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032019503I3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MONDAY, MARCH 20, 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 report of City Treasurer L. C. Barrett for the month of February. CITY ATTORNEY HOWARD'S REPORT * STEINFELDT CASE. The Clerk read the following report: March 20, 1950 Honorable Mayor and City Council of Des Plaines City Hall Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: I am very pleased to report to you that Master in Chancery Arthur Sullivan has decided the Steinfeld case in favor of the City of Des Plaines. I have received the Master's report which finds that our ordinance is a valid and proper one, that Dr. Steinfeld is operating in violation of it, and that his suit for injunction ought to be dismissed. This, of course, is not a final decision. Dr. Steinfeld, through his attorneys, has the opportunity of filing objections before the Master in Chancery and arguing said objections verbally, in an attempt to change the Master's mind. Objections have been filed by the opposing attorney and are set for hearing before the Master Monday, March 27th. Even if the Master overrules the objections and stands by his original report, the report must then go back to Judge Harrington of the Circuit Court who will again hear objections to the report and either uphold or reverse the Master. If the court upholds the Master, we will then obtain a final order of the Circuit Court dismissing the case. Respectfully submitted, Marshall S. Howard MSH:AR City Attorney City Engineer Fletcher reported of a need for auto parking at the Cumberland Railway Station. The Mayor referred the matter to the City Engi- neer and Street Committee. MARSHAL WIGHAM suggested that life preservers be placed in a case with a glassdoor at the dam (by the river) where two men had been drowned. Lieutenant Raymond Kolze suggested that a fence be put at the dam so children could not get to the dam. The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to write Super- intendent Charles Sauers of the Forest Preserve suggesting the above items. COMMITTEE REPORTS. Alderman McKay made the following report: March 20, 1950 Subject: Request for vacation of alley running east from White Street to connecting alley between Henry Street and Campbell Avenue, Block 8 in Riverside Addition to Des Plaines. Mayor and City Council: Your Committee of Municipal Development returns herewith petition accompanying above request. We feel the City should adopt a more careful policy in connection with these requests for vacation. Petitions should contain the names of all property owners involved and good and sufficient reasons should be given to justify the requests for vacation. In this petition no reasons are given and only 13 signatures are affixed, although there are 22 houses in the block. Also the alley in this block is a continuation of alleys extending for several blocks from the Soo line east. Committee recommends that this particular petition be denied for reasons given. S. E. McKay R. G. Wolf W. N. Davis 38 COMMITTEE REPORTS, CONT'D. On motion by Alderman McKay and second by Wolf, the report was concurred in. Alderman McKay stated that the committee may recommend the vacation of alley if one hundred per cent (1000 of property signed the petition and they stated their reason for desiring same. Alderman McKay made the following report: Des Plaines, Ill, March 20, 1950. Subject: Proposed location of the Universal Oil Products Company in the Des Plaines area. Mayor and City Council: Meetings have been held to consider this subject on February 15th, February 24th, March 3rd and March 10th. In the meeting of February 15th representatives of the Universal Oil Products Company were present, ex- plained their proposal and answered questions. (On February 18th, Mayor Meyer and Aldermen Wolf and Baines visited the Company's plant now located near McCook, and later City Engineer Fletcher and Superintendent of Public Works Warnicke also visited it.) Meeting of February 24th was attended by a ma- jority of the aldermen, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, and some of the members of the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board, as well as a few interested citizens. The meeting of March 3rd was similarly at- tended, except at this meeting the number of interested citizens was quite large, and again representatives of the Oil Products Company were present. The meeting of March 10th was merely a meeting of the Municipal Development Committee. Your Committee has heard no convincing objection to the proposal that the Universal Oil Products Company locate in this area. It realizes the difficulties which must be overcome in order to include the project within the City limits, but feels the advantages are of such importance that all of us would be remiss in our duty as City officials if we did not make an earnest effort to solve the problems in the way of bringing that about. In this report your Committee does not undertake to answer specifically the questions submitted in Universal's memorandum headed "Questions that Universal Oil Products Company would like to be answered in connection with their proposed acquisition of the Engelking property near Des Plaines, Illinois." Some of these answers cannot be given until after official action is taken; others are of a legal nature and should be answered by the City Attorney; others, again, are technical, and should be answered by the City Engineer and the Superintendent of Public Works, probably after further conference with interested parties. In this general report, however, it is believed, the Universal Company will find sufficient information on which to base a decision as to whether they should or should not continue their efforts to locate here. WATER - As to the ability of the City of Des Plaines to furnish water in the quantities desired, the Council must be guided by recommendation of the City Engineer, Superintendent of Public Works and the Water Committee. It is the understanding of your Committee that satis- factory arrangements can be worked out, but the first official action of this Council should be to go on record on this particular phase of the matter. SEWERS - A. For storm water, waste water, and ordinary drainage. Your Committee believes that the existing tile line into Weller Creek could take care of storm water, pollution -free waste water and drainage, under normal conditions. However, neither this tile nor Meller Creek should be depended upon to accommodate additional storm - water during the times of spring thaws and/or prolonged precipitation. We all know, only too well, what happens in connection with some of our rainy spells. Your Com- mittee cannot endorse any plan which might be based on using Weller Creek to receive these storm waters by means of a direct and uncontrolled connection. However, a suggestion made to this Committee seems worthy of serious consideration. The Universal Company should be urged to include in their plans a reservoir adequate to impound storm - and used water. 3,5 COMMITTEE REPORTS, CONT'D. (It will be recalled that representatives of Universal stated their plans contemplated re -circulation of water that might be furnished by the City.) Over the year the volume of storm - and used -water impounded would be con- siderable, and the use of same would lessen requirements for City water. It is realized it would be costly to construct an efficient reservoir, but over a period of time it would probably pay for itself. Handling of so- called storm -water by means of reservoir control is suggested as a possible solution of this part of the over-all problem. SEWERS - B. For sanitary sewage. According to our City Engineer a line could be laid from the site of the proposed project to the present Algonquin Road Sewer which could take care of sanitary requirements, and possibly some storm -water. Your Committee thinks it not unreasonable to propose that the Universal Oil Products Company assume the expense of making such a connection. It is recommended that our City Engineer en- deavor to work out a mutually satisfactory arrangement with the Universal people, to cover both storm and. sanitary sewers. It is quite obvious that unless this Council is convinced these matters of water supply and sewer can be solved there is no need to consider either annexation or rezoning. The easy way out of the situation in which we find ourselves would be for us to tell the Universal people we are unable to encourage them in their efforts to locate in this area, certainly, not within the City limits. It would be equivalent to a confession that we lacked faith in our ability to overcome the necessary preliminary problems, and that we were somewhat timid because of a localized natural opposition, but it would be the easy way out. However, your Committee feels it is possible to work out these key problems satisfactorily and with reasonable promptness, if we have the will to try, and so we proceed to submit our views on annexation and re- zoning. ANNEXATION - The land under consideration by Universal is ap- proximately 56 acres bounded by Algonquin Road, Mt. Prospect Road, Westfield Gardens, and the C. & N. W. Belt Line. In order to bring this acreage into the City of Des Plaines it would also be necessary to annex either West- field Gardens, or that block of land of about 35 acres directly east of the site under consideration by Universal, or all of the area bounded by Thacker Street, Mt. Prospect Road, Algonquin Road and Wolf Road. It would seem more consistent, more feasible, at this time, to achieve annexation of the proposed Universal site, by way of Westfield Gardens. Your Committee therefore recommends that this Council give favor- able consideration to the annexation of Westfield Gardens and the acreage south thereof to Algonquin Road, upon being satisfied that the problems of water and sewer are or can be solved, and that Universal will locate in the area to be annexed for their accommodation. It is appreciated that the advisability of annexing the Westfield Gardens section may be questioned by some people even as a means to a desirable end and notwithstanding the fact that such annexation would give the City a control over the area much to the advantage of all concerned. Your Committee is open to conviction on the matter and willing to compromise on any reasonable plan calculated to en- courage the Universal Company to come to this area. Your Committee feels it should mention here the fact that one member of the Committee is definitely apprehensive of the wisdom of annex- ing am of this territory. He is inclined to the opinion that it might be much better for the City to have the Universal Company locate in the area it has under consideration by virtue of favorable action of the Zoning Board of Appeals of Cook County, with our cooperation. REZONING - In the opinion of your Committee the Universal Oil Products Company project is not "Industry" light or heavy, in the generally accepted meaning of that classification. In these proceedings it has been referred to as "light industry" for want of a better classification under which to identify it. Even if we had an "Industrial District" it is our understanding Universal would prefer not to be located therein. Not that they have any aversion to industry as such. On the contrary, their work is preliminary COMMITTEE REPORTS, CONT'D. to increased efficiency in industry. However, they prefer to do their work more or less secluded from the distractions of actual industry. We feel the lack of an "Industrial District" has no real bearing on this question. Nor would it mean the West Side was to be selected for such a district if Universal were to be permitted to locate there. Your Committee recommends that a classification be included in our Zoning Ordinance by suitable amendment, to cover an activity such as Universal's, or any other project considered superior to either "tight in- dustry" or "commercial." S. E. McKay William N. Davis R. G. Wolf Alderman McKay requested that the report be deferred until later in the meeting for discussion. The Mayor referred the matter of public information regarding the election on "Warehouse Bonds" to the Public Buildings and Public Relation Committees. BUILDING PERMIT COMMITTEE. Alderman Clement informed the Council that Inspector Scharringhausen desired to know what was going to be done about the Minnich Building on Ellinwood. Street. The Mayor said it has been suggested to condemn the property for a street. The Mayor then referred the matter of condemning the building to Inspector Scharringhausen, Building Permit Committee and Street Committee. Alderman Clement reported on an ordinance for pits for install- ing water meters in buildings. This was referred to the Superintendent of Public Works and the Building Permit Committee. Alderman Clement also reported on the need of set back lines and per cent of lot use in industrial areas. The Mayor referred that to the Building Permit Committee. Alderman Clement reported regarding the use of space under side- walks. The Mayor referred the item to the Building Inspector and Superin- tendent of Public Works to check owners involved and request liability bonds or to fill in the space. Alderman Clement was asked to check the ordinance in regard to the above item. APPROVAL OF BILLS. Alderman Baines, Chairman of the Finance Com- mittee, 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 then made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Hansen 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 proposed reso- lution adopted. Alderman Baines reported of having a meeting regarding special assessments and requested the Mayor to have the City Attorney prepare an ordinance for the one hundred per cent (100,$) payment of principal on all special assessments. Alderman Baines made the motion which was seconded by Davis, to give a vote of thanks to all the City employees and citizens who worked long hours over the week -end due to the drowning of two men in the river. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. 387 Alderman Baines reported that the Soo Line crossings had not been repaired. However, the City Clerk informed the Council that he had received a letter dated March 10, 1950, stating the repairs would be made in a few days. BOY SCOUT LETTERS. The Clerk read a letter from the Boy Scouts re- questing permission to conduct a newspaper pickup. The request was granted on motion by Alderman McKay and a second by Davis. The Clerk read a letter from Donald D. McKay of the Boy Scouts. He stated that they were considering organizing a Des Plaines unit of the E- mergency Service Corps. The Mayor referred the letter to the Public Relation Committee. E. R. CARLTON REQUEST FOR QUIT -CLAIM DEED. The Clerk read a letter from E. R. Carlton requesting a quit -claim deed on Lots 45 and 46, Block 6, Riverside Addition to Des Plaines (about 1450 Campbell Avenue). On motion by Alderman Baines and second by Behrel, the attorney was instructed to prepare a quit -claim deed and the Mayor and Clerk authorized to sign same. AUDITS OF MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS. The Clerk informed the Council he had received the audit reports for 1948 and 1949 Motor Fuel Tax Funds. The Mayor ordered them placed on file. ENGINEERFLETCHER'S LETTER ON BIDS FOR MATERIAL. The Clerk read the following letter: March 20, 1950 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Des Plaines, Ill. Gentlemen, Sometime ago your Honorable Body passed a resolution setting up certain materials to be used for the maintenance of streets by Motor Fuel Tax Funds in 1950. In accordance with the requirements of the State Highway Depart- ment, bids have been received from three contractors for the furnishing of this material. These bids are attached hereto and are as follows: 1. Rock Road Construction Company 2. Peter Baker & Sons 3. Skokie Valley Asphalt Co. Total Bid . . 12275.00 . . 2318.00 . . 2028.50 If it is your desire to follow through with this work for the current year, a motion should be made to award to the low bidder subject to the approval of the State Highway Department. Very truly yours, E. N. Fletcher City Engineer The motion was made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by McKay to award the bid to the Skokie Valley Asphalt Company at a bid of 12,028.50. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the follow- ing 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 bid awarded to the Skokie Valley Asphalt Company. The Mayor informed the Council to discuss the Universal Oil Products Company report. After discussion the Mayor asked the Clerk to forward a copy of the report to the company. The Mayor said he believed the next action was for the company. The motion was made by Alderman McKay and seconded by Baines to concur in the report. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Halverson and Morava. Nays: Aldermen Clement. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the report concurred in. Alderman McKay suggested that the City Attorney prepare an amend- ment to the Zoning Ordinance for an area required by the type of business of this oil company. Alderman Davis inquired about the repair of Prairie Avenue between Center and Lee Streets. The Mayor informed the Council that the Chicago Real Estate Board was not interested in a small appraisal, which was the de- lay in this repair. The Mayor instructed the City Clerk to have some local real estate company make the appraisal. 381 APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Wolf to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 6,1950, and the adjourned meeting of March 13, 1950. The motion was voted upon by ac- clamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the minutes approved. 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. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MONDAY, APRIL 3, 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, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava responding to roll call. Vavrinek was absent. OFFICIAL REPORTS. The clerk submitted the monthly reports of Inspector Scharringhausen and the City Clerk for March. An annual report was also submitted from B. C. Foote, Secretary of the Police Pension Fund. OPEN BIDS FOR WATER MAINS. On motion by Halverson and second by Behrel,the Clerk was instructed to open the bids on Water Maine. *The following bids were opened: Egan Construction Co., River Forest, I11. . . . . ft14,b98.30 John M. Scully, Chicago, I11. 16,568.00 Joe Divito, Des Plaines, Ill. 16,705.00 D. L. Amici Co., Melrose Park, I11. 16,935.00 P. Scalzitti, Chic ago, Ill. 17,217.21, S. Cerniglia Co., Melrose Park, I11. 17,553.50 Middle States Construction Co., Evanston, I11. 20,740.00 C. M. Porter Co., Maywood, I11. 22,133.37 L. Scully & Sons, Chicago, Ill. 25,647.00 The mayor referred the bids to the City Engineer for tabulation and report later in the meeting. REPORTS OF CITY ATTORNEY, MARSHALL HOWARD. The clerk read the following reports: March 30, 1950 Honorable Mayor and City Council City Hall Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: I am pleased to report to you that I have been able to secure a check from the insurance company insuring one Richard Ahrens in full payment of all repairs made necessary to our street sweeper by reason of Mr. Ahrens running into it a few months ago. The check for X4.64.22 has been turned over to the City Treasurer. Yours very truly, MSH:AR Marshall S. Howard City Attorney The mayor ordered the report placed on file. * Cassidy Construction Co., Chica'o, I11. $17,956.10 George D. Hardin,.Chicago, 111.. 17,307.60 T. and T. Construction Co., Chicago, I11. . . . 18,735.00