11/15/197681
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC
CENTER, November 15, 1976
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des
Plaines was called to order by Jr. Mayor Kathleen Sandford
at 8:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic
Center, City Hall Building
III ROLL CALL:
1
Roll Call indicated the following aldermen present:
Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan, Kisslinger,
Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo, Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Mayor
Bolek.
Also present were: City Comptroller Blietz, Police Chief Hintz, Fire Chief
Corey, City Engineer Bowen, Director of Planning and Zoning Richardson,
Commissioner of Public Works Schwab, Acting Building Commissioner Trost,
Environmental Officer Lindahl, City Attorney Hug, Health Director Branding,
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works Schaeffer, Supt. of Water and Sewer
Tiernan, Superintendent of Streets Haseman, Personnel Director Schaer,
Fire Inspector O'Leary, and Sanitarian M. Martin.
PRAYER & The meeting opened with prayer by Father Peckenpaugh of
PLEDGE
MINUTES:
St. Martin's Episcopal Church, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag.
Moved by Kisslinger, seconded by Seitz, to approve the Minutes
of the regular meeting of November 1, 1976, as published.
Correction: Page two, paragraph four under Old City Hall,
change "Birchfield" to "Seitz". Following correction,
Motion declared carried.
REPORTS OF Jr. City Clerk Jill Peckenpaugh reported that the Clerk's
CITY OFFICIALS Office is exploring the use of Votomatic for the Municipal
Election
Jr. Treasurer Richard Fitzgerald reported by mid -summer,
the Register of Bills will be completed by computer.
Jr. Comptroller Keith.Maher reported that the 1977
Vehicle Licenses will be mailed on a pre-printed form.
Jr. Chief of Police Michael Clark reported that the
Village of Rosemont has enacted an ordinance requiring persons
to be age 21 for drinking alcohol. Glenview has no restrictive
laws, and Berwyn passed legislation similar to Rosemont in
1974.
Jr. Fire Chief John Walsh reported Fire Department
personnel attended the Fire Department Conference at the
University of Illinois
Jr. City Engineer Elizabeth Borsch reported that Prairie
Avenue widening is completed but street lighting will not
be completed until January, 1977. Lee Street construction
is completed. Sidewalk reconstruction program should be
completed in approximately four weeks.
Jr. Building Commissioner Dawn Gaffney reported that
thirty permits were issued since November 1st - nine of them
for single family homes
Jr. Health Director Robert Wyatt reported that 6,825
persons received the Swine Flu Innoculation.
Jr. Director of Planning and Zoning Karen Ecklund reported
that two grant applications under the Anti -Recession Act
have been submitted and approval is expected in January.
Jr. Director of Civil Defense Janice Evensen reported
that the City has received $42,598.01 Federal Funds in
connection with the Emergency Operating Center - City Hall.
Jr. City Attorney Ami Tuttle reported that the three
union contracts have been signed.
Jr. Assistant Comptroller Frank Hays reported that the
City's accounting should be on computer by mid 1977.
Jr. Deputy Clerk Cathy Bock reported that the first day
to file petitions of nomination for City offices is January 10
and the last day to file is February 14.
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Page Two
REPORTS OF Jr. Assistant Commissioner of Public Works Steven Homeyer
CITY that regular garbage pickup is back to normal schedule,
OFFICIALS and that the Department of Public Works is installing a
bus stop on Lee Street, at the corner of Ashland and Lee.
Jr. Personnel Administrator Alicia Roeder reported
that the Civil Service Commission has established an eligibility
register for the position of Payroll Clerk
Jr. Sanitarian Rick Baird has no report
Jr. Environmental Control Officer Roland Liwag reported
on the activities of the Northwest Environmenal Council.
IIBILLS Jr. Alderman Patricia Miller proposed the following resolution
PAYABLE recommended by the Finance and Insurance Committee:
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, $570,566.12. Moved by Kisslinger,
seconded by Ward to adopt the resolution and reduce Voucher
#3471 by 10% retainage, changing total to $568,692.62.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Branningan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
HOSPITALIZATION Moved by Kisslinger, seconded by Birchfield, to adopt the
INSURANCE recommendation of Finance and Insurance Committee to cancel
the contract with Confederation Life Insurance Company,
effective November 21, 1976, and enter into contract with
Blue -Shield Blue -Cross for hospitalization insurance at
an estimated premium of $283,000 per year, for a one year
period, inasmuch as premium of Confederation Life Insurance
Company was increased to $450,000 per year. Upon roll call,
the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
ZONING CASE Moved by Szabo, seconded by Erbach, to adopt the recommenda-
76-59-V tion of Municipal Development Committee as proposed by Jr.
1113 Perda Alderman Ami Nyberg, to concur with Zoning Board of Appeals
in Case 76-59-V, property located at 1113 Perda Lane, to
grant request for variation and authorize City Attorney to
prepare necessary ordinance for further consideration•,
Motion declared carried.
ZONING CASE Moved by Szabo, seconded by Olen, to adopt the recommendation
76-60-V of Municipal Development Committee as proposed by Jr. Ald.
1674 Henry Ami Nyberg, to concur with Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals
to grant variation in Case 76-60-V, 1674 Henry, and authorize
City Attorney to prepare necessary ordinance for further
consideration by City Council. Motion declared carried.
ZONING CASE Moved by Szabo, seconded by Ward, to adopt the recommendation
76-62=V of Municipal Development Committee as proposed by Jr. Alderman
1876 River Rd. Ami Nyberg, to concur with Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals
in Case 76-62-V, to grant variation in Case 76-62-V, 1876
River Road and to authorize City Attorney to prepare necessary
ordinance for further consideration. Motion declared carried.
BICHELE- Moved by Szabo, seconded by Sarlo, to adopt the recommendation
CROWLEY of Municipal Development Committee to approve Plat of Bichele-
RESUBDIVISION Crowley Resubdivision, 931 Hollywood Avenue and authorize
execution thereof. Motion declared carried.
11/15/76
Page Three
RADIO Jr. Alderman Laura Seitz reported that a joint meeting of
MAINTENANCE Committees was held regarding the award of bid for Radio
Maintenance and a meeting is scheduled for next week to
further discuss the subject.
83
ELLINWOOD Jr. Alderman Jim Fahey reporting for the Building, Grounds
PARKING DECK and Parking Lots Committee reported that the ground floor
of the Herbert H. Behrel Parking Plaza was completed November
17 and free parking will be in effect until after January 1st.
The completion of upper floors should be within a few weeks.
Ellinwood Street will be two way within the next ten days.
REFUSE Jr. Alderman Kevin Conrad proposed the recommendation of
PICK UP Sanitation Committee to concur with Des Plaines Environmental
Commission recommendation that separate refuse pick ups
would not be feasible at this time. Moved by Brannigan,
seconded by Kisslinger, to adopt the above recommendation.
Motion declared carried.
MFT IMP. Moved by Ward, seconded by Szabo, to adopt the recommendation
RAND,CENTRAL of Streets and Traffic Committee as proposed by Jr. Alderman
MT.PROSPECT Tony Powers, to adopt MFT Resolution appropriating $20,000
for the joint improvement by Village of Mt. Prospect, State
of Illinois, and City of Des Plaines of the Rand Road,
Central Road and Mt. Prospect Road intersection. Upon roll
call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
WATER TANK Moved by Koplos, seconded by Olen, to -adopt the recommendation
II MAINTENANCE of Water and Sewer Committee that the City award the
Maintenance Service Contract for the elevated water tanks
to Wallace & Tiernan in the amount of $2,075.00, per proposal
dated November 1, 1976, waiving the usual bid procedure.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
BUS RIDERS Jr. Alderman Sharon Smith reporting for the Special Trans-
portation Committee reported that the bus ridership increased
approximately 40o with an average of 1500 riders per week.
LIBRARY Jr. Alderman Craig Harrison reported that a meeting of the
Library Board would be held Tuesday evening.
YOUTH Jr. Alderman Mimi Tortorelli reported on the various Youth
ACTIVITY Activities held during the summer months and proposed for
the fall and further stated that the City has supported
the Des Plaines Police Boys Club and the Jr. City Official
activities again this year.
COUNCIL
AGENDA
Jr. Alderman William Hanselmann proposed the recommendation
of City Code and Judiciary Committee that the Agenda delete
"Questioning of Department Heads" and follow guidelines of
Mayor Bolek that Department Heads will be available in their
offices on Monday afternoons from 4 to 5 for questioning.
Moved by Abrams, seconded by Seitz to adopt the above
recommendation and authorize City Attorney to draft necessary
ordinance. Motion declared carried.
1
11/15/76 84
Page Four
BEAUTIFICATION Jr. Alderman Vaughn Pusey reported on the Beautification
projects completed during 1976:
1. Planter boxes and trees - Oak Leaf Commons
2. Cedar and Jarvis
3. Parking Lot #8
4. Honey Locust Trees on Lee Street
5. Cleaning and seeding along Soo -Line Railroad
6. 500 Parkway trees were planted
RECYCLING Jr. Alderman Chris Schwartz reporting for the Environmental
CENTER Controls Committee reported that in the ten month period
ending in October that the Recycling Center continues to
operate at a profit to the City.
HEALTH & Jr. Alderman Brian McCaskey stated that the Health and
WELFARE Welfare Committee had no report.
JR. MAYOR
Jr. Mayor Kathleen Sanford spoke on behalf of all Jr. City
Officials thanking them for the experiences of the past
ten days.
RESOLUTION Moved by Seitz, seconded by Olen, to adopt Resolution R-25-76
R-25-76 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES,
C & NW ILLINOIS, AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE OF CONTRACT WITH CHICAGO AND
Dispatch NORTH WESTERN TRANSPORTATION COMPANY CONCERNING DISPATCH
Console System CONSOLE SYSTEM. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE Moved by Szabo, seconded by Sarlo, to adopt Ordinance Z-15-76
Z-15-76 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
I 2980 Des DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, CASE No. 76-54-R, rezoning property
Plaines Ave. located at 2980 Des Plaines Avenue to C-2 Commercial District.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE Moved by Kisslinger, seconded by Erbach, to adopt Ordinance
Z-16-76 Z-16-76, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE
636,40 CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, CASE 76-51-R, rezoning
Oakton property located at 636,40 Oakton Street to R-3 Two Family
Residence District. The letter submitted by Mr. David L.
Danneil was reviewed and placed on file. Upon roll call,
the vote was:
AYES: - 13 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Erbach, Kraves, Seitz, Abrams,
Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 2 - Birchfield, Sarlo,
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE Moved by Kisslinger, seconded by Sarlo, to adopt Ordinance
IIIT-17-76 T-17-76, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-5-4, SCHEDULE I
Brentwood OF THE CITY CODE BY PROHIBITING PARKING ALONG THE SOUTH
Area AND EAST SIDE OF BRENTWOOD DRIVE ADJACENT TO THE BRENTWOOD
SCHOOL PROPERTY AND BRENTWOOD PARK PROPERTY AND ALONG THE
NORTH SIDE OF DULLES ROAD ADJACENT TO THE BRENTWOOD SCHOOL
PROPERTY. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer n/
Motion declared carried./��
11/15/76
Page Five
85.
ORDINANCE Moved by Seitz, seconded by Kisslinger, to adopt Ordinance
T-18-76 T-18-76, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-7-4 OF THE CITY CODE
Yield HAVING TO DO WITH YIELDING RIGHT OF WAY BY REQUIRING RIVERVIEW
Riverview AVENUE TRAFFIC TO YIELD TO TRAFFIC ON SYCAMORE STREET AND
Radcliffe REQUIRING RADCLIFFE AVENUE TRAFFIC TO YIELD TO TRAFFIC ON
CRANBROOK DRIVE. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE Moved by Brannigan, seconded by Sarlo, to adopt Ordinance
M-51-76 M-51-76, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 8-4-2, 8-4-3, and
Refuse 8-4-8 OF THE CITY CODE BY RESTRICTING THE DEFINITION OF
Fees MISCELLANEOUS WASTE, RESTRICTING THE WEIGHT OF GARBAGE
CONTAINERS TO FIFTY (50) POUNDS AND INCREASING THE MONTHLY.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL CHARGE FROM $3.00 PER FAMILY UNIT TO $3.50.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
ORDINANCE Moved by Koplos, seconded by Sarlo, to adopt Ordinance
M-52-76 M-52-76, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 1-17-2, 1-17-3, 1-17-4,
Ward and 1-17-6, 1-17-7, 1-17-8 OF THE CITY CODE HAVING TO DO WITH
Election WARDS AND ELECTION PRECINCTS. Upon roll call, the vote was:
Precincts AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer
Motion declared carried.
PLAINFIELD Alderman Birchfield requested that "No Stopping or Standing"
AVE. Safety 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. signs be posted on the west side of
Plainfield Avenue between Everett and Plainfield School Drive,
by Police Order and City Attorney draft necessary ordinance.
IDA STREET Alderman Szabo's request for that parking be allowed on
Parking Ida Street between Perry and Jefferson on the east side of
the street was referred to Streets and Traffic Committee.
JEFFERSON ST. Alderman Szabo requested that Alternate No Parking on
Parking Jefferson Street from Graceland to Northwest Highway be
posted by Police Order on the south side of the street,
City Attorney to draft necessary ordinance.
ORDINANCE Placed on First Reading was Ordinance M-54-76, AN ORDINANCE
M-54-76 AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF TITLE I OF THE CITY CODE HAVING TO
Salaries DO WITH POSITION CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN.
ORDINANCE Placed on First Reading was Ordinance M-55-76, AN ORDINANCE
M-55-76 AMENDING SECTION 9-3-5 OF THE CITY CODE HAVING TO DO WITH
Driveway DRIVEWAYS BY PROVIDING THAT FEES FOR THE SAME BE ESTABLISHED
Permit Fees BY RESOLUTION.
ORDINANCE Moved by Ward, seconded by Erbach, to waive First Reading
Z-17-76 and place on passage Ordinance Z-17-76, AN ORDINANCE GRANTING
1210 Leslie A VARIATION UNDER THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DES
Lane PLAINES, ILLINOIS, CASE No. 76-55-V, 1210 Leslie Lane.
Motion declared carried. Moved by Ward, seconded by Erbach
to adopt Ordinance Z-17-76. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Koplos, Szabo, Sullivan, Olen, Leer, Brannigan,
Kisslinger, Birchfield, Erbach, Kraves, Sarlo,
Seitz, Abrams, Ward, Bolek
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Meyer Motion declared carried.
1
ORDINANCE
Z-18-76
769 Holiday
STRATFORD
MANOR UNIT
SIX SUBD.
SUIT
Daniel Carr
OAKTON ST.
Parking
Study
SUIT
850 E. Oakton
SUIT
Jorgenson
ZONING CASE
76-65-R
1723-43
Busse Hwy.
SIGN
Sweet Tooth
Oakton St.
ADJOURNMENT:
11/15/76
Page Six
Placed on First Reading was Ordinance Z-18-76, AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES,
ILLINOIS, CASE No. 76-56-R, property located at 769 Holiday
Lane.
Plat of Stratford Manor Unit Six Subdivision located at
406, 414, 426 N. Wolf Road and letter from Plan Commission
was referred to Municipal Development Committee
Suit, Daniel Carr VS City of Des Plaines, Arthur Hintz, and
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners was referred to City
Code and Judiciary Committee.
86
The Oakton Street Parking Study as prepared by Director of
Zoning and Planning was referred to Streets and Traffic
Committee. Also referred was the suggestion to have
Bittersweet Avenue be a one way street traveling north,
and "No Left Turn" from Oakton Street traveling east entering
Center Street as well as No parking from Soo Line Railroad
for a distance of one block past Center Street.
Suit, First National Bank of Des Plaines as Trustee; Chicago
Title and Trust Co., as Trustee; American National Bank,
as Trustee; Theresa Klippert; Fred M. Owens; Grove Towers,
Inc. VS City of Des Plaines was referred to City Code and
Judiciary Committee
Suit, Raymond K. Jorgenson VS City of Des Plaines and Alderman
Thomas Koplos was referred to City Code and Judiciary
Committee.
Letter from Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals re Case
76-65-R, property located at 1723-43 Busse Highway and
1801 Miner Street was referred to Municipal Development
Committee.
The request of Sweet Tooth Ice Cream for sign variation on
Oakton Street was referred to Building Control and Inspection
Committee.
Moved by Sarlo, seconded by Seitz, that the regular meeting
of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared ,rried.
Bertha Eleanor Rohrbach,
APPROVED BY METHIS
DAY OF
attAL
ACTING MAYOR
1
, A. D., 1976
ARLES J. BOLEK
City Clerk
87
PUBLIC HEARING
Revenue Sharing Proposed
1977 Budget
The Public Hearing on the City of Des Plaines Revenue Sharing
Proposed 1977 Budget opened at 7 P.M., in Room 101, Des Plaines
Civic Center, Monday, December 6, 1976, by Acting Mayor Charles
J. Bolek, who stated that prior seven day notice had been given
to the press and interested parties.
Those persons in attendance were: Alderman John P. Leer, Alderman
Carmen J. Sarlo, Alderman Irene Birchfield, Alderman Richard Ward,
Alderman Daniel Kisslinger, Alderman Robert Kraves, Police Chief
Arthur Hintz, Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Schwab, Senior
Citizen Coordinator Samuel Tapson, Louis A. Wright, member of Senior
Citizens Council, Ferdinand Arndt, Des Plaines Park District Commissioner,
David Markworth, Des Plaines Park District Director, Gilbert A. Horn,
officer of Senior Center Board of Directors, Youth representatives
Jim Kossnik and Laura Lundwick, City Comptroller Blietz, City Clerk
B. Rohrbach, and Acting Mayor Charles J. Bolek.
The Public Hearing opened with Acting Mayor Bolek submitting in writing
and explaining the following proposed budget for Revenue Sharing Funds:
Community Senior Center $ 5,000
Senior Citizen Transportation 42,500
Life Station 20,000
Park Districts - Recreation 22,800
Senior Citizen Programs 20,000
Historical Society 30,000
Fence for Public Works Garage 12,000
Aerial Photos 925
Public Safety Equipment
Police 55,531
Fire 68,150
Civil Defense 20,600
Public Works Equipment 230,326
Sewer Extension 20,000'
Street and Alley Improvement 30,000
Bicycle Safety Program 17,000
Acquisition of Land 10,000
Contingency 1,578
$606,410
Following above review, persons in attendance were invited to express
their opinions. The following were expressed:
Mr. Ferdinand Arndt stated that this budget looks like a good budget,
and that he is pleased with the budget for Senior Citizen Programs.
Mr. Louis A. Wright stated that he is a member of the Senior Citizens
Council and the Historical Society and he is pleased with the budget.
He further stated that it may be necessary for the Historical Society
to borrow funds to be able to meet matching funds for the moving
of the Historical Museum to another site. He further stated that he
is pleased with the cooperation these groups have received from the
City.
Mr. Gilbert Horn, Secretary -Treasurer of Des Plaines Senior Center,
stated he is pleased with the $5,000 allocated to the Community Senior
Center and they are desperately in need of funds. He further stated
that the allocation of HEW funds will ehlp with the reconstruction
and furnishing of the center, and that the Des Plaines Park District
has assisted them in their deficits.
City Comptroller Blietz explained the 80-20 formula that will be used
for funds for Des Plaines Park District and Mt. Prospect Park District
as requested by Alderman Ward.
The letter received from the League of Women Voters was read and made
a part of this record as follows:
frfk
1
1
88
Public Hearing - Revenue Sharing Proposed 1977 Budget - Page Two
"The League of Women Voters of Des Plaines has examined the proposed
Revenue Sharing Budget for 1977 and are grateful for this chance to
testify on the budget.
The majority of the money seems to be going into capital improvements
which will not create a tax burden on Des Plaines' residents in the
future. We are pleased to see this. The only concern we have in this
area is the expenditure for police cars. We are sure they must be
replaced on a regular basis and wonder if it isn't a bit risky to be
using Revenue Sharing Funds for this.
We were pleased to see the diversity of areas to which the money is
being directed. Money is being channeled for Senior Citizens, the
Historical Society and recreation, all important areas. We do see
two glaring omissions. One area is child-care. A recent city study
has shown Des Plaines is in need of more facilities for day care.
Possibly some money should be used to subsidize existing day care
centers and/or encourage expansion of those already in existence.
The Northwest Suburban Day -Care Center could possibly be one recipient
of such aid. The other area of concern would be transportation, not
just for the elderly. Some money could possibly be used to aid our
faltering transportation by encouraging ridership or public education.
To fill these gaps we wonder if street and alley improvements couldn't
in some way, be cut back a little. Could not more motor fuel tax
revenue be used to fill in this gap.
The Des Plaines League of Women Voters recently studied Revenue Sharing
and while we agreed that the program was definitely worthwhile, we
had such diversity of opinion on spending priorities that we were
unable to set such priorities. We are thus pleased that the city is
showing such diversity in the spending of the funds so that all the
areas we expressed concern about are receiving some funds."
Acting Mayor Bolek then announced that the Finance Committee will
make recommendation to the City Council, the Revenue Sharing Budget
as proposed at this meeting.
Public Hearing adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
B. E. Rohrbach, City Clerk