Village of Niles Board of Trustees met April 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
A video recording of this meeting can be viewed on the Village of Niles website www.vniles.com.
CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Trustees Regular Meeting was called to order electronically via Zoom audio/visual conferencing by President Przybylo at 7:03 p.m, in accordance with Governor Pritzker's Executive Order 2020-07 “Stay-at-Home” directive due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Przybylo announced that this electronic meeting is open to the public and the public may submit public comments in advance either by email to contactniles@vniles.com or call the Village Clerk's Office at 847-588-8014 and leave a voicemail message.
ROLL CALL
Village Clerk Marlene Victorine called the roll. Board members electronically present on the call were President Andrew Przybylo and Trustees George D. Alpogianis, John C. Jekot, Denise McCreery, Craig Niedermaier and Dean Strzelecki. Trustee Danette O'Donovan Matyas was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Przybylo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Public Works Director Fred Braun announced:
• Postponement of 2020 Public Works Open House
Public Works Department Wins American Public Works Association 2020 Management Innovation Award for “In-Cab Turn-by-Turn Navigation System” Developed to Increase Efficiencies for Snow and Ice Control Operations in Niles
PROCLAMATIONS
• Arbor Day - April 24, 2020
• Building Safety Month - May 2020
• National Police Week - May 10-16, 2020
• National Public Works Week - May 17-23, 2020
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week - May 17-23, 2020
PRESENTATIONS
None
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
COVID-19 Community Update
President Przybylo reported that on April 17, 2020 he issued Executive Directive 2020-01, which directs the Niles community to follow CDC guidelines and wear a face covering when out in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately. It includes situations such as shopping for groceries and working in or patronizing businesses that are open to the public, as social distancing can be difficult to maintain in these enclosed public spaces. The directive does not apply when people are walking or running outside, provided they are maintaining 6-foot social distancing from others. It also does not apply when driving alone in your car, while eating and drinking, or when doing so creates a greater risk. The Executive Directive also allows businesses to refuse admission or service to individuals who are not wearing a face covering that covers the nose and mouth. As of April 27, the Village of Niles has 260 positive cases of COVID-19 and 30 resident casualties. For up-to-date and educational information, go to www.vniles.com/COVID-19. He thanked all Village employees and especially the First Responders for their tireless dedication and hard work.
President Przybylo commented that he is very proud that the Village of Niles is moving ahead with an employee merit-based performance pay system, as was approved at the last Board meeting. With the merit pay, employees will be rewarded for going beyond what is expected. Unfortunately, it is yet to be seen the effect COVID-19 will have on our economy. During these uncertain times, the Village has issued a hiring freeze and capital projects will be held in abeyance until the sales tax revenue reports are available.
As the COVID-19 point person for the Village, Fire Chief Marty Feld reported that he made the 43rd entry into the County's web portal on the Village's status. The Village is required to keep the County informed on issues pertaining to staffing, equipment, and condition of retail supplies. Chief Feld also continues to document the response to the pandemic and monitor reimbursement opportunities. The Department averages transport of 3-4 patients daily with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The Fire Department uses a laser thermometer to check their members for fevers at the beginning of each shift and the Department currently has adequate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to maintain the safety of their personnel. Fire Chief Feld thanked all first responders who continue to endure the crisis with professionalism and enthusiasm and get the job done regardless of the increased risk involved. He asked residents to please follow the guidelines that are set in place by Governor Pritzker and President Przybylo.
Deputy Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos provided an update on Village operations, stating that the Governor's “Stay-at-Home” order was extended until the end of May. Village Hall remains closed, however, the Community Development and Finance Departments continue to operate online and by phone. Water bill late fees will be waived through the month of May. Water meter replacements and water shutoffs are also postponed until the end of May. 2020 vehicle stickers will go on sale on June 1 and will be available for purchase online or through the mail. Niles Human Services is maintaining a 24-hour crisis team and can be reached at (847) 588-8460. The Niles Family Services Food Pantry is open by appointment only both to receive food and to make donations. Pace buses continue at a reduced schedule. Garbage collection is continuing, however, loose items not in a bag or bulk items will not be picked up. Please view the Village website www.vniles.com for up-to-date information and to sign up for the e-newsletter and for the Rave Alert system.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
RED Center
Trustee Strzelecki reported on the April 15 meeting, via teleconferencing, of the Regional Emergency Dispatch (RED) Center Board. He stated that action needed to be taken by RED Center due to a MABAS call out on March 14 for shelter tents for Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora due to a COVID-19 outbreak. After receiving additional requests for assistance, MABAS headquarters set up a mobile command center. On March 23, the RED Center Director and two employees reported to the command center and began deployment of tents, lights, and generators as IEMA was seeing a greater uptick in activity across the state. RED Center continues to staff the MABAS Command Center and had to procure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their own personnel and now will be adjusting RED Center procedures and budgeting for the future. The 2020 RED Center budget was presented and approved for 8 months as they are moving to a calendar year budget cycle.
Important to note, the budget included funding for a Smart 911 Program which will allow the public to create a profile, including medical information, family information, emergency contact and any other information that will appear on a 911 operator's screen. This information can then be given to the responding units to assist them in their response. This program would all be voluntary yet encouraged. Fire Chief Marty Feld stated that once more details are available, the Fire Department plans to support the Smart 911 Program and begin to educate the public. Trustee Strzelecki was once again elected as RED Center Board chair for the upcoming year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sebastian Danilowski, Niles (via email) Cook County Forest Preserve has implemented a parking lot closure at Bunker Hill from 4/25/20 - 5/31/20 on weekends (Friday - Sunday) due to concerns associated with community spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Because of this closure, the public has found other avenues for parking and are parking all along Harts Road and the side streets. This has increased the traffic and congestion, has become a nuisance for residence in the area, and has limited the parking availability for residents. With the increased amount of people, it is counterproductive for trying to limit the spread of COVID-19. In regards to the parking, this has come up before in a prior board meeting last year where there was mention of the spillover of visitors and employees from the nursing home located at the corner of Harts and Touhy. I am asking the Board to review these concerns and potentially implement temporary or permanent “resident only” parking signage along Harts Road as it similarly was implemented on other streets such as Franks Avenue. I also wanted to address that there needs to be something done to increase the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists on Harts Road. There is no pedestrian walking or biking signage on Harts, vehicles are constantly speeding and not paying attention to pedestrians and bicyclists and trying to make the traffic light either at Milwaukee and Harts or Touhy and Harts. I suggest placing signage on the road for pedestrians and bicyclists and also lowering the speed limit. Thank you for your time and please consider my concerns.
OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance Amending
President Przybylo stated that the proposed Ordinance Amending Chapter 10 Amusements and Chapter 10 Amusements and Entertainments, Article IV. Regulations Entertainments, Article IV. for Licensees Operating Video Gaming Terminals to the Niles Code Regulations for Licensees of Ordinances was tabled at the February 25, 2020 Board meeting. Operating Video Gaming Stating that there is more Committee work to be done on this Terminals to the Niles Code ordinance and asked the Board to again table this item for a future of Ordinances date.
Trustee Jekot made a motion to table the proposed ordinance regarding video gaming terminals to a future Board meeting. There was no second, and the motion dies.
Since there was no motion by the Board to take the Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Article IV. Regulations for Licensees Operating Video Gaming Terminals off the table, there was no further discussion.
CONSENT AGENDA - NEW BUSINESS
President Przybylo stated that all items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no individual discussion of these items unless a Trustee so requests. The requested item will then be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered at the end of New Business.
Trustee Alpogianis made a motion, seconded by Trustee Strzelecki, to allow items 1 through 3, to be included on the consent agenda. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
Village Clerk Marlene Victorine read consent agenda items 1 through 3 into the record:
#1 Approval of Minutes-April 6, 2020 Special Board Meeting
#2 Resolution Ratifying a Contractual Agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to Provide Health Insurance for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2020
#3 Resolution Authorizing Contractual Renewal with Perfect Cleaning Service Inc. to Provide Custodial Services at Village Facilities in the Amount of $86,400
Trustee Alpogianis made a motion, seconded by Trustee Strzelecki, to approve consent agenda items 1 through 3. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution Authorizing a Bid Award and Contractual Agreement with DiMeo
Trustee Strzelecki made a motion, seconded by Trustee Alpogianis, to approve the Resolution Authorizing a Bid Award and Contractual Agreement with DiMeo Brothers Inc. for the 2020 Water Main
Motion Authorizing a Bid Award and Contractual
Brothers Inc. for the 2020 Water Main Replacement Project in the Amount of $2,737,537. Bids were received from seven firms for the 2020 Watermain Replacement Project. DiMeo Brothers Inc. provided the lowest base bid contract price and has met all bid requirements. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution Authorizing a Contractual Renewal with Homer Tree Care Inc. for Tree Removal Program in the Amount of $58,020
Trustee McCreery made a motion, seconded by Trustee Niedermaier, to approve the Resolution Authorizing a Contractual Renewal with Homer Tree Care Inc. for Tree Removal Program in the Amount of $58,020. The Public Works Department continues to remove dead, diseased and irrevocably damaged trees from Village rights-of way. Homer Tree Care Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder. The contract term shall be for a period of one year following dual execution and shall include four automatic consecutive renewa periods at the price specified in the contract. Any renewal is contingent upon contractor's satisfactory performance of the terms and conditions of the contract. FY21 is the first automatic renewal out of four. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
Board Approval Authorizing Trustee Strzelecki made a motion, seconded by Trustee Niedermaier, the Use of the Municipal for Board approval authorizing the Use of the Municipal Partnering Partnering Initiative (MPI) Initiative (MPI) Contractual Pricing Pursuant to Government Joint Contractual Pricing
Purchasing Act, 30 ILCS 525/0.01, et. seq. with Patriot Pavement Pursuant to Government Maintenance for crack sealing in the amount of $150,000. Patriot Joint Purchasing Act, 30 Pavement Maintenance satisfactorily performed this work the last ILCS 525/0.01, et. seq. four years. This work extends the life of the asphalt by preventing with Patriot Pavement water from entering cracks, freezing and damaging the asphalt when Maintenance for Crack it expands. This is year two of a two year MPI contract. On roll call, Sealing in the Amount of the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Treasurer's Report March 2020
Trustee Alpogianis made a motion, seconded by Trustee McCreery, to approve the accounts payable, including payroll in the amount of $3,558,229 for the month ending March 2020. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
Trustee Alpogianis made a motion, seconded by Trustee Strzelecki, that the Treasurer's Report for the month ending March 31, 2020 be approved and filed for audit with a beginning cash balance of $56,256,855, receipts of $13,797,245, disbursements of $9,311,834 and ending cash balance of $60,742,266. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
NEXT MEETINGS
Regular Board Meeting – May 26, 2020 (Electronic Meeting)
FY2021 Budget Workshop (to be held no later than June 25, 2020)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
OTHER BUSINESS
Trustee Strzelecki made a motion, seconded by Trustee Alpogianis, to convene a Special Board of Trustees meeting on May 12, 2020, and place on the agenda approval of the bid award and approval of contracts for the construction of the Police Parking Facility due to bid award deadlines and ramifications if the bonds, which were closed in 2018 and set aside for this project are not used. The bid opening for the construction project was held on April 17, 2020. On roll call, the vote was: YEAS: 5 Alpogianis, Jekot, McCreery Niedermaier, Strzelecki NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1 Matyas ABSTAIN: 0 There being 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, Trustee Alpogianis, made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Trustee Strzelecki. On roll call, all concurred. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KID1h4Drc0X8lVoSDVOIwHoPv8e-eXD8tzFqhV8kBHI/edit
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