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09191949BIDS ON PRAIRIE AVENUE IMPROVEMENT, CONT'D. whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. The motion was then made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Clement to authorize the mayor and city clerk to execute the contract. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. The mayor requested the city attorney to write to the railroads concerning excessive whistle blowing. ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Wolf and seconded by Baines to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting regularly adjourned. (niter OT J. H ICH CITY CLERK 3/7 COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 12. 1949. On the motion made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Davis, Building Inspector F. F. Scharringhausen was personally instructed to issue building permits in Cumberland, Cumberland East, and Cumberland Terrace - without qualification. Aldermen Wolf and McKay voted no. On the motion made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Davis, City Attorney Howard was instructed to proceed to prosecute the Stemfeldt Case. On the motion made by Alderman Halverson and seconded by Davis the City Clerk was instructed to write State Sanitary Water Board to make tests of water pollution in Weller Creek and at the Imhoff Tanks. The Clerk was also instructed to write a letter to the Chicago Sanitary District about taking the bacteria count at the above places and also at the Benjamin Electric Company. /2 - 7,4 OTTO W. J/' ICH, CITY CLERK MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. 1949. AT 8:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was calledto order by Mayor Kenneth G. Meyer, who presided with Alderman Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava responding to roll call. Alderman Vavrinek was absent. OFFICIAL REPORTS. The City Clerk submitted the August report of City Treasurer, L. C. Barrett. COMMITTEE REPORTS. Street Committee. Alderman Hansen, Chairmancf the Street Committee, reported the following in regard to the parking lots on Center Street at alley rear of Ellinwood Street: The Street Committee recommended that the City pay half of the rental of lots, and that two hour parking limit be installed. The motion was made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Halverson to concur in the report. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. The motion was then made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Halverson that the mayor and city clerk be authorized to sign the lease of property owned by Amelia and Mary Quilici and Helen and Grace Meyer for the City of Des Plaines, to pay half of the month1V rental. The mayor put the question, and the clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The mayor thereupon declared the motion carried. APPROVAL OF BILLS. Alderman Baines, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following proposed resolution: 3.20 APPROVAL OF BILLS, CONT'D. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES THAT THE FOL- LOWING BILLS ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AND THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY -CLERK BE AND ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE PAYMENT FOR SAME. 21376 524.30 * 21377 21378 & Co. 1,565.00 * 21379 21380 16.50 * 21381 21382 33.00 * 21383 21384 49.72 * 21385 21386 45.00 * 21387 21388 277.60 * 21389 21390 5.40 * 21391 Gniot Bros. Arthur A. Weiner John Wigham F. P. Sumner H -H Electric Co. D. P. Public Schools Johnson's Auto Parts of D. P. Public Service Co. City Clerk's Petty Brown -Orth Motors, Duncan Meter Corp. D. P. Tree Service Wally's Mobil Service Worthington-Gamon Arthur A. Weiner & Co. Cash Inc. $2,656.73 29.88 3.25 577.35 120.00 68.00 280.80 800.00 The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Halverson to adopt the proposed resolution. Alderman ffalverson commented on Check No. 21388 to Johnson's. The total check, $277.60, was charged to the Water Department Fund. However, only seventeen dollars and sixty cents ($17.60) should be charged to the Water Department Fund and the remaining $260.00 should be charged to the Garbage Department Fund. The mayor put the question, and the clerk called the roll withthe following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement,,Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The mayor thereupon declared the Motion carried and the proposed resolution carried as corrected. PASS QUIT CLAIM DEED ORDINANCE * LOTS 6, 7 AND 8 IN BLOCK 2, MECHANIC'S ADDITION TO DES PLAINES. The clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A QUIT CLAIM DEED The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by McKay to suspend the rules and pass the proposed ordinance. The mayor put the question, and the clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The mayor thereupon declared the motion carried, the rules suspended and the proposed ordinance before the council for final passage. The motion was then made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Halverson to pass the proposed ordi- nance. The mayor put the question, and the clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The mayor thereupon declared the motion carried. BOARD OF HEALTH LETTER ON POLLUTION OF WELLER CREEK. The clerk read the following letter: September 12, 1949 Honorable Kenneth G. Meyer, Mayor Members of the City Council Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: The Des Plaines Board of Health in a meeting held Friday, Septem- ber 9, 1949, insturcted the Secretary to write to the Mayor and City Council of Des Plaines requesting they take steps to have the known pollution of Weller Creek abated and corrected. The Board of Health suggests that a committee be appointed by the Mayor, to work toward a solution of the Health Problem. EAW:sk Very truly yours, Elsie M. Willer (Mrs. L. A.) Secy. Des Plaines Board of Health The mayor ordered the letter placed on file. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS LETTER ON RAND AND WOLF ROADS; SPEEDING. The clerk read the following letter: DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS LETTER, CONT'D. Mr. Otto W. J. Henrich City Clerk City Hall Des Plaines, Illinois Dear Mr. Henrich: This will acknowledge receipt of your reference to speeding in the vicinity of Rand and There is such a short section of Rand is in the corporate limits of your city that I do practical to post a speed limit here. Our Traffic Department will conduct speed observations on Wolf Road to determine whether the 35 M.P.H. limit south of Rand Road can be re- duced or if it would be advisable to extend the posting north to Central Road. We will write you further after the data has been obtained and September 12, 1949 letter of August 3 with Wolf Roads. Road in this vicinity which not feel that it would be analyzed. The mayor ordered the letter placed on file. Very truly yours, C. H. Apple District Engineer CITY CLERK REPORTS ON LETTER RECEIVED FROM HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT IN REGARD TO MANNHEIM AND ZOUHY ROADS. The city clerk informed the council that he had received a copy of a letter which had been mailed to the Des Plaines Ameri- can Legion in reply to their telegram about Mannheim and Touhy Roads. (A post- script at the end of the letter stated that this letter was a reply to the clerk's letter of August 18, 1949, which had been sent to the governor.) The letter informed the Legion that four-way stop signs were put in at the cross- ing and a recommendation had been made for stop lights. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS LETTER ON APPROVAL OF ARTERIAL STREETS. The clerk read the following letter: September 6, 1949 CITY -MFT Des Plaines Arterial Street Resolution Mr. Otto W. J. Henrich City Clerk Des Plaines, Illinois Dear Sir: The resolution adopted by the City Council at its meeting July 11, 1949 adding to the Arterial Street system was approved today follows: ARTERIAL ARTERIAL ARTERIAL ARTERIAL cc - C. H. Apple STREET NO. 15 STREET NO. 16 STREET NO. 17 STREET NO. 18 Prairie Avenue from Lee Street to Pearson Street. (extension of Arterial Street No. 15) Cumberland Parkway from Golf Road to Washington Street. Washington Street from Cumberland Parkway to Warrington Road. Warrington Road from Washington Street to Golf Road. The mayor ordered the letter placed on file. as Very truly yours, C. M. Hathaway Chief Highway Engineer REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY HOWARD ON ELLINWOOD BUILDING. The clerk read the following letter: September 19, 1949 Mayor and City Council of the City of Des Plaines City Hall Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: On July 11, 1949 there was referred to me a letter of Mr. Scharringhausen, Building Inspector, regarding a dangerous building at 1569 Ellinwood Street, CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT, CONT'D. Des Plaines, with the question as to what power the city had to demolish the building. I believe that at the last Council meeting I covered substantially the same ground in a discussion of whether or not to fill in certain vacant foundation holes without court proceeding or permission of the owner. In m4' opinion the city has three courses of action. First, it can arbitrarily demolish the building without court action. This may be done only if the building constitutes a legal nuisance and if the city is willing to take the risk in the event of a later damage suit of clearly establishing that the same was a nuisance. Such a courseis risky and I would not recommend it. The second course of action is open only if the owner of the building is a resident of Des Plaines. This is the most effective remedy, if the latter condition prevails. Criminal action may be commenced against the owner before the police magistrate of the City for maintaining a nuisance, and if the city can prove that a nuisance prevails, a fine might be levied for every day that the nuisance continues. Assuming that we can prove the building to be a nuisance to the satisfaction of the police magistrate, repeated prosecutions and fines would undoubtedly result in either repair or demolishing of the building by the oNner at his own expense. The third remedy would be to file a suit in the Circuit Court of Cook County to abate the nuisance. This takes the form of an injunction suit, enjoining the owner from continuing to maintain the nuisance and if successful, could result in the demolishing of the building by the owner at the order of the Circuit Court. According to the building inspector's letter, there is a provision of the Building Code relative to dangerous buildings. Before any of the above Actions are taken, I would suggest that the steps required by the Code be taken. Respectfully submitted, MSH:AR Marshall S. Howard CC/ to Building Inspector City Attorney The mayor referred the letter to the Public Protection Committee. PASS ORDINANCE VACATING PART OF JARVIS AVENUE AND ALLEY, The clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE VACATING PUBLIC ALLEY AND STREET. The motion was made by Alderman Halverson and seconded by Wolf to suspend the rules and place the proposed ordinance on passage. The mayor put the question, and the clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The mayor thereupon declared the motion carried, the rules suspended, and the proposed ordinance before the council for final passage. The motion was then made by Alderman Halverson and seconded by Baines to pass the proposed ordinance. The mayor put the question, and the clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The mayor thereupon de- clared the motion carried. APPROVE BURGESS' RESUBDIVISION. The motion was made by Alderman McKay and seconded by Halverson to approve the plat of Burgess' Resubdivision. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. APPROVE BESTMANN'S ACRES UNIT NO. 2 SUBDIVISION. The city clerk informed the council that on August 15, 1949, the council had approved the plat of Bestmann's Acres Unit No. 2, but that Mr. Bestman had to make some changes in the plat because the County demanded seventeen (17) feet dedication for road instead of seven (7) feet on Potter Road. The motion was made by Alderman McKay and seconded by Davis to approve the plat. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. RESOLUTION FOR MEMORIAL STAMP FOR ROBERTA MASON. The clerk read the following resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois that in recognition of the heroism and the outstanding valor of Roberta Mason in rescuing her brothers and sisters from her flaming home RESOLUTION, CONT'D. near Des Plaines, Illinois in March, 1949, that the United States Congress be requested to pass a bill for the issuance of a postage stamp commemorating said event. BE IT FURTHER HEREBY RESOLVED that such postage stamp be entitled "THE GOLDEN FLAME OF DES PLAINES." BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to appropriate representatives in the United States Congress by the Mayor and City Clerk of the City of Des Plaines. Adopted by the City of Des Plaines on the 19th day of September, 1949. III VOTE: AYES 9 1 1 NAYS 0 Approved: Kenneth G. Meyer Mayor Otto W. J. Henrich City Clerk The motion was made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Morava to adopt the resolution. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. Alderman Davis reported that the Motor Coach busses carrying school children were overloaded. The mayor referred the matter to the Public Pro- tection Committee to contact the Motor Coach Company. CITY CLERK'S LETTER ON 0.000.00 BAD WATER DEBT ITEM. The clerk read the following letter: September 13, 1949 City Council Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: Since 1935 there has been an item of $5,000 bad debts in the Water Ledger. As this item represents many uncollectible items, I would like the Council's permission to remove it from the Ledger, as was suggested in the audit report submitted by Arthur Weiner and Company. Respectfully, tal Otto W. J. Henrich City Clerk The mayor referred the letter to the Finance Committee. The mayor also requested the committee to meet and set up a procedure to follow for the collection of water bills. CITY CLERK'S LETTER IN REGARD TO DESTROYING OLD RECORDS. The clerk read the following letter: September 13, 1949 City Council Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: Inasmuch as the audit report by Arthur Weiner and Company has been received and accepted, I would like the Council's permission to dispose of the old records by burning them. The records include the following: 1. Paid warrants. 2. Daily recapitulation sheets. 3. Receipt books. 4. Water audit andcash sheets. 5. Water and garbage receipts. Also paid bills, but I shall withhold the last seven years' bills. It is unnecessary to keep these items after an audit has been made, and the space they take up in the vault can be used for new records. Respectfully, tai. Otto W. J. Henrich, City Clerk CITY CLERK'S LETTER, CONT'D. The mayor informed the council that the clerk had previously dis- cussed this matter with him and, therefore, recommended approval. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Behrel to grant the clerk approval to destroy the records. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. EAST DES PLAINES CIVIC ASSOCIATION LETTER. The clerk read the following letter: September 8, 1949 Mr. Kenneth Meyer, Mayor City of Des Plaines Illinois Honorable Sir: At a meeting of the East Des Plaines Civic Association, held at Rand Park Field House on June 21, 1949, together with a number of issues under discussion, that of the water supply East of the River, held prominent place. The majority of those present bitterly complained that the water pressures were so low that supply for cooking, washing and sanitary purposes is frequently inadequate. Grave concern exists over the possibility of fire with a water supply woefully insufficient to cope with such a situation. Furthermore, since the existing water system within the City Limits, East of the River, was paid for by special assessments by the property owners in this area, they rightly feel that an injustice has been done them by allowing other areas to be connected to the mains, thus re- ducing the supply rightfully belonging to those who paid for such improvements and service. Therefore, the members present at the meeting have -have -instructed its officers to lodge complaint with the Mayor and City Council of Des Plaines regarding the matters aforementioned, with the request that the City take measures to remedy the existing conditions. Signed respectively by Theodore B. Gray Chairman (Mrs.) Alice Spalding Secretary The mayor referred the letter to the Water Committee and city attorney for study and report. The motion was then made by Alderman Halverson and seconded by Morava that the city engineer prepare an estimate cost of the ten -inch main inside the City Limits. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. RESOLUTION TO CONVERT DEFENSE BOND INTO CASH. The clerk read the following proposed resolution: RESOLUTION BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, County of Cook, State of Illinois, that the following Defense Bond, Number nR67[9, F be converted into cash by City Treasurer L. C. Barrett. DATED this 19th day of September, A. D. 1949. Kenneth G. Meyer, Mayor ATTEST: Otto W. J. Henrich, City Clerk The motion was made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Baines to adopt the proposed resolution. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, where- upon the mayor declared the motion carried. J. E. GALLUP'S LETTER IN REGARD TO BICYCLES. The clerk read the following letter: To His Honor The Mayor - I am writing relative to the unsafe condition in which the bicycle has entered, into the field of potential injuries. 3,? 5" J. E. GALLUP LETTER, CONT'D. I wonder if some thought and help could be obtained by ordinance, with suggestions, that I will enumerate in this letter. In May, 1949, the Des Plaines Kiwanis Club put on a show with films and a very interesting talk by one of the State Police Sergeants of Elgin. The Kiwanis Club and the Safety Council purchased scotch tape.. to equip several bicycles. This tape was applied by Mr. Bade to the bicycle owners who had paid for their 1949 license. I understand so far this year, 541 licenses have been issued, and it is estimated that there are close to 3,000 bicycles in Des Plaines. During the summer, some of our members and myself have been investi- gating the cost of this tape and application of same, which is about sixty cents a bicycle. We find that the money spent during 1949 will be more or less wasted, unless an ordinance is enacted to have this tape applied on every bicycle in Des Plaines. This will protect the rider, as well as the motorist. Knowing that the Police Force has a lot of work to do with their limited man power, and they do not have the time to personally check each bicycle to see if it has a license tag, the Safety Council suggests the following: Beginning with the year 1950 the license for bicycles will be $2.00. This will be good for two years. This tape could be applied at any of the bicycle shops in Des Plaines. This would enable the Police to check the owners more easily, as a bicycle that does not have tape applied would show that no license had been purchased. The owner could be brought in and made to purchase a license. Other features of this plan could be worked out for a benefit to all by discussions. Respectfully, J. E. Gallup President of the Safety Council Des Plaines On motion by Alderman Davis and second by McKay, the letter was referred to the Public Protection Committee. Alderman Clement commented about the right hand turns at stop lights on Miner and Ellinwood Streets. He thought the lane should be marked or larger signs posted, in order that the autos do notblock this lane. The mayor referred the matter to the Street Committee. Mayor Meyer spoke about the audit report, that is, in regard to the forty per cent (40;x) water loss. The mayor referred the item to the Water Committee for study and report. Alderman Hansen requested that the city clerk write a letter for both newspapers (local) explaining the new house number changes. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was seconded by Davis to approve the minutes of the motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon carried. made by Alderman Halverson and September 6, 1949 meeting. The the mayor declared the motion ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Davis to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting regularly adjourned. (4/1,;‘,. gPivtnA4/A u W. J. HENRICH CITY CLERK MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1949. AT 8:00 P. M. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kenneth G. Meyer, who presided with Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava responding to roll call.