordering window opens .
Roll Call vote was taken as follows:
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Wolf
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
7 . ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A. Approval of Ordinance No. 2022- 10- 09270 authorizing a Special Use Permit to allow a drive- thru at 16200 S . Cicero Avenue.
Alderman McCarthy made the motion to approve.
Alderman Danihel seconded.
Paul Ruane advised the proposed use is a Maxwell Street. The previous restaurants did not have an existing special use for a drive thru. They continued to function without it. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously approved the Ordinance with a parking variance. Bringing them to compliance is based on the existing layout. Tom Less owns the property and leases it to the current occupant Walter Nacellus . They were advised as to temporary signage requirements as well.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows:
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Wolf
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 2022- 10- 09300 authorizing a variation to allow a second shed and a shed larger than allowed at 5504 Bonnie Trail.
Alderman Emmett made the motion to approve.
Alderman Danihel seconded.
Paul Ruane stated a resident is requesting a second shed. Currently, only one shed allowed per zoning lot. Secondly, only a shed of 192 square feet allowed on a lot between 10, 000 and 21, 779 . This property is currently 16, 000 and he is asking for a 288 square foot shed.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows:
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Wolf
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
C. Approval of Resolution No. 2022- 10- 0431R supporting and consenting to an application to the Cook County Assessor for a Class 8 Property Tax Incentive Application for the property commonly known as 16701 Kilpatrick Avenue.
Alderman Danihel made the motion to approve .
Alderman Selman seconded.
Paul Ruane reported Logistics Properties Company is asking for a recommendation to consent to a Class 8, not now, but in 11 years when it expires. This will allow them to apply for another tax incentive. Cook County board approves but looks at local authority recommendation for approval.
Alderman Selman asked if their previous identifications ( pins) are going to be valid in the future when this comes up for a renewal. Paul Ruane stated that there will eventually be one solid pin unless they change their plans beyond the one building.
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Wolf
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
D. Approval of Ordinance No. 2022- 10- 09310 approving the First Amendment to Amendment and Restatement of Real Estate Purchase Agreement and Amendment and Reinstatement of Redevelopment Agreement.
Alderman Selman made the motion to approve .
Alderman Emmett seconded.
Paul Ruane asked for a continuation allowing additional time for Kensington Development which is the Aldi looking to locate off 167th Street. The existing plan is for October and asking to extend to December.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows :
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Wolf
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Gray
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
8. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None .
9. OLD BUSINESS
Alderman Emmett stated that social media is reporting that New York Slice does not sell pizza. He stated it does not look good on the community. The City tighten ordinances requiring businesses to sell a certain amount of food with gaming. Owner should be called in to address this .
Mayor Kuspa called up Mike from Public Works. Referring to the intersection where Justamere and Oak Park meet, the three way intersection, specifically the northwest curve going south bond. The culvert is getting worse. The shoulder drops into deep culvert.
Mayor Kuspa inquired as to who to contact about possibly extending the culvert tube further to the west to have a bigger shoulder. Mike will look into that to try to figure out who is responsible for that.
Alderman Emmett stated he took pictures of the IDOT box. It previously had a State of Illinois sticker on it. It no longer does. The City took the IDOT box over. He inquired as to why the City took over the traffic box. Mike could not answer but will look into it.
Mayor Kuspa inquired about the traffic lights off 159th and Oak Park Avenue. Mike reported it is an unusual situation. One of the legs of the street light is the City' s and the other legs are Tinley Park. Tinley Park has jurisdiction over the controller. Tinley Park added smart nodes to their street lights. The smart node controls the controller for the street lights. This is affecting our street lights . Tinley Park was in the process of replacing the node with photo cells. Mike will follow up with them.
10 . NEW BUSINESS
None .
14 . EXECUTIVE SESSION
None .
12 . ADJOURMENT
Alderman Danihel made the motion to Adjourn.
Alderman Hortsman seconded.
Roll Call vote was taken as follows:
AYES Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Wolf
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Selman
ABSENT Alderman Gray
The motion to approve carried 6/ 6.
The Council meeting adjourned at 8 : 41 pm.
http://www.oak-forest.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10112022-1594
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