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05/10/199580. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES . CIVIC CENTER, WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1995 CALL TO ORDER: The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines was called to order by Mayor Ted Sherwood at 7:01 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Wednesday, May 10, 1995. ROLL CALL: Roll call indicated the following aldermen present: Beauvais, Christiansen, Elstner, Higgason, Curley, Sarlo, Chiropolos, Arredia. Alderman Beauvais left the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Also present was City Manager Douthwaite. PURPOSE: Mayor Sherwood announced that the sole purpose of the Special Meeting was to hear the presentation by School District #62 of their proposed project for use of 180 E. Thacker Street. DISCUSSION: Mayor Sherwood introduced Dr. Robert Willis, Superintendent of School'District #62, who apologized for coming to the City Council at the last minute to plea for this land. He stated that in developing their Vision Program for the Future, they realized that a school district alone, working as a single government entity, could not do what needs to be done to educate our children. Resources are becoming scarcer and scarcer; business as usual is not going to continue; we are all in this together. Dr. Willis stated that School District #62 is proposing that the City join them and enter into a full partnership with Holy Family Rush Health System and the Des Plaines Park District to construct a School -Based Community Care System. THE PROPOSAL: The District: The District proposes to purchase the Thacker site from the City for a sum of $300,000. The District would gain full and complete ownership of the land. In addition, the District could assume costs associated with the operation of the facilty. The City: The City would donate the $300,000 to the cost of the project thus being a full partner in the Community Care System. The Park District: The Park District would construct the ball diamonds thus adding to their reserve of recreational facilities for our community. The Private Partners: The private partners would arrange and provide for all necessary funding to erect the physical facility. The facility would include a Health Clinic, Early Childhood Center, Counseling Services, Food Services, Transportation Services and Job Training Services. Dr. Willis introduced Mary Ellen Bleeden, Director of Early Childhood Programs for School District #62, Ms. Bleeden gave a brief overview of her programs; there are presently 175 children in the Parent -Paid Program; an additional 80 children in the bi- lingual program; two classes for readiness problem children which number 280; there is a great need for an Early Childhood Center in our community. Dr. Willis introduced Tom Buckman, Deputy Superintendent of School District #62. Mr. Buckman stated that the District had done a survey of available sites in Des PAGE TWO 81. 5/10/95 DISCUSSION Plaines and 180 E. Thacker Street appears to be a perfect (Cont'd). match for this project, being adjacent to a school. Mr. Buckman stated that if the District does not receive this property from the City, this project will be done, somehow, somewhere. Moved by Chiropolos, seconded by Higgason, to suspend the rules to permit public input on this matter. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 8- Beauvais, Christiansen, Elstner, Higgason, Curley, Sarlo, Chiropolos, Arredia NAYS: 0 -None ABSENT: 0 -None Motion declared carried. Mr. Keith Schaffer, a' resident of the Sixth Ward, addressed the City Council questioning the number of families that are allowed to live in one house; only one family pays a tax bill yet we have to educate all their children. Mr. Richard Ahlman, 314 Columbia Avenue, addressed the City Council questioning why the District did not repair and use West School; there are other alternatives -- vacant factory buildings; this land is ideal for homes; if City does sell the land, the proceeds should be used for capital improvements. Mr. John Tierney, 10 W. Dover Drive, addressed the City Council in opposition of this project; the City needs the money for the Reserve Fund. Ms. Kathy Ciampi, 568 Rose Avenue, addressed the City Council questioning the height of the proposed building, how will it add to the congestion around Terrace School; would it have a traffic impact on Westgate Road. Resident at 60 S. Warrington Road addressed the City Council questioning how taxes are collected on this kind of project; he would agree to more taxes if we had better education. Mr. Wayne Serbin, 835 Pearson Street, addressed the City Council and requested that his letter to the editor of The Journal of May 10, 1995, be entered into the official record (see attached); he stated that parents should be responsible for their own children; we need the tax revenue; there are other resources to provide health care -- private charities; we have schools to teach children, not to take care of their health. Ms. Elizabeth Trembath, 283 Good Avenue, addressed the City Council questioning who would hire the personnel for this facility and what would their salaries be; concerned about duplication of services; instead of sick child health services, why not well child health services. Mr. Alan Mathis, 2017 Webster Avenue, addressed the City Council stating that this property is ideal for this project; prime location;, we need this project. Ms. Marybeth Swanson, 903 Jarvis Avenue, addressed the City Council stating that she is on a waiting list for the District's Early Childhood Programs; very excited about this project; there are waiting lists for all day care programs in Des Plaines. Dr. Ken Schmidt, Vice President - Medical Affairs for Holy Family Hospital, addressed the City Council stating that Sister Patricia Ann is aware of the social needs of this community and is committed, but can't do it alone; this project would be a major benefit to the community; we should not look at this from the dollar standpoint alone. oq PAGE THREE 82. 5/10/95 DISCUSSION Alderman Chiropolos questioned where the District has (Cont'd.) been for the past few years when the land stood empty; there are other options, why not West School or empty office buildings; the City has a fiscal responsibility; cannot pass up this money. Alderman Higgason stated that classrooms are too large; we have to look at the long range picture; we don't want more children in our schools. Alderman Arredia questioned whether the project would be done if the District doesn't get the land. Dr. Willis stated that this facility will be built, somewhere, somehow; they had to bring this project to the City's attention. Alderman Beauvais questioned what kind of partnership this would be; why didn't you use West School. Dr. Willis stated that it would have cost over $3 million to rehab West School. Alderman Beauvais stated that she likes the idea of the City working with the Park District and the School District; more than happy to look at other options. Alderman Beauvais stated that she will be voting to sell the property. Alderman Higgason stated that she thinks the City should wait for more information. Alderman Curley questioned how long it would take for more information - -60 days? 90 days? Alderman Curley stated that he hopes the City would wait until there was dialogue between all the entities. Dr. Willis stated that if the City sells the property, the School District would understand, but they still would like to collaborate with the City on another piece of property; regardless of the City's decision, the School District wants to be partners with the City. Alderman Sarlo stated that the City understands the plight of the School District; the vote to sell the property would not be against children; the City has a fiscal responsibility. Alderman Beauvais left the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Keith Schaffer suggested that the Leisure Center (former Maple Street School) be given back to the School District and used for this project. Mr. Alan Mathis stated that the land at Maple Street and Touhy Avenue would be ideal for this project; we should wait. Mr. Jim Brookman, 1867 Ash Street, and Des Plaines Park District Commissioner, addressed the City Council and stated that there is a false sense of urgency to sell the property; more time is needed; citizens have not had an opportunity to give their input on this project; more discussion is needed. City Manager Douthwaite summarized the situation and gave four options: 1. Sell the land for private development; 2. Accept School District #62's proposal, which would require that the City reject all bids; give money back to developer; after formal request by the School Distict for the property, the City pass an ordinance authorizing sale (2/3's vote required); 3. Give property to the Park District for ball fields, which would require that. the City reject all bids; give money back to developer; after formal request by the Park District, the City pass an ordinance authorizing sale (2/3's vote required); 1 1 1 DISCUSSION 4. Do nothing, which would require that the City reject (Cont'd.) all bids, give money back to developer; continue dialogue. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Chiropolos, seconded by Sarlo, that the Special Meeting of the City Council adjourn. Motion declared carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. APPROVED BY ME THIS 4 Ted Sherwood, MAYOR PAGE FOUR 83. 5/10/95 Donna McAllister, CMC /AAE - CITY CLERK rarenzs -�.� Prepare Their Children Better Editor, Journal: Apparently a number of Des Plaines youngsters are not academically prepared to begin their school careers. According to School District Superinten- dent Bob Willis, some children cannot even differentia4 between colors nor recite their alphabet. Their parents are probably more concerned about the doings of Oprah, O.J. or Roseanne than their child's preparation for school. How do school officials plan to alleviate this situation? Why by constructing, at taxpayers' expense, a child care and learning center for two, three and four -year olds. These officials are desirous of purchas- ing the Thacker Street Water Plant site from the City of Des Plaines for between $300,000 and $400,000. The City Co has already voted to accept a , id from a residential developer 'r $731,000 to build single -f y homes on the site. These ho es would generate much need property tax revenues. If school district purchased th property, it would be remov from the tax rolls. At the City Council meeting, an parents appeared hoping to pressure the Council to chan:e its mind about selling the property to the developer. Many years ago, Europea immigrants, possessing a amount of knowledge about country's language and cul managed to prepare their children adequately for schoo Mind you, this was accom- plished without the aid of Big Bird, Mr. Rodgers and Barney the Dinosaur. Today's parents, better • educated than the immigrants,. should spend their. time more productively than harassing City Council members. Like being • good parents by preparing their .children adequately for the latters' school careers. Wayne R. Serbin Des Plaines on , Thanks Voters Editor, Journal', • I want to thank the 4th ward residents of Des Plaines for the opportunity to serve as your alderman. I especially want to thank all the people who took time out of your busy days to talk to me when I knocked on your doors. I have met many wonderful people and visited many old friends during the campaign. I appreciate your involvement in the election and look forward to your continued involvement in our great city. Jean Higgason Alderman, 4th ward Des Plaines and thin There was i happened itt future develd parcel on new softball Chippewa Jri Just.inthe 1: their senses hopefully the;, childhood cei: Terrace Eletti Last Mons done to sell veloperof ha that may be d hearing wha ementary Sck . almost crimii to city leader. in City Hall attend. As reporte Journal, Dist. Thacker prof . great spot for center for la It's part of tli combine thei private busiti types of se Supennten k to grapple' resources an At least cii give Dist 6Z they are whit Property tot • The otherl: Des Plaines its own "host Dist. and ents. As repcxtes nal, member,: last weekend' Chippewa sc group's fast; do play on c . other organ:;: crunched. The softba