Loading...
06051950/ / PAVING ORDINANCE, CONT'D. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Halverson 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: Alder- men Hansen, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried, the rules sus- pended and the proposed ordinance before the Council for final passage. The motion was made by Alderman Hansen, 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 Hansen, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The Mayor thereupon de- clared the ordinance adopted. FIRST READING OF 1950 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE. The Clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVYING OF AN ASSESSMENT OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINTS, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, COMMENCING JANUARY 1st, 1950 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31st, 1950. The Mayor ordered the Clerk to place the proposed ordinance on file for second reading. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Morava to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 1, 1950, and the adjourned meeting of May 8, 1950. The motion was voted upon by accla- mation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the minutes approved. ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Wolf and seconded by Clement 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. JUNE 5. 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 May. COMMITTEE REPORTS. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE. Alderman Davis re- ported on the Des Plaines Emergency Committee. The motion was then made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Behrel that the Mayor be authorized to approve the members of the Des Plaines Emergency Committee to the United States Govern- ment as the official Emergency Committee of Des Plaines. On motion by Alderman Morava and second by Halverson,it was approved that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign a five-year lease for the rental of one of the warehouse buildings. BUILDING PERMIT COMMITTEE. Alderman Clement reported the following in regard to the request for the Sinclair sign at Graceland and Ellinwood Streets: "Proposed sign is over the maximum size permitted in the area in question,; the location is in the main business sedion on one of the main streets. Recommend that the request for a permit to erect the sign in question be denied." On motion by Alderman Clement and second by McKay the report was concurred in. BUILDING PERMIT COMMITTEE REPORT, CONT'D. Alderman Clement reported the following on the request for a build- ing permit at 841 Center Street: "As stated in this Committee's report of March 6, 1950, the building is devoted to a non -conforming use; the assessed valuation thereof is $555.00. In the opinion of the Building Inspector, this building could not be put in a safe condition even for the full $555.00 which would be allowed by ordinance to be expended. "Therefore recommend that the request for a permit be denied and that a condemnation suit be instituted because of the very dangerous condition of the structure in question." On motion by Alderman Clement and second by Baines, the report was concurred in. The Mayor then referred the condemnation of the building at 841 Center Street to the City Attorney and the Building Inspector. FIRST READING OF "ACCESS HOLES" ORDINANCE. *AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE XIII RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS OF THE BUILD- ING CODE OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED. Alderman Clement reported on the "Access Holes" Ordinance. Alderman Clement then presented a proposed ordinance which the City Clerk read for first reading entitled: The Mayor ordered the Clerk to file the proposed ordinance for second reading. RESOLUTION ON MINIMUM AREA RESTRICTIONS. Alderman Clement presented the following proposed resolution: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, there has been constructed recently and there is in process of construction at this time in the City of Des Plaines a number of residence buildings of extremely small area and poor construction and the said construc- tion severely depreciates existing property and property tax values in good residence districts, and whereas, enactment of an ordinance specifying minimum areas consistent with the nature of existing neighborhoods would preserve property values, promote the general welfare and maintain or even increase existing values for tax purposes, and whereas, under the statutes of the State of Illinois it is provided that cities may, for the purpose of preserving tax- able value of land and buildings and promoting the public welfare, have the power by zoning ordinances to regulate and limit, among other things, the bulk of buildings hereafter to be erected, and whereas, interested citizens and civic groups in certain neighborhoods of the City have,specifically re- quested the enactment of minimum area restrictions for their neighborhoods. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Cook County, Illinois, that the question of determining the desirability of minimum area restrictions for the following described sections of the City shall be and it is hereby referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals of the. City of Des Plaines sitting as a commission: Sunset Gardens Subdivision Des Plaines Gardens Subdivision Homerican Villas Subdivision Des Plaines Villas Subdivision Cumberland, Cumberland East and Cumberland Terrace Subdivisions, for the purpose of investigating the question of minimum area restrictions as they apply to such subdivisions to determine whether or not minimum area restrictions should be provided for, and if so, to designate -the minimum area requirements in each of the foregoing neighborhoods, or any portions thereof, and to report its recommendations back to the City Council of the City of Des Plaines. Adopted by the City of Des Plaines on the ith day of June, 1950. VOTE: AYES: 10 NAYS: 0 Approved: Kenneth G. Meyer, Mayor Otto W. J. Henrich, City Clerk RESOLUTION, CONT'D. On motion by Alderman Clement and second by Davis the resolution was adopted. On motion by Alderman Clement and second by McKay, no permits for less than 1000 square feet should be issued in Cumberland Terrace. On motion by Alderman Clement and second by McKay, no building permits should be issued in the areas referred to in the above resolution for less than one thousand (1000) square feet. CITY ATTORNEY HOWARD'S REPORT. The Clerk read the following report: June 5, 1950 Honorable Mayor and City Council City Hall Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: Sometime ago there was referred to me the matter of instituting pro- ceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission to require the Soo Line Rail- road to install crossing gates at grade crossings within the City limits. You may recall that sometime thereafter I reported to you that the Commerce Com- mission had requested me to get in touch with the railroad officials and work the matter out by agreement, if possible. I also reported that the Soo Line officials had visited me at my office and had indicated the gates would cost around $12,000 to $15,000 per crossing and that they felt that of such costs the City should pay at least 90% and the railroad should pay a maximum of 10%. In fact they indicated that it was customary in many instances for the Commerce Commission to require the City to pay the entire cost. Since the last meeting I have discussed this question at the Illinois Commerce Commission with one of their engineers who is familiar with crossing gate problems. He verified the fact that the cost of automatic crossing gates would be approximately $12,000 per crossing. An automatic blinker signal, he stated, should run approximately $8,000 per crossing. However, he flatly refuted the statement that it would be customary to charge the City with 90% to 100% of the cost. He refused to state what the apportionment would be upon any order of the Illinois Commerce Commission, stating that each case had to be decided upon its own merits. I asked whether or not the apportion- ment would be fifty-fifty, or would be more heavily taxed against the railroad. Again he refused to state, but indicated that the apportionment would be far closer to fifty-fifty, than to any 90% or 100% charge against the City. He recommended that we file a petition with the Commerce Commission, giving full and complete information, among which would be: 1. Exact number of crossings involved. 2. Specific location of crossings involved. 3. Whether or not crossings involved any county highways or state aid roads. 4. Approximate traffic flow on the streets involved and approximate railroad traffic across the crossings (this would be subject to a com- plete verification and check by the Commerce Commission if the petition was filed). 5. Whether we wanted crossing gates or flasher lights. If it is the Council's desire and if the above information can be furnished me, I will be glad to file and prosecute the necessary petition. Respectfully submitted Marshall S. Howard MSH:AR City Attorney On motion by Alderman Baines and second by Behrel, the Clerk was in- structed to write to the Chicago Motor Club and the State Highway Department to inquire if they would make check at the crossings. TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AMENDMENT. The Clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TRAFFIC ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES AS AMENDED. AS TO PARKING. The Mayor ordered the proposed ordinance placed on file for second reading. i7 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 reso- lution and on file with the City Clerk.) The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Clement, 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 that the Des Plaines Insurance Brokers had organized and would underwirte all the City's insurance. PASS 1950 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE. The Clerk read for second reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVYING OF AN ASSESSMENT OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, COMMENCING JANUARY lstt 1950 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31st. 1950. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Hansen to pass the proposed 1950 Tax Levy Ordinance. 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 ordi- nance passed. FLASHER LIGHT ON MINER STREET AT RAILWAY STATION. The motion was made by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Clement that the City Engineer be in- structed to draft specifications for the flasher light at the walk on Miner Street at the Railway Station with use of parking meter funds. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the mayor declared the motion carried. TO APPOINT FIREMAN. It was approved that on motion by Alderman Vavrinek and second by McKay the Clerk instruct the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners to appoint a fireman for which an appropriation was made. STOP SIGN AT PEARSON AND PRAIRIE AVENUE. On motion by Alderman Vavrinek and second by Wolf, Superintendent Warnicke was instructed to place a stop sign on the east side of Pearson Street at Prairie Avenue parking lot. The Clerk read a letter from E. A. Nester in regard to the small buildings being constructed on Forest Avenue. The Mayor referred the letter to the Building Permit Committee and the Building Inspector. PETITION FOR WATER MAIN AND SEWER ON CEDAR STREET. The Clerk read the petition for water main and sewer on Cedar Street, between Howard Avenue and Welwyn Drive. The Mayor referred the petition to the Board of Local Im- provements. MOBILHOME LETTER. The Clerk read a letter from the Mobilhome Division requesting a change in the ordinance on moving homes. The Mayor referred the letter to the Building Permit Committee. J. V. GRASER LETTER ON TRUCKS PARKED IN RESIDENTIAL AREA. The Clerk read the Graser letter of 1479 Forest Avenue. This letter was in regard to trucks being parked in a residential area. The Mayor referred the letter to the City Attorney to draft an ordinance. LETTER FROM CUMBERLAND MAINTENANCE CORPORATION. The Clerk read the letter from the Cumberland Maintenance Corporation regarding the appointment of Louis F. Stuebe, 371 Ardmore Road to the Architectural Commission as an advisory member. J/J8 *See letter below On motion by Alderman Baines and second by Behrel, the Council approved the appointment of Louis F. Stuebe to the Architectural Commission as a regular member to fill the vacancy resulted by refusal of reappointment of George Sundblom. CUMBERLAND MAINTENANCE CORPORATION LETTER. The Clerk read the Silowing letter: *Des Plaines City Council City Hall Des Plaines, Ill. Attention: Alderman William Davis June 1, 1950 Gentlemen: With reference to our letter of April 30, 1950, asking that a resident of Cumberland be appointed as an advisory member of the Architectural Committee, we hereby request that Mr. Louis F. Stuebe, 371 Ardmore, be so appointed. Very truly yours, William J. Ruth President CUMBERLAND MAINTENANCE CORPORATION LETTER. The Clerk also read the following letter: Des Plaines City Council City Hall Des Plaines, I11. Attention: Alderman William Davis June 1, 1950 Gentlemen: Recent articles in the two local papers have left the impression with many Des Plaines citizens that tree maintenance in the Cumberland area was ordered done at the city's expense without proper authorization. May we call your attention to the following points: 1. The tree maintenance work performed was on parkway trees only. 2. Total cost of this work for 1950 in the Cumberland area was $500.00. 3. Of this amount, $335.00 was paid by the Cumberland Maintenance Corporation from dues received from its members. 4. The remaining amount, $165.00, was paid by the city. This payment was made on the basis that the city was thereby re- lieved of its normal responsibilities for parkway tree maintenance in the Cumberland area. Incidentally, we arrange for the mowing of the parkways in Cumber- land, which is also a city responsibility. In view of the stories which appeared in the Des Plaines papers, copies of this letter have been mailed to those publications. Very truly yours, 44 N. Sixth Ave. William J. Ruth Des Plaines, I11. President The Mayor ordered the letter placed on file. APPROVE RODEN'S SUBDIVISION PLAT. The Clerk presented Roden's Subdivision Plat which had been approved by the Plan Commission. After study of the plat, the motion was made by Alderman McKay and seconded by Clement to approve the Roden's Subdivision Plat. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the plat approved. The Clerk reported on the Dexter Acres building activity regard- ing sewer and water. The Mayor instructed the Clerk to write to the Cook County Zoning Board. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Behrel to approve the minutes of May 15, 1950. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the minutes approved. ADJOURN TO MONDAY, JUNE 12, 1950. The motion was made by Alderman Clement and seconded by Davis to adjourn the Council meeting to Monday, June 12, 1950, at 8:00 p.m. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, where- upon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned to June 12, 1950, at 8:00 p.m. OT i I W. J. HENRICH CITY CLERK MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, MONDAY, JUNE 12, 1950, AT 8:00 P. M. CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kenneth G. Meyer, with Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava responding to roll call. PASS ORDINANCE IN REGARD TO MINIMUM SQUARE FOOT AREAS FOR BUILDINGS. The Clerk read for first reading the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, AS HERETOFORE AMENDED, BY DESIGNATED MINIMUM SQUARE FOOT AREAS FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Davis 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, 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 then made by Alderman Behrel and seconded by Hansen to pass the proposed ordinance. After considerable study and taking a vote to decide the square foot area for each section, the Mayor put the question, and the Clerk calledthe roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: Alderman Wolf. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the ordinance adopted. FRANK SCHARRINGHAUSEN'S RESIGNATION AS BUILDING INSPECTOR ACCEPTED. The Mayor reported that he had received a letter of resignation from Frank Scharringhausen as Building Inspector. On motion by Alderman Clement and second by Hansen, the resignation was accepted. ARTHUR RIECK APPOINTED ACTING BUILDING INSPECTOR. On motion by Alderman Baines and second by Behrel, the Mayor's appointment of Arthur Rieck as Acting Building Inspector was approved. The motion was made by Alderman Clement and seconded by Wolf that Arthur Rieck receive the Building Inspector salary. 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. On motion by Alderman Davis and second by McKay it was approved to give Frank Scharringhausen his two weeks vacation salary. ZONING VARIATION REQUEST OF GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH. The Clerk read the following zoning variation request: