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03061950377 ORDINANCE, CONT'D. AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE NAME OF LA GRANGE STREET TO SCOTT STREET The motion was made by Alderman Halverson and seconded by Hansen to pass the proposed ordinance. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Davis, Hansen, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the proposed ordinance passed. The City Clerk informed the Council that he had received a letter for a hearing of the Illinois Commerce Commission regarding the change of the Greyhound Bus schedule. The letter was ordered placed on file. The City Clerk also received a letter of a hearing of the Illinois Commerce Commission on C. & N. W. Railway increase in fares. The City Attorney was instructed to attend the hearing. The Clerk read a letter from the Cumberland Terrace Civic Club regarding the types of homes being built in Cumberland Terrace and other sections. The Mayor referred the letter to the Building Permit Committee. The City Clerk was instructed to write to the Superintendent of Schools regarding the dirty condition of the Lee Street underpass. Committee: The following items were referred to the Building Permit Building at 841 Center (remodeling) Sign on Oakton Street The Mayor referred the item of changes to made in the inspector's office to the Building Permit and Public Building Committees. The Mayor referred the item of air conditioning to the Building Inspector and the City Attorney for an ordinance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Hansen to approve -the minutes of February 6, 1950. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the minutes approved. ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Wolf and seconded by Hansen to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried, and the meeting regularly adjourned. 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, MARCH 6, 1950, 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. OFFICIAL REPORTS. The Clerk submitted the reports of Inspector Scharringhausen and the City Clerk for the month of February. The Clerk's annual report of 1949 was also submitted. COMMITTEE REPORTS. Alderman Davis reported that the Benjamin Electric has contracted to have garbage pick-up, and they intend to build an incinerator for rubbish. The company is also trying to eliminate smoke from the chimney. 378 STREETS COMMITTEE. Alderman Hansen reported the Streets Committee recommended "No Parking" signs on the east side of Ida Street between Jefferson and Perry Streets so as to allow the residences on Ida Street to have access to and from their driveways. On motion by Alderman Hansen and second by Davis the report was concurred in. Alderman Hansen also reported the widening of Prairie Avenue east of Lee Street has been taken in the 1950 program,and at present appraisals are being made as to the advisability of purchase and cost. SPECIAL SEWER COMMITTEE. Alderman Wolf reported that there would be a meeting next Monday night of the property owners regarding the special assessment for storm sewer south of Oakton Boulevard. BUILDING PERMIT COMMITTEE. On motion by Alderman Clement and second by Behrel the "Side Yard" ordinance was referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Alderman Clement made the following report on the request for a sign on Oakton Boulevard: Your Committee on Building Permits has investigated the above and has found: Proposed structure will be used by applicant to support a sign of a size greater than that normally permitted; therefore permission of City Council as well as written consent of majority of property owners in same block is required; proposed location apparently not objectionable; proposed plans show sign of attractive appearance; owners have offered to let City use proposed structure to support sign of own choosing when not in use by owners which will apparently be a large portion of the time; would lend itself to safety slogans, Community Chest messages, or the like. We, your Committee on Building Permits, therefore recommend: Permission be granted upon presentation of written consent of required number of property owners in the same block; such permission be granted only upon receipt in writing by Building Inspector of agreement in form of letter from applicant that sign structure will not be vacant (that is, without either their sign or the sign chosen by the city being in place) for more than twenty-four (24) hours at any onetime; and that structure will be removed if at any time over 50% of the owners in the same block object to its presence. H. W. Clement H. H. Behrel W. N. Davis The motion was made by Alderman Clement and seconded by Morava to concur in the report. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, where- upon the Mayor declared the motion carried. Alderman Clement made the following report on the request for a remodeling permit at 841 Center Street: Your Committee on Building Permits has investigated the above and has found: Building in question is devoted to a non -conforming use; Section Seven of the Zoning Ordinance entitled "Non -Conforming Uses" states that a building devoted to a non -conforming use may be reconstructed or structurally altered provided such shall not exceed its assessed value; value of proposed alteration work is estimated at $3,000.00; assessed valuation according to Assessor's Office is 8555.00. We, your Committee on Building Permits, therefore recommend: That the application for a building permit to cover the work in question be denied and that consideration be given by the proper authority to the possible condemnation of this building. H. W. Clement H. H. Behrel W. N. Davis Alderman Clement reported the following on the Cumberland Terrace Civic Club's letter regarding types of homes being built in Des Plaines: has found: Your Committee on Building Permits has investigated the above and 379 ALDERMAN CLEMENT'S REPORT, CONT')). Floor area restriction is most possible; such a restriction would be extremely desirable for particular areas; must be drawn carefully; Architectural Commission should be consulted for technical advice on both areas and minimum limits. We, your Committee on Building Permits, therefore recommend: Council request that Architectural Commission prepare data on areas to be restricted and what restrictions are to be established as far as minimum floor area is concerned; further hearings to be held by this committee to which Cumberland Terrace Civic Club will be invited. H. W. Clement H. H. Behrel W. N. Davis On motion by Alderman Clement and second by Hansen, the report was concurred in. APPROVAL OF BILLS. Alderman Baines, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following proposed resolution: 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. (Schedule of bills placed before each alderman and affixed to resolution and on file with the City Clerk.) The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Behrel to adopt the proposed resolution. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the pro- posed resolution adopted. DES PLAINES SAFETY COUNCIL LETTER. The Clerk read the following letter: Des Plaines, I11. February 20, 1950 Mr. Otto Henrich, City Clerk Des Plaines City Council Des Plaines, I11. Dear Sirs: The recent heavy ice and sleet storm which did such severe damage to trees, wires, etc. really taxed our department of public works, police and fire departments to the limit. Their cooperationand hard work is to be commended. One of the things that stood out as something,which again really proved an asset to the welfare of the city and an immense help to the depart- ment workers, was the two-way radio equipment which the fire department and the police department have as part of their equipment. These radios were really a great help in enabling Mr. Warnicke to keep in close touch with the men and the calls for needed men or help as need came up. Broken live wires had to be taken care of in various parts of the city and many calls to remove fallen trees from streets were taken care of. The Des Plaines Safety Council commends all of the workers. We wish to make one recommendation to the City Council, which if carried out will, we are sure, be a big help to the Supt. of Public Works, Mr. E. R. Warnicke, in always keeping in touch with the office and the police and fire department, especially in times of emergency. Our recommendation is that Mr. Warnicke's department car be equipped with a two-way radio as soon as possible. Trusting the recommendation will be met with your approval, we remain, Yours truly, Des Plaines Safety Council Mr. John Gallup, President A. Pieper, Secretary The Mayor referred the letter to the Street and Water Committees. 3 I PETITION TO VACATE ALLEY BACK OF THACKER STREET BETWEEN SECOND AND WEBSTER LANE. The Clerk read the following petition: We, the undersigned members, are owners of property adjoining an alley located as follows in the city of Des Plaines: Running east to west parallel to Thacker Street between the streets of Second Avenue and Webster Lane with its general location in Sunset Gardens Subdivision. We, the undersigned members, are interested in having this alley closed. (The petition had seven signatures.) The Mayor referred the petition to the Streets Committee. Alderman Baines requested the City Clerk to write to the Soo Line regarding the need of crossing repairs. Alderman Baines commented on the curve in streets at Graceland and First Avenues. He suggested that before buildings are placed on the property, this curve should be eliminated. The Mayor referred the item to the City Attorney to check on the ownership of land and the City Engineer to prepare plans. Alderman Behrel asked to have Mr. Yates' letter referred to his committee. This letter was in regard to a dog kennel. Alderman Halverson requested the Mayor to call a short recess so that the Council could look at some plans. After reconvening, on motion by Alderman Halverson and second by McKay, the Clerk was instructed to ad- vertise for bids on two water mains, the bids to be presented at the April 3, 1950, meeting. On motion by Alderman Halverson and second by McKay, the City Engineer was instructed to prepare plans for the improvement and enlarge- ment of the water softening plant. FIRST READING OF PARKING LOT ORDINANCE. The Clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO PARKING LOTS The Mayor referred the ordinance to the Streets Committee. MAYOR KENNETH G. MEYER'S FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. Gentlemen of the City Council: - The Statutes of Illinois require that the Mayor annually report to the Council the state of affairs of the City: FINANCIAL POSITION: The general financial position of the City is very good. The general corporate account as of December 31, 1949 was in the red in amount of $26,463.00. This account was $30,779.86 in the red as of January 1, 1949. However, actually, if surplus balances from other accounts were transferred to the general corporate account, as can be done legally, the general corporate account would not be in the red. It is mfr hope that we can, by eliminating expenses wherever possible and collecting all that is due the City from various sources, reach the point where this account will have an operating surplus. WATER ACCOUNT: The water account has a surplus in it of sixty-six thousand dollars ($66,000.00) which is being held in reserve for much needed improvements to our water system. By using this balance, much needed repairs can be made without additional taxation to the citizens. Our water accounts are now strictly on a current basis -we do not any longer tolerate long past due accounts. PARKING METERS: Based upon current revenues from parking meters, our parking meters should be paid for by September of this year, and with this debt out of the way, we will have funds to be used for acquiring additional parking areas, and I hope to be able to use some of these funds to make much needed repairs to our streets. 3!l ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MAYOR, CONT'D. OUR BONDED INDEBTEDNESS: Our bonded indebtedness is very low, ($44,377.00). However, our bonded indebtedness will be increased by *99,000 should the voters approve the purchase of the foundry site on Miner Street for a city garage and warehouse. I, as Mayor, believe that the aluisition of said property on Miner Street is necessary for the City even though at present the building is somewhat larger than is actu- ally needed today, but I feel certain that in years to come the purchase of this site will be considered a good move. POLICE DEPARTMENT:. The Police Department is being operated efficiently and more economically than it has been for many years. You, as aldermen, by examining the cost of operating the police department under Mr. Wigham and comparing the expenditures of former year; will readily understand what I mean. Mr. Wigham has proved to me that he desires to cut down unnecessary expenses to the benefit of the tax -payer. He has conferred with me and Alderman Vavrinek and recommended a plan whereby we can rent police cars under a plan which should result in a considerable savings to the City. This plan will no doubt be sub- mitted to you at an early date. BUSINESS LICENSES: The City Clerk reports that more business licenses, vehicle licenses and dog licenses have been collected as of March 1st than was ever collected as of March 1st of other years. This is because the public clearly understand that this administration intends to insist upon prompt payment of accounts payable whether in the form of taxes, licenses or otherwise. SOUTH SIDE SEWER RELIEF: The proposition of installing a sewer relief system to take care of the sewerage problems of the areas South of Oakton Street have been formulated by the engineer and the plan of financing by special assessment has been submitted to a committee of citizens residing in the area in question, and the City is prepared to proceed in this matter as soon as the majority of the citizens residing South of Oakton Street, indicate their approval of the plan submitted. COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES: Since my election as Mayor, I have in- sisted that you as aldermen assigned to various committees decide the issues referred to your respective committees. I have attended many committee meetings and expressed my views on matters referred to you, but I have not exerted any pressure on you to force you to decide according to my thinking. On many occasions I have received telephone calls from the citizens asking that action be taken on some particular matters and in every case I have referred the request directly to the committee chairman involved, so that the question could be considered by the committee and their recommendations made on the subject. I am very pleased with your sincere endeavors and hard work. All of us haven't always agreed on every issue presented to the Council - but that is the way it should be under our American System of Government. The members of the many commissions made up of public spirited citizens who work without one -cent of compensation, are doing an excellent job and deserve a sincere vote of thanks from every citizen of this City. Also, the employees of the City all seem to be loyal, consci- entious, and I appreciate their interest and loyalty. A continuation of the spirit of "good public service" on the part of all of us from the Mayor down, can result in only one thing - a better City government to the benefit of all the citizens. *************** Respectfully submitted, Kenneth G. Meyer, Mayor Alderman Hansen asked the press to take notice of the fact that two bills approved for payment, which had been questioned by Alderman Wolf, were for the cutting and hauling of branches due to the sleet storm. He said there was still a large amount of work to be done and the City em- ployees were working every day picking up the branches. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was made by Alderman Wolf and seconded by Baines to approve the minutes of February 20, 1950. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the minutes approved. ADJOURN TO 7:30 P.M., MARCH 13, 1950. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Wolf to adjourn the meeting to Monday, March 13, 1950, at 7:30 P.M. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, 31,2 ADJOURNMENT, CONT'D. whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned to Monday, March 13, 1950, at 7:30 P.M. W. J. HENKICH CITY CLERK MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1950, AT 8:00 P. M. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kenneth G. Meyer, who presided with Aldermen Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava responding to roll call. Aldermen Davis and Hansen were absent. PASS ORDINANCE FOR SUBMISSION TO VOTERS THE QUESTION OF ISSUING $100,000 MUNICIPAL WAREHOUSE BONDS. The Clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THE QUESTION OF ISSUING $100,000 MUNICIPAL WAREHOUSE BONDS AT A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN AND FOR SAID CITY ON THE 15th DAY OF April , 1950. The Mayor and Alderman Baines explained the interest rate and other items regarding bonds and property. Alderman Baines then made the motion to suspend the rules and place the proposed ordinance on passage. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the follow- ing result: Ayes: Aldermen Vavrinek, 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 made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Morava to pass the proposed ordinance. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The Mayor thereupon declared the ordinance adopted. OFFICIAL REPORT. The Clerk read the following report: March 13th, 1950 Honorable Mayor & City Council Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: The Street Department has erected "No Parking" signs on the east side of Ida Street between Jefferson and Perry Streets. Also two new signs pointing in the direction of the City Hall, Police and Fire Departments and four signs pointing in the direction of the free parking lot. The sewer department is in the process of checking all the sewers. Having completed at this time the south side and all other sections where flooding has previously occurred. Also we have arranged to keep in our city garage Milburn Bros. large pump, so that we will be able to start pumping on the Oakton Street sewer within an hour whenever necessary, be it day or night. ERW:pah Respectfully submitted, E. R. Warnicke Supt. of Public Works ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Halverson and seconded by Morava to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting regularly adjourned. / % tat ( / OTTO W. J. HENRICH CITY CLERK