07101950MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES
ILLINOIS HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
MONDAY JULY 10th.1950. AT 8:00 PM.
CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order by City Clerk,Otto
W.J. Henrich, due to absence of Mayor Meyer on vacation, with Aldermen Hansen,
Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement and Halverson responding
to roll call. Alderman Morava was absent.
The motion was made by Alderman Vavrinek and seconded by Hansen to
elect Aldermen Halverson, Mayor, pro-teXm during the absence of Mayor E.G.
Meyer. The Clerk put the question and called the roll with the following
result: Ayes. Aldermen Hansen, Davis Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay,
Clement and Halverson. Nays: None. The Clerk thereupon declared the motion
carried and Aldermen Halverson elected Mayor pro-te\m.
OFFICIAL REPORTS: The Clerk submitted the reports of City Treasurer
Barrett, Inspector Rieck and City Clerk Henrich for the month of June.
CITY ATTORNEY HOWARD REPORTS: The Clerk read the following reports:
July 10th,1950
Honorable Mayor and City Council of Des Plaines
City Hall
Des Plaines,Illinois
Gentlemen:
At the Council meeting of June 5,1950 there was referred to me the
letter of Mr. James V. Graser of 1479 Forest Avenue, Des Plaines,Illinois,
complaining about the parking of trucks in a residential area. The matter was
referred to me, I believe, with the thought of preparing an ordinance, or
amending the current ordinance to make such a practice illegal.
I do not believe any additional ordinances are necessary to cover
this matter. Such parking of commercial vehicles as a regular practice constitutes
doing business and is a violation of the zoning ordinance. A complaint should
be filed with the police magistrate of the City of Des Plaines, charging the
person responsible for the parking with violation of the zoning ordinances every
time he parks one or more of the trucks.
MSH:AR
Honorable Mayor and City Council of Des Plaines
City Hall
Des Plaines,Illinois
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL S. HOWARD
City Attorney
July 10th,1950
Gentlemen:
Since the last Council meeting, Elmer Dean, owner of premises at 841
Oenter Street in Des Plaines, which premises have been recommended for
condemnation by this Council, sued the City to compel the issuance of a
building permit for minor repairs to one wall of the building. The matter came
up on June 29,1950 as an emergency matter before Judge Bristow in the Circuit
Court. Although I defended the same earnestly on the ground that the permit
would merely continue the nuisance, that the application for permit was
seriously defective and that the permit called for frame repairs to a frame
building within the fire district in violation of law, Judge Bristow overruled
all objections and ordered the permit issued.
In my opinion the building permit had to be originally denied and the
suit defended if we are to be consistent in our efforts to condemn the building
as a dangerous structure, but will not of necessity defeat condemnation if,
after the repairs are made, the building remains dangerous.
You may rest assured that I will.. continue my efforst to have this
building removed as a dangerous structure.
Respectfully submitted,
MARSHALL S. HOWARD
MSH:ar City Attorney
The Mayor pro -term ordered the reports placed on file. The City
attorney reported on the Brautigan application to the Civil Service Commission
for reinstatement. On motion by Alderman Davis and seconded by Hansen the
public Protection Committee was instructed to investigate the Brautigan Case.
4,? 7
CITY ENGINEER FLETCHER REPORTS ON FIVE YEAR STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN : The Clerk
read the following report:
July 10th,1950
Honorable Mayor & City Council
City of Des Plaines,Illinois
Gentlemen:
House Bill 820, passed by the 66th General Assembly of the State
of Illinois, makes it mandatory that all Cities and Villages in the State of
Illinois prepare a five year street improvement program and provides that no
motor fuel tax funds be paid to any municipality after December 31,1951 until
said program has been approved by the Department of Public Works and Buildings.
Other conditions in the law makes it necessary that the Cities and Villages submit their
five year program to the State Highway Department by July lst,1950 or as soon
after as possible.
In order to carry out the requirements of House Bill. 820, your
Street Committee, Superintendent of Public Works and City Engineer meet on
June 27th, and laid out a proposed five year program which is as follows:
1950 - Traffic Lights at Graceland and Pearson
1951- Repave Prairie Avenue from Lee to Pearson
1952 - Widen Graceland Avenue from Miner to Rand
1953 - Widen Graceland from Thacker to First and First Avenue from Graceland to
Lee.
1954 - Widen Jefferson Street from Graceland to Pearson and Park Place from
Jefferson to Pearson.
1955 - Widen Thacker Street from Fifth Avenue to Des Plaines Avenue
The State Highway has also requested that we sellect a System of
Arterial Streets. These streets may or may not be the same as those now on
our Arterial System.
The Committee felt that at least two of the streets now on the
Arterial System should be omitted, namely, Dean Street and Garland Place,
and recommends that the following streets be submitted as Arterial Streets.
Cumberland Parkway from Golf Road to Washington Street
Washington Street from Cumberland Parkway to Warrington Rd.
Warrington Road from Washington Street to Golf Road.
Columbia Avenue from Wolf Road to Woodbridge Road
Woodbridge Road from Columbia Avenue to Washington Street
Washington Street from Woodbridge Road to Wolf Road.
Harding _Avenue from Western Avenue to Des Plaines Avenue
Graceland Avenue from Rand Road to First Avenue
First Avenue from Graceland Avenue to Lee Street
Jefferson Street from Graceland to Pearson Street
Park Place from Jefferson Street to Pearson Street
Pearson Street from Des Plaines Avenue to Thacker Street
Ellinwood Avenue from Des Plaines Avenue to Graceland Avenue
Second Avenue from Algonquin Road to North Avenue
North Avenue from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue
Fourth Avenue from North Avenue to Thacker Street
Center Street from Ellinwood to Oakton
Prairie Avenue from Des Plaines Avenue to Wolf Road
White Street from Thacker Street to Touhy
z/e?8
Illinois Street from Oakton to Howard
Prospect Avenue from Lee to Maple
Maple from Oakton to Touhy
Howard Street from Lee to Des Plaines Avenue
Thacker Street from Wolf Road to Des Plaines Avenue
Oakton Street from Lee Street to Des Plaines Avenue
The above five year street improvement program and proposed Arterial
Street System is herewith submitted for your approval.
E.N. FLETCHER, ENGINEER
On motion by Aldermen Hansen and seconded by Vavrinek the report was approved.
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; Aldermen McKay made the following report:
Des Plaines,I11. July 10,1950.
Soo Line Crossings
Mayor and City Council:
In our last Council meeting the question arose as to
how to get a traffic count at the Soo Line crossings in the City of Des Plaines,
a preliminary necessary to support a demand that safety gates be installed.
The day following our meeting the City Clerk received a
letter from Mr. C.H. Apple of the Division of Highways, State of Illinois,
agreeing to make the check this summer. However a few days later he received
another letter in which it was stated that because of the number of crossings
and lack of help, the Department would not be able to make the checks as promised.
Your Committee therefore got in tough with Alderman Clement,
who will see what can be done to get volunteers from the West side Civic
Association to help in making the traffic checks.
We also contracted Mr. Peiper, Secretary of the Des Plaines
Safety Council, who said he would get in touch with the N.W. Area Safety Council and see
if he could get some help.
Perhaps then the Safety Council and civic volunteers
could undertake the check at one or two other crossings.
Your committee is inclined to doubt the reasonableness
of demanding or expecting, gates at all of the railroad crossings within the
City limits at this time.
R.G.Wolf
W.N.Davis
S.E.McKay'
Municipal Development €ommittee
The City Clerk was instructed to write Mr. Apple to see if he would make the
survey at the Lee Street crossing. In motion by Alderman McKay and seconded by
Behrel, the report was concurred in.
UNIVERSAL OIL PRODUCTS COMPANY
The Clerk read the following report:
Des Plaines,Il1. July 10,1950
Subject: Universal Oil Products Co.
Mayor and City Council:
In connection with the proposed location of the Universal Oil Products
Company in the Des Plaines Area, meeting was held evening of June 23, in the mayor's
office.
Present: Messrs. Mosely and Wood, Architect and Attorney Respectively, for
the Oil Products Company. Mayor Meyer, Aldermen McKay, Davis, Clement, Behrel, and
City Attorney Howard, for the City of Des Plaines.
It was agreed that Mr. Howard would prepare an amendement to our zoning
ordinance, to set up a classification between commercial and light industrial,
which would permit operation of a business such as Universal's and any similar
activity, or other business which be considered superior to a light industrial
( Continued- Universal Oil Products Co. )
Classification and not permissible under commercial classification. Proposed
amendement to be ready to refer to Zoning Board for prompt hearing and
recommendation, at next Council meeting.
R.G.Wolf
W.N.Davis
S.E.McKay
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT CCM.
On motion by Alderman McKay and seconded by Hansen, the report was concurred in.
BLINKER LIGHTS -MINER STREET CROSSWALK: Alderman Hansen reported that the blinker
light would cost about $1,000.00 with a wood pole on the South side of street
and attached to Manuel Building on the North side. The motion was made by
Alderman Hansen and seconded by Clement to concur in the report after discussion
on a voice vote the motion was lost. The motion was then made by Alderman
Davis and seconded by Baines to put two ornamental lights with the blinker light.
After more discussion the motion was made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Baines
to amend the motion on Engineer Fletcher's suggestion. The motion was voted
upon by acclamation whereupon the chair declared the motion carried.
The motion was then made by Alderman Davis and seconded by Baines to get
alternate bids on blinker light with ornamental lights and without the lights.
The chair put the question and the Clerk called the roll with the following
result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay,
Clement and Halverson Nays: None. The Mayer pro -term thereupon declared the
motion carried.
Alderman Hansen reported on widening street for parking at South Side
School. After discussion the matter was referred to the Finance Committee.
BUILDING PERMIT COMMITTEE: Alderman Clement reported that the City Attorney
should amend the house moving ordinance allowing new structures to be moved
into the City without requiring frontage consent, but safeguard public property
and proper safety provisions. The motion was made by Alderman Clement and
seconded by Baines to concur in the report. On reouest of Alderman McKay
the Clerk was instructed to call the roll, with the following result: Ayes:
Alderman Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, Clement and Halverson.
Nays: Alderman McKay. The Mayor pro -term thereupon declared the motion carried.
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 FOLL0VaNG BILIS ARE DUE AND
PAYABLE AND THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY CTFRK BE AND
ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAEE PAYMENT FOR SAME.
( Schedule of bills placed before each Alderman and affixed to resolution
and or file with the City Clerk. )
The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Hansen to
adopt the proposed resolution. The Mayor Pro -term put the question and the
Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Alderman Hansen, Davis,
Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay Clement and Halverson. Nays: None. The
Mayor Pro-tekm thereupon declared the motion carried and the proposed resolution
adopted.
VETERAN'S HOUSING PROJECT.VARIATION DENIED: The Clerk read the following letter:
July 7th,1950
The mayor & City Council
City of Des Plaines
Des Plaines,Illinois
Gentlemen:
Your Zoning Board of Appeals had referred to it the application of the
V@terans' Housing Project, asking for a variation of the setback line at the rear
of the following described property, to wit:
Lots 1 to 12, being a re -subdivision of all of block four, except
lots 9,10, and 11, therefore, together with vacated Fargo Avenue, lying between
lots 5 and 6, in vacated LaGrande Street, lying between the South line of blocks
4 and 6, and the North line of blocks 4 and 5, and vacated alleys in blocks 5
and 6, all in Oliver Salinger's and Company Touhy Avenue subdivision, a part
of the South 1/2 of Section 28, Township 41 No., Range 12, East of the 3rd
Principal Meridian, in Cook County,Illinois.
130
(Continues- Veterans's Housing Project )
Advices are as follows:
1. That due notice to the parties and to the public of this proceeding and of the
public hearing is given as required by law, and that the Board has jurisdiction
of the subject matter and of the parties.
2. That the point in question regards the setback line along Birchwood Street that is
now 25 ft., and the petitioners ask to have the building line set back to 5 ft.
3. That the petitioners wish to utilize this setback line for building garages.
4. That there were objectors to the proposed Amendment, or variation, at the public
hearing.
5. That the premise in question concerns the future development of Birchwood Street
and other vacant property in this section of the City.
6. That the evidence submitted by various people is very confusing as to future
developments of this ection of the City.
7. That the president of the Boning Board made an attempt to set up a meeting
with the Plan Commission to review this situation, and has been unable to do so
to date.
The Board of Appeals, having heard and considered the evidence,
and being fully informed in the premise, recommended to the Building Inspector
and City Council that the variation be denied.
However, if the planning of Birchwood Street is ever straightened
out, the Board will be glad to reconsider the matter.
This action as adopted by the concurrent vote of five members of the
board.
Respectfully submitted,
Zoning Board of Appeals
City of Des Plaines,Illinois
James J.Carroll
W.H.McConnell
Arthur W. Kathen
Fred K. Howe
By:Alvah H. James. Secretary
of
On motion by Alderman Hansen and seconded by Behrel the Council concurred in the report.
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT APPROVES PRAIRIE AVENUE iDENING: The Clerk read the
following letter: June 27th,1950
City MFT
Des Plaines
Improvement Resolution
Mr.Otto W.J.Henrich
City Clerk
Des Plaines,Illinois
Dear Sir:-
' The resolution for Section 16 -CS which was adopted by the City Council
on May 1,1950 was approved today.
This resolution provides for the improvement of 635 feet of Prairie Avenue
(Arterial Street No. 15 ) from Lee Street to Pearson Street by the construction of
concrete curb and gutter, portland cement concrete paving, and drainage structures
to a width of 36 feet together with the purchase of additional right of way.
This work is to be done by contract and $36,000.00 is appropriated from
motor fuel tax funds for construction.
CC-
C.HFApple
R.R. Macleod
Very truly yours,
C.M. Hathaway
Chief Highway Engineer
On motion by Alderman Hansen and seconded by McKay,the City Attorney was instructed
to contact Dr. Purves about the purchase of land for Prairie Avenue widening.
4/3/
The Clerk read a letter from the Building and Zoning Bureau of Cook
County, stating they will co-operate within their jurisdiction on construction
in Dexter Acres.
The Clerk read a letter of reply from Meyer Coal and Material Company
that they intended building an outlet to Wolf Road as soon as they were sure
of the best location.
Alderman Davis requested that the City Clerk, write to the Chicago
Sanitary District for information on when they would extend a sewer toward
the Cumberland Area. He also maid that Engineer Fletcher should check on
cleaning of Imhoff Tanks and to have tests made of water in Weller Creek.
MINATURE GOLF COURSE: Mr. E.W. Rypkema made an application for a minature
golf course on the lot in rear of 1593 Ellinwood and fronting on Prairie Avenue.
The Mayor pro -term referred the matter to the Municipal Development Committee.
The Clerk read a notice of public hearing for County Zoning south of
Touhy between Maple and Scott Streets, Alderman McKay said he would attend
the hearing.
The Clerk read of a Illinois Commerce Committee hearing for construction
of a water company near the City. The Attorney will attend.
DES PLAINES WOMAN'S CLUB REQUEST TO MEET IN CITY HALL: The v5 oman's Club
requested to meet the first Thursday of each month from October 5,1950
to April 5,1951, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. to roll bandages for Cancer
Control.
On motion by Alderman Vavrinek and seconded by Wolf, the request was
granted.
ENGINEER FLETCHER'S LETTER ON ENGINEERING FOR FIVE YEAR PLAN: The Clerk read
the following letter and proposed resolution:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City Council
City of Des Plaines,Illinois
July 10th,1950
Gentlemen
The preparation of information in regard to the Five Year Street
Improvement program for presentation to the State Highway Department envolves
considerable engineering work.
The State Highway Department has informed me that this engineering
work may be paid from the motor fuel tax funds.
The attached resolution has been prepared with the view of paying
this expense from the motor fuel tax fund and should be passed if such is
your wish.
Respectfully submitted
E.N. Fletcher
City Engineer
The motion was made by Alderman McKay and seconded by Vavrinek to adopt the
proposed resolution. The Mayor Pro -term put the question and the Clerk called
the roll with the following result: Ayes: Alderman Hansen,. Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf,
Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement and Halverson. Nays:. None The Mayor pro-te\m
thereupon declared the motion carried and the proposed resolution adopted.
STATE HIGHWAY AGREEMENT FOR MAIN'1ENANCE OF CITY STREETS -JULY 1,1250 to June30.1951
The Clerk read the agreement for Maintenance of City Streets. On motion
by Alderman McKay and seconded by Vavrinek, the Mayor and City Clerk were
authorized to execute the agreement.
ARTHUR RIECK APPOINTED BUILDING INSPECTOR:
On motion by Alderman McKay and seconded by Baines, the appointment
of Arthur Rieck as Building Inspector was approved by for a the term ending
May 31,1951.
TERRANCE FITZPATRICK APPOINTED ACTING ASSISTANT BUILDING INSPECTOR:
On motion by Alderman Clement and seconded by Davies the appointment of
Terrance Fitzpatrick as Acting Ass't. Building Inspector was approved. At the
request of Mayor Meyer the City Clerk was instructed to write to the Civil
Service Commission to call an examination for Asst. Building Inspector, Meter
repairman and operator at the water plant. The Mayor pro -term referred the
request of Mayor Meyer to the City Attorney the drafting of a resolution or
ordinance prescribing the various positions within the City that core under the
jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission. The City Clerk, Superintendent
of Public Works and Building Inspector to give the Attorney a
(Fltzpatrick's Appointment Continued)
detailed list of various positions.
MAYOR MEYER'S LETTER ON WAREHOUSE: The Clerk read the following letter:
June 26,1950
City Council
Des Plaines,Illinois
Gentlemen:
As of Monday,June 26th, the City was entitled to take possession of
its warehouse on Miner Street, and I have instructed the Superintendent
of Public Works to take immediate steps to move all the City's Mobile
equipment to the new location.
I urge the Building & Lands Committee to submit to the Council as soon
as possible a detailed recommendation of what alterations or improvements,
together with estimated costs thereof, are necessary to obtain the fullest
use from the new warehouse.
The said report should state
or additions should be made.
This matter has already been
Committee and Water & Sewer Committee,
KGM:mm
CC:- Alderman Morava
Committee.
the sequence in which such alterations
referred to the Building and Land
but no report as yet has been received.
Very truly yours,
KENNETH G. MEYER
Mayor
The Mayor pro-tejm referred the letter to the Building and Lands
THE CITY ATTORNEY: presented a proposed ordinance amending the zoning ordinance
by adding a "Business District". This ordinance would approve the Universal
Oil Products Co. The Mayor pro -tem referred the proposed ordinance to the
Zoning Board of Appeals sitting as a commission to call a hearing.
PASS AN ORDINANCE VACATING EASEMENT : The clerk read for the first reading
the following proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE VACATING BASEMENT
The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Behrel to suspend the rules and
pass the proposed ordinance. The mayor pro -term put the question and the Clerk
Called the roll with the following result: Ayes: Alderman Hansen, Davis,
Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement and Halverson. Nays: None
The Mayor pro -term 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 Behrel to pass the proposed
ordinance. The Mayor pro -term put the question and the Clerk called
the roll with the following result: Ayes: Alderman Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek,
Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement and Halverson, Nayea: Nbne. The Mayor
pro-tekm thereupon declared the motion carried and the proposed ordinance
passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded
by Behrel to approve the minutes of June 19th, and July 31,1950. The motion
was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor pro -tem declared the motion
carried and the minutes approved.
ADJOURNMENT: The motion was made by Alderman Wolf and seconded by Vavrinek
to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor
pro -term declared the motion carried and the meeting regularly adjourned.
OTTO W
CITY C
.HENRICH
K