Chicago City Wire

City of Prospect Heights City Council met Jan. 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – At 6:30 PM, Mayor Patrick Ludvigsen called to order the January 22, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting at City Hall, 8 N Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070. 

Deputy Clerk read the preamble to the Meeting. 

City Clerk Prisiajniouk called roll. A quorum was present. 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT: Mayor Ludvigsen, City Clerk Prisiajniouk Aldermen – Dash, Cameron, Morgan-Adams, Dolick, Anderson 

ABSENT - Treasurer Tibbits 

OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT - City Administrator Wade, Assistant City Administrator Falcone, Digital Communications Technician Colvin, Attorney Hess, Director of Building and Development Peterson, Public Works Director Roscoe, Assistant Finance Director Tannehill, Police Chief Caponigro, and Deputy Clerk Schultheis 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Mayor Ludvigsen. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

A.January 8, 2024 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 

B.January 10, 2024 Strategic Planning and Directions Special Meeting Minutes - Alderman Dolick moved for omnibus approval of the January 8, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the January 10, 2024 Strategic Planning and Directions Special Meeting, as presented; seconded by Alderman Cameron. There was unanimous approval. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Cameron, Anderson, Morgan-Adams, Dash, Dolick

NAYS - None 

ABSENT - None 

Motion carried 5 - 0 

PRESENTATIONS 

A.Presentation of the Natural Resources Commission by Commissioner Dana Sievertson and Commissioner Agnes Wojnarski gave an overview of the projects that the Natural Resources Commission has accomplished since its inception in 2014. Commissioner Sievertson noted that the NRC had concentrated in nine areas. 

- they had gotten rid of invasive species like buckthorn - which kills off amphibian life. Reed canary grass and teasel were also destroyed. The areas that were treated by the NRC saw an 80% increase in native fauna and flora. 

By converting these areas into natural habitats of native species, there has also been a 65-70% increase in trail traffic. 

It was noted that there are over 100 species of animal life at the Slough, and amphibians, such as frogs, have made a comeback. Bird life including ospreys and eagles have also repopulated the areas. 

-The Art Walk at Izaak Walton Park won best park awards. 

-The NRC also sponsors Pop Up art sales in September. 

-the NRC used a $10,000 grant to build a greenhouse. By growing their own buds, they have saved the City over $100,000 in plantings. The NRC has also supplied its own palates of soil. -ComEd prairie conversion - 80 lbs of seedlings were planted and there are over one million pollinators. ComEd also grants $8000 for the prairie burns 

-the NRC has conducted shoreline restoration with erosion blankets and plants with 20 foot roots replacing turf grass with 2 inch roots. The City approved a $35,000 funding for this six-year program. 

-The NRC has employed modern crop dusting - that is, using drones to herbicide in a method that is safe for aquatic life. 

-Eagle Scouts have done various projects adding in the park areas to earn their eagle scout designation 

-the NRC has conducted educational programs in local schools, have had summer camps, volunteer programs and speakers on nature 

APPOINTMENTS, CONFIRMATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA MATTERS (Five Minute Time Limit) - None 

CONSENT AGENDA - None 

OLD BUSINESS - None 

NEW BUSINESS 

A.R-24-05 Staff Memo and Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Utility Van from Water and Sewer Funds through Purchasing Cooperative Program for a Price Not to Exceed $53,268 - Alderman Morgan-Adams moved to Approve R-24-05 Staff Memo and Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Utility Van from Water and Sewer Funds through Purchasing Cooperative Program for a Price Not to Exceed $53,268; seconded by Alderman Anderson. There was unanimous approval. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Anderson, Morgan-Adams, Dash, Dolick, Cameron

NAYS -  None

ABSENT - None

Motion carried 5 - 0  

STAFF, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND COMMISSION REPORTS 

A.December Financial Report Presented by Assistant Finance Director Tannehill - said that the City is 67% into its Fiscal Year and is at 57% budgeted revenue and 47% budgeted expenses. 

He noted that the vehicle sticker campaign to catch scofflaws has resulted in an additional $100,000 of revenue. 

The sewer collection, aided by the City Attorney, saw 10% of those who owed money, pay their fees. He noted that Budget Review is starting. 

City Clerk Prisiajniouk- stated that the Greater Wheeling Chamber of Commerce is updating its bylaws. 

Alderman Anderson - Ward 2- said that application process is open for students that want to apply for scholarships from District 214 - run by Dollars for Scholars. 

APPROVAL OF WARRANTS A. Approval of Expenditures 

General Fund $170,035.75 

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $0.00 

Tourism District $724.80 

Solid Waste Fund $0.00 

Drug Enforcement Agency Fund $595.18 

Palatine Road Tax Increment Financing $0.00 

Special Service Area #1 $0.00 

Special Service Area #2 $0.00 

Special Service Area #3 $0.00 

Special Service Area #4 $0.00 

Special Service Area #5 $205.45 

Special Service Area - Constr #6 (Water Main) $0.00 

Special Service Area - #8 Levee Wall #37 $8,215.00 

Capital Improvements $25,343.59 

Special Service Area - Debt #6 $0.00 

Road Construction Debt $0.00 

Water Fund $57,888.90 

Parking Fund $499.73 

Sanitary Sewer Fund $31,813.09 

Road/Building Bond Escrow $0.00 

TOTAL $295,321.49 

Wire Payments 

01/12/2024 PAYROLL $183,406.22 

DECEMBER ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND PAYMENT $23,343.14 

TOTAL WARRANT $502,070.85 

City Clerk Prisiajniouk read the warrants. 

Alderman Anderson moved to Approve the warrants as presented; seconded by Alderman Dash to include a TOTAL of $295,321.49; 01/12/2024 Payroll of $183,406.22; December Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Payment of $23,343.14; and a TOTAL WARRANT of $502,070.85.. There was unanimous approval. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - Morgan-Adams, Dash, Dolick, Cameron, Anderson

NAYS - None

ABSENT - None 

Motion carried 5 - 0 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS (Five Minute Time Limit) - None 

EXECUTIVE SESSION - None 

ADJOURNMENT – At 7:28 PM, Alderman Dolick moved to Adjourn; seconded by Alderman Dash.. There was unanimous approval.

VOICE VOTE:  ALL AYES, NO NAYS 

Motion carried 5 - 0 

https://www.prospect-heights.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01222024-1393