12/01/19691
233
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, HELD
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY
HALL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1969
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Des Plaines, was called to order by City Clerk B. E.
Rohrbach, at 8:08 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Roll Call indicated the following aldermen present:.
Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood, Bolek, Leer, Figard,
Hinde, Czubakowski, Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi,
Seitz, Shillington, Michaels,
Present also were: City Comptroller Blietz, Police Chief Hintz, Fire
Chief Haag, Commissioner of Public Works Warnicke, Building Commissioner
Schuepfer, City Engineer Fletcher, and City Attorney DiLeonardi.
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
MAYOR It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman
PRO -TEM Swanson, to appoint Alderman Prickett Mayor -Pro -Tem
during the Mayor's absence. Motion declared Carried
PRAYER
PLEDGE
MINUTES:
The meeting opened with prayer by Vicar Hersberg of Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag.
It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman
Hinde, to approve the Minutes of the regular meeting
of November 17, 1969, as pbhlished. Correction was
made on Page one, "Cook Co. Zoning Dockets" by adding
the words following District, "if found to be within
12 miles of the City Limits". Motion declared Carried.
REPORTS OF City Comptroller Blietz submitted copies to Council
CITY OFFICIALS:members and Press the Mayor's 1970 proposed budget.
Chief of Police Chief Hintz reported that beginning 9:30 p.m.
Police November 30th, police officers began reporti:rig in sick
and to date twenty-five officers have reported sick.
He further reported that the Police Department is being
manned with supervisory personnel, officers who are not members of the
CCPA, and officers who have just completed Police Training . He further
reported that he accompanied City Attorney DiLeonardi to the Circuit
Court today to file necessary suit for relief.....At this point in the
meeting Mr. Flood, of the CCPa interrupted the meeting requesting
to give a report of the policemen and a presentation to the City Council.
The Council voiced objections to allowing Mr. Flood to address the
Council as an officer of the CCPA, but granted permission to Officer
Ornberg to address the Council, as President of the Local Chapter of
the CCPA, stating that it is the Local Chapter's feeling that they
should be recognized and that the City Council shouIe3recognize the
Parent Organization.
COMMISSIONER Commissioner of Public Works reported on the progress of
PUBLIC WORKS the leaf sweeping program and further reported that the
800 trees have been planted.
ISEWER -
FARGO AVE.
Following the recommendation of Engineer Fletcher, it
was moved by Alderman Bonaguidi, seconded by Alderman
Seitz, to award the bid for the Fargo Avenue Sanitary
Sewer to the low bidder, Rossetti Contracting Company,
in the amount of $11,467.25, and return checks and or
bonds of unsuccessful bidders. Upon roll call, the vote
was:
AYES: 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski, Wagner,
Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz, Shillington,
Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT;0 - None - There being sixteen affirmative
Motion declared Carried.
votes,
�/�
STORM SEWER
SECTION 18A
River Street
METROPOLITAN
SANITARY
DISTRICT
Complaints
ZONING CASE
69 -59 -SU
Kiwanis
Property
POLICE
CCPA
Recognition
Court
Reporter's
Transcript
attached &
made a part
hereof.
12/1/69 234
Page two
Following Engineer Fletcher's recommendation, it was moved
by Alderman Bonaguidi, seconded by Alderman Shillington,
to award the bid for Section 18A of the Storm Sewer
Program - River Street - to the low bidder, Rossetti
Contracting Co., in the amount of $7,902.00, and return
the checks and or bonds of the unsuccessful bidders.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
City Attorney DiLeonardi reported that approximately
twelve complaints had been served upon the City of Des
Plaines from the Metropolitan Sanitary District re
certain sanitary sewer connections in the City. It was
moved by Alderman Wagner, seconded by Alderman Bonaguidi,
to authorize City Attorney DiLeonardi to defend the City
and Engineer Fletcher in aforementioned complaints.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
Following the recommendation of City Attorney DiLeonardi,
It was moved by Alderman Czubakowski, seconded by Alderman
Hinde, to reconsider the action taken at the last regular
meeting re Zoning Case 69 -59 -SU - property located on
Woodland Avenue and Grove Avenue, commonly known as the
Kiwanis Property. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 14 - Alderman Prickett, Sherwood, Bolek, Leer,
Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski, Wagner,
Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz, Shillington,
Michaels
NAYS: 2 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being fourteen affirmative, Motion declared Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Leer, seconded by Alderman
Sherwood, to rescind the action taken at the last
regular Council meeting in Zoning Case 69 -59 -SU - property
located on Woodland Avenue and Grove Avenue, and take
under advisement the Zoning Board's recommendation.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 13 - Alderman Prickett, Sherwood, Bolek, Leer,
Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski, Swanson, Thomas,
Bonaguidi, Seitz, Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 3 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Wagner
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being thirteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
City Attorney DiLeonardi reported to the Council that a
suit had been filed by the City in the court today to be
heard before Judge Epstein tomorrow, requesting that the
Court issue a temporary restraint order directing that
the policemen return to work. He further stated the
City's position with reference to CCPA recognition,
copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Following this, Officer Flood, President of the CCPA
addressed the Council, requesting Council action to
recognize this organization as the bargaining agent
for the Des Plaines policemen. Debate between Attorney
Lovey, City Attorney DiLeonardi, and remarks from wives
of police officers in the audience were heard at this
time, and no action of the Council was taken at this time.
12/1/69
Page three
235
LIME It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman
SLUDGE Thomas, to open the one bid received for Cleaning of
Lime Sludge pits. Motion declared Carried. It was
moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman Michaels
to award the bid to Trumbull Excavating Co., Inc. for
4,000 yds. semi -dry lime 'sludge removal and disposal
@$3.25 per yd for a total of $14,000 and sludge removal
from both lagoosn using Dragline Machine @$29.00 per
hr. for total of $1,392.00. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
POLICE VAN
TYPE TRUCK
It was moved by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman
Hinde, to concur with Police and Finance Committees'
recommendation to award the bid for the Police Van Type
Truck to Jim Aikey Ford, in the amount of $3,388.64.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: _ 16 _ Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
POLICE It was moved by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Wagner,
RADIO EQUIP. to concur with Police and Finance Committee's recommendation
to purchase radio equipment for Police Van Type Truck at
an approximate cost of $610. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, H inde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
RESOLUTION It was moved by Alderman Thomas, seconded by Alderman Wagner,
R-17-69 that Resolution R-17-69 having to do with recognition of
POLICE DEPT. the Local Chapter of the CCPA be repealed. Upon roll
call, the vote was:
AYES: - 13 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Leer, Hinde, Czubakowski, Wagner, Swanson,
Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz, Michaels.
NAYS: 3 - Alderman Bolek, Figard, Shillington
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being thirteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
MAYOR It was moved by Alderman Bolek, seconded by Alderman Thomas,
BEHREL's to adopt a resolution requesting that Mayor Behrel return
RETURN from the National League of Cities Conference in San Diego,
California. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 3 - Alderman Szabo, Bolek, Thomas
NAYS: -13 - Alderman Koplos, Prickett, Sherwood, Leer,
Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski, Wagner, Swanson,
Bonaguidi, Seitz, Shillington, Michaels
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being thirteen negative votes, Motion declared Lost.
OFFICE It was moved by Alderman Szabo, seconded by Alderman Figard,
QUARTERS to concur with Building and Grounds Committee's recommenda-
CITY tion to lease approximately 900 square feet for office
ENGINEER quarters for the City Engineer, to be located at 1583
OFFICE
(Cont' d)
RESOLUTION
MFT
SECTION 89CS
DEVON AVE.
PARKING LOTS
North School
Prairie Ave.
CIVIL DEFENSE
Relocation of
Siren
BILLS PAYABLE:
ORDINANCE
M-51-69
Business
Licenses
12/1/69 236
Page four
Ellinwood Street, at a rental of $395.00 per month,
for a period of three years - City Comptroller to negotiate
for possible two year lease. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
0 - None
NAYS:
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Leer, seconded by Alderman Koplos,
to concur with Streets and Traffic Committee's recommendation
to adopt MFT Resolution appropriating $40,000 Motor Fuel
Tax Funds for the widening of Devon Avenue from Des
Plaines Avenue to the Northwest Toll Highway - Arthur
Rogers to pay $65,000 as his share of the improvement.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Koplos, seconded by Alderman Wagner,
to concur with Parking Lots Committe0s recommendation
to authorize the City Engineer to draw the necessary plans
and specifications for all necessary improvements for the
North School and Prairie Avenue Parking Lots, including
mechanical coin collection equipment. Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Czubakowski, seconded by Alderman
Leer, to concur with Civil Defense Committee's recommenda-
tion to award the bid for the relocation of Civil Defense
Siren to the low bidder, G & I Electric Co., in the amount
of $1,685.00. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman Hinde,
to adopt the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES THAT THE
FOLLOWING BILLS ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AND THE MAYOR AND CITY
CLERK BE AND ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE PAYMENT FOR SAME:
$245,488.56. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Sherwood, seconded by Alderman
Bolek, to adopt Ordinance M-51-69, having to do with
Business Regulations. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 15 - Alderman Koplos, Prickett, Sherwood, Bolek,
Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski, Wagner,
Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz, Shillington,
Michaels
NAYS: 1 - Alderman Szabo ABSENT: 0 - None
Theree being fifteen affirmative votes, Motion declaredtk
HUMAN
RELATIONS
COMMISSION
AIRCRAFT
NOISE
"NOISE"
H. W.
Lochner, Inc.
Proposal
PICTURE
JUDGE
SENGSTOCK
1
ADJOURNMENT:
12/1/69
Page seven
239
It was moved by Alderman Czubakowski, seconded by Alderman
Figard, to concur with Mayor Behrel's appointment of
Mrs. Robert L. Gay, 1434 Ashland Avenue, to fill the
unexpired term of Mr. Miller and Mr. J. T. Fankhouser,
824 Greenview Avenue, to fill the vacancy of Mt. Moehling,
on the Des Plaines Human Relations Commission, terms to
expire December 31, 1971, and December 31,1970, respectively.
Motion declared Carried. /Alderman Sabo voted No.
The letter from Clifford A. Deeds, Director of the Town -
Village Aircraft Safety & Noise Abatement Committee
regarding "Noise" (National Organization to Insure
Sound -controlled Environment) was referred to the Special
Aeronautics Committee.
The letter and Proposal from H. W. Lochner, Inc. for
preparation of preliminary plans and feasibility studies
in connection with planned separation of grades at River
Road and Dempster Street was referred to the Streets
and Traffic Committee for study and report.
It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman
Czubakowski, to authorize the City Comptroller to purchase
the portrait of Judge Albert Sengstock presently on
display in the Council Chambers, from Virginia Close,
painter, and dedicate same at the first meeting in
January. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Shillington, seconded by Alderman
Sherwood, that the regular meeting of the City Council
adjourn. Motion declare l arried.
Bertha Eleanor Rohrbach,
APPROVES BY ME THIS DAY OF
196 A. !,
E'BERT H. BEHREL', MA OR
1
ity Clerk
November 12, 1969
STATEMENT OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES
RELATIVE TO THE COOK COUNTY POLICE ASSOC TION
Recent press releases by the CCPA and written statements by
Des Plaines Chapter members of.that organization have made it
necessary for the Mayor to respond with a statement of the City's
position in this most important matter. However, before stating
that general position, the Mayor feels compelled to respond to
the published charges that he "double-crossed" the CCPA, our
policeman, or both, andthat he failed to live up to an "agree-
ment" reached with the. CCPA and ourmen in the Mayora office on
October 25, 1969.
Conceding for purposes of discussing that either the CCPA
officials or local chapter Officers present at that meeting were
reasonable in concluding that there was any "agreement".reached
on October 25,, it was never any part .of such agreement that the
Mayor would recommend that the City. Council recognize and negotiate
with the CCPA parent organization. The discussions that day were
that the Mayor would recommend that the City Council recognize and
negotiate with the local CCPA chapter officers as representatives
of the policemen. This was what'. was in the written proposal
delivered to the CCPA officials and local chapter officers on
October:25. The written proposal said:
"The ordinance would provide for recognition
of the local chapter of the CCPA as the bar-
gaining agent of its membership, ; and would
obligate the City would bargain with it."
The resolution which was passed as a result of that October 25
meeting (R 17-69) states:
"Section 1;:. The Mayor ie hereby authorized to
recognize and .negotiate with duly selected
representative members of the Des Plaines
Police Department as bargaining .agents for the
members they represent, which representatives`
may be the officers of the Des Plaines Chapter
of the Cook County Policemen's Association
(CEPA), but not to recognize or negotiate with
the CCPA or representatives of that .•par�nt
association."
Second, it was agreed thata non-binding arbitration procedure
would be established for the mediation of disputes arising:, during
the collective bargaining process. It vies made clear that the
City_ had no power to make any such arbitration legally binding,
but that each side would feel morally bound by the recommendations
of that panel. The written proposal submitted to the CCPA officials
and local chapter members on that date said:
;"The impasse,=resolving machinery would be a three
man arbitration. panel„ to be 'selected - one by
the Hoard,. one by the union and those.two members
so selected would chcoee the:third member.. The
panel would hold hearings, make findings .of fact
-and recommendations (which.. could be made `public),
and would mediate the `dispute.'"
The said resolution, R-17-69, states:
"Section 4: Should the City and said repre-
sentatives
epre-sentatives reach animpasse in their negotia-
tions, such impasse shall be referred to a
three member arbitration panel, to be selected
as follows: The Mayor and said representatives
of the P,lice Department shall each appoint a
member, and the two so selected shall select a
third. Should the two so selected fail to
select a third member in five days, the, American
Arbitration Association is authorized td select
a third member. The arbitration panel so selected
shall conduct public hearings on the issue in
dispute, make written findings of fact and recom-
mendations, and attempt to mediate ..the impasse....
The findings of factand recommendations may be
made public, but shall not be binding upon any
party. The costs of arbitration shall be borne
equally by the City and the membership of the
Police Department so .represented."
• Third, the proposal submitted required a no -strike pledge.
That portion of the proposal stated:
,
•"...the ordinance .would contain an absolute
prohibition against strikes or any work
• stoppages."
The resolution passed, R-17-69, says:
"Section 31 There shall • be obtained now
from such representatives on behalf of
their membership within the Des Plaines
Police Department, a written pledge not.
to strike or threaten to strike at any
time under any condition, the breach of
which shall thereupon cause the obligations
of the City under this Resolution to cease
at once."
The form of the legislation passed to implement the said
propOsal and the discussions of'October 25, 1969, was that of a
resolution rather than an ordinance, a matter of legal form and
not substance. /f our policemen want the legislation. to take the
form of an ordinance, that can be done. The content of the
resolution did not vary significantly or in substance from the
• mattersdiscussed with the CCPA officials and our local chapter
officers on October 25, although minor changes in language were
made by alderman prior to passage. If anything, these minor
changes actually broadened the City's responsibility in that they
obligated the City to deal with duly selected representative
members of the Police Department whether such "representative
members" were local officers of the. CCPA or not, without limiting
the City's responsibility todeal only with local CCPA officers.
This broadening of the language of the resolution leaves our
policemen free to affiliate themselves with any other organization
of their choice, while maintaining the same rights under the
resolution. Perhaps this is what the CCPA really objects to.
In *any event, the public should ''be .assured that no agreement
was broken or faith unkept on the part of the Mayor or. anyone.
..connected with: the administration.
The following is a general statement of the City's position
in its dispute with the CCPA. At the outset, . it 'must be made
plain that: (1).. The issue. isnot whether our policemen have.
the right to organize by affiliating themselves with the CCPA
or any other organization. P xbl:ic employees have that' r'ight,,:
a
rid we have 'never objected to their doing so. (2) The issue
is not whether the City refuses to recognize any organization
•
selectee to represent our ` policemen:; in, economic and/or non -economic
mattore►„ The record of this City has been to the contrary, .having
dealt and.. negotiated with organizations representing public
n. the past, and continues to
including policemen,
do so :presently with an. organization representing the public works
employees.
(3) The issue is not whether the, City acknowledges
that our policemen are entitled to increases in wages and other
,benefits. On the contrary, the record indicates that the City has
nOt only recognized this need in .recent years, but has done every-
,
thing in" its power to fill the need;` .including wage and economic
benefit increases of 5 per cent in fiscal year 1967, iiper
cent in fiscal, year 1968, / 0 per cent in fiscal. year 1969 and
oposal , of an increase oft 7, `v per cent for ,fiscal year -1970,
which proposedincrease has not met with dissatisfaction from
our policemen. (4) The issue is not whether the City should
"establish"grievance-procedures for our policemen, as Sergeant
Flood would have us believe. The City has had well-established
written grievance procedures within the department and under
the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for man/ years, and
no policemen has ever communicated to me or the Police Chief
any dissatisfaction over present grievance machinery. (5) The
issue is;not whether the City should agree to binding arbitration
in economic or non -economic disputes, because by law the City
is absolutely forbidden to do so, as such would amount to the
illegal delegation of legislative and executive authority.
(6) The. issue is not whether the City is violating either a
mandate or option of the law in refusing to recognize or deal
with the'CCPA. The plain fact is that the City does not have
any express authority whatsoever -to do so., Nonetheless, however,
the City has done so with the Des PlainesPatrolmen's.Association
in former years, is dealing now With an organization of our
public works employees, and remains ready and willing to recognize
and deal with any responsible organization or representative
of any group of public employees. (7) The issue is not whether
the City acknowledges thepersonal dignity, pride or worth of
its policemen as individuals. The Mayor and alderman have always
had the highest regard and respect for our employees, and if there
is any doubt about that, 1 state it hear and now. (8) The issue
is not what concession should be made to the policemen in exchange.
for a no -strike pledge, for policemen never had and do not now
have the right to strike. It seems to this administration that
we have reached a sad day when we have to horse trade for a
pledge to forebear the doing of an illegal act.
.Rather, the issue is whether the City should be forced to
deal with . an organization which repeatedly threatens illegal
strikes of policemen, in Cicero, Berwyn, Evanston, Skokie, and
now Des Plaines. The local chapter. officers of the CCPA tell
us" that they would ,not strike and`.are, not . subject to persuation
by 'the CCPA, in. theevent. that the CCPA would recommend such'
action.: But the record is to the contrary. On both known
occasions that the issue of a , str
membership of our ,department; the menhave voted -to strike.
they' voted 44 to nothing to :strikes, and "on,
they :voted .32 to 5 to strike. The said
votes -were 'taken on' those occasions .after presentations to ::the
memeership, by CCPA officials..
The. -threat of policemen to strike is, the
protection of persona and property within the .City. None of the
CCPA officials or local chapter officers with whom this subject
has been ,discussed In length. wishes to use ; the word "strike", ' and
consistently .refers to it as., "alternative methods'
"illness is a definite' possibility'' and so forth.
Perhaps the .CCPR ' offici.als and our local 'men who support the
CC,P2 strike.,'pol:icy should. stop ,fooling themselves ,into:.thinking
that what they threaten is anything..l.ess than public' calamity
and personal tragedy, to those :citizens who would fall. victim -
.during thee: absence of 'police protection... 'This . administration
feels that, the risk of public' calamity is too "great a risk. to
take, and we for that' reason have refused to recognize or. deal
:with the CCPA. We have refused dues. check -off to the CCPA 'for
the same reason= we do not want to help sustain the life -blood
of an organization thatthreatens to paralize the public safety
at any moment.
In short, it has been, and continues -to be, the position of
this administration that the CCPA is not a responsible organization
with which the City should be ` forced to deal under the threat. of
an illegal strike, and at the risk of public tragedy. If our
policemen wish to continue to affiliate themselves with such an
organization, that is a personal value judgment that they are
free to make, and we can do nothing about it.
In the meanwhile, unless and until the parent organization
of the CCPA, as well as our local chapter, publicly repudiates its
strike policy, we , shall continue to stand last in our present
posture. If this meansa strike, then let us have it now ,rather:
than later as the result of a dispute at the bargaining tab3,e.
If a strike occurs, we are prepared to use every available
remedy to restore police protection to our citizens and their,
property as quickly as possible, and to see to it that the full
force of the law is brought to bear upon those individuals
responsible for the public peril. That is' our duty as we see it.
As your Mayor_I pledge to continue to work for the preparation
and passage of meaningful : and effective State Legislation to illi
thelegal vacuum in which Illinois municipalities find themselves
at the moment in the area of public employee relations. Until
such Legal rules are established for the game of collective
bargaining between public employer and employee, the City will
refuse to "play the game" with any employee organization which
ORDINANCE
M-52-69
Rental &
Lease Tax
ORDINANCE
M-53-69
Liquor
License
Applications
ORDINANCE
T-31-69
Alternate
Parking
ORDINANCE
T-32-69
4 -way stol
Dulles &
Beau
ORDINANCE
T-33-69
Oakton &
Maple
ORDINANCE
T-34-69
Non -Resident
Parking
12/1/69
Page five
237
It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman
Sherwood, to adopt Ordinance M-52==69 repealing Chapter
42 of Title V of the City Code, having to do with Rental
and Lease Tax. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirm ative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Bolek, seconded by Alderman
Hinde, to adopt Ordinance M-53-69, having to do with Liquor
License Applications. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Se:tz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It Tas moved by Alderman Leer, seconded by Alderman Figard,
that Ordinance T-31-69 having to do with alternate parking
remain on First Reading until next meeting. Motion'
declared Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Shillington, seconded by Alderman
Michaels, to adopt Ordinance T-32-69 providing for 4 -way
stop signs at the intersection of Dulles and Beau Drives.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman
Thomas, to adopt Ordinance T-33-69, eliminating from the
4 -way stop street schedule the intersection of Oakton &
Maple. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Koplos, seconded by Alderman
Swanson, to adopt Ordinance T-34-69 increasing the Non -
Resident Parking Permit Fee for City Parking Lots Two and
Five to $25.00 for six month period from January 1, 1970
to June 30, 1970. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
1
ORDINANCE
Z-23-69
PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT
ORDINANCE
Z-24-69
1560 S.
Mt. Prospect
RESOLUTION
R-20-69
265 Hawthorne
ORDINANCE
M-54-69
ZONING CASES:
69-58-R
69-68-V
69 -68 -SU
69-66-R
PARKING
Seegers Rd.
RESOLUTION
State Right
of Way
RESIGNATION
Youth
Commission
C.C. Lothery
AIR
POLLUTION
APPEAL BOARD
12/1/69
Page Six
238
It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman
Sherwood , to adopt Ordinance Z-23-69, amending the
Zoning Ordinance of 1960 having to do with Planned
Development. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman
Sherwood, to adopt Ordinance Z-24-69, providing for
Special Use of property located at 1560 South Mt. Prospect
Road. It was moved by Alderman Bolek, seconded by Alderman
Shillington, to table Ordinance Z-24-69. Motion declared
Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Figard, seconded by Alderman Leer,
to adopt Resolution R-20-69 declaring the building and
structures located at 265 Hawthorne Lane as dangerous
and unsafe buildings and as a public nuisance.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: - 16 - Alderman Koplos, Szabo, Prickett, Sherwood,
Bolek, Leer, Figard, Hinde, Czubakowski,
Wagner, Swanson, Thomas, Bonaguidi, Seitz,
Shillington, Michaels.
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
There being sixteen affirmative votes, Motion declared
Carried.
Placed on First Reading was Ordinance M-54-69, retitling
Ch.pter 6 of Title X of the City Code to read "Miscellaneous
Driving Rules".
The letters from Des Plaines Zoning Board of Appeals on
the following Cases were referred to the Municipal
Development Committee for studyand report:
69-58-R - Touhy and River Road
69-68-V - Variations of lots of record
69 -68 -SU - 955 S. Elmhurst Road
69-66-R - C & NW Coach Yard
The letter from Attorney M. J. Glink regarding parking
regulations on Seegers Road was referred to the Traffic
Commission and Streets and Traffic Committee for study
and report.
It was moved by Alderman Leer, seconded by Alderman Figard,
to adopt Yearly Resolution for permit construction on
State Right of Way. Motion declared Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Sherwood, seconded by Alderman
Shillington, to accept the resignation of Clifford C.
Lothery from the Des Plaines Youth Commission, and
request the Mayor to write letter of commendation.
Motion declared Carried.
It was moved by Alderman Sherwood, seconded by Alderman
Figard, to concur with Mayor Behrel's appointment of the
following to the Air Pollution Appeal Board:
Edward T. Prell, (P.E.) Term to expire 11-30-71
Raymond Dindinger 11-30-70
Mrs. Raymond Dindinger 11-30-70
Eric C. Kuntze 11-30-71
Richard C. Peterson 11-30-72
Thomas R. Pofahl 11-30-72
Mrs. Jean Branding 11-30-73
Motion declared Carried.
r
CHARLES McCORKLE, JR.
COURT REPORTER
SUITE 1000
180 W. WASHINGTON STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
) SS:
COUNTY of COOK )
BEFORE THE
MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
OF DES PLAINES
ILLINOIS
• COMMENTARY AND REMARKS RELATIVE TO THE
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY ROBERT DI LEONARD'
Monday, December 1, 19E
8:00 o'clock p.m.
City Hall Building
Des Plaines, Illinois
2.
MR. DI LEONARDI: We have'gone to the Circuit Court of
Cook County, where we filed a petition for relief from the
illness of the police officers. We are hoping it will be
heard tomorrow morning at the Circuit Court.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: Thank you. For what purpose do you
rise, sir?
MR. FLOOD: For the purpose of addressing the Chair; as
the Chief has addressed the Chair, I would like to make a
representation to this Board.
MR. DI LEONARDI: If I might answer, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: You may do so.
MR. DI LEONARDI: You know the position we have taken
with respect to dealing with the Cook County Police Association
organization. For that reason, I would advise that while the
City Council may well wish to have you address it, we should
have a clear understanding we will not recognize you as representing
your organization before the City Council. If you tell us you
are representing the policemen on behalf of the Cook County
Police Association, we have made it very clear in the past that
we have refused to have you or your organization recognized as
bargaining agent or representative of our policemen, and we
say if you wish to speak as you have spoken in the past to this
Council, the Council will have to determine if it wishes to give
that permission.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: Alderman Robert Hinde, you may speak.
3.
ALDERMAN HINDE: I hope you will set some kind of a time
limit on it. I have no objection to hearing him.
alderman sykes; I have no objection so long as he speaks
under Mr. Di Leonardi's restriction. I believe that they are
personal local problems and if Mr. Flood will concede to
Mr. Di Leonardi's restriction, I will not object; but otherwise
I would.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: Will you speak to us under the
conditions as set forth by our City Attorney?
MR. FLOOD: Restate that restriction, please.
MR. DI LEONARDI: We do not wish to have you speak to us
on behalf of the organization you represent or our policemen.
MR. FLOOD: We represent that organization and would like
the people to know, and we want to make known to the people, how
the Mayor and Mr. Di Leonardi have deluded them as to just what
the circumstances are. We are in a very chaotic situation at
the present time.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: You are out of order, sir. This Council
advisedly objects to hearing from you, I am sorry. Officer
Ornberg, do you care to speak on behalf of the men you represent?
There being no objection, you may do so.
MR. ROBERT ORNBERG: President of the Local Chapter. I
wish to reassert right now on behalf of the members our position.
4.
• It is still one hundred percent to be represented
by the group. The Local Group Chapter has no intention to
remove ourselves from the parent. We feel we should have bar-
gaining procedures and we are restating our position as in
the past.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: Is that all?
MR. ORNBERG: Yes, that is all.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: Thank you very much.
MR. DI LEONARDI: I will state the nature of this report.
After I have finished, I will be more than happy to discuss
anything you want me to with respect to giving the position of
the City.
I believe it is time the real position of this Council
be made clear to everyone. For months we have tried to make
our position known to the bargaining committee. We have to date
met with little success. Those here today may learn something
by listening to what we have to say.
I would state briefly the nature of our suit and then
this Council should hear whatever other have to say, whether it
is Officer Flood or Officer Ornberg or anybody who has struggled
with this problem.
I would like to spend some time on behalf of the City to
acquaint you with the Council's position, and then to
speak again after you have had your say, in order to give our
position.
5.
Last night, at about 11:30 P.M., I received a telephone
call from Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, who had just received a call from
the Chief of Police, that six of the ten men who were supposed
to appear on the 11:00 o'clock shift had phoned in sick.
This morning another ten, who were to report for the
8:00 o'clock A.M. shift, also called in sick.
That made sixteen out of a total of twenty-three men, who
were supposed to report for duty on those two shifts and for
that reason, claimed the right to be absent from duty.
Immediately, we prepared a complaint for injunction, which
we filed this afternoon in the Circuit Court. A motion for
preliminary injunction to restrain the strike is to be heard
tomorrow morning before Judge Epstein at ten o'clock.
The nature of the motion is this: The Court is asked to
issue, a temporary restraining order directing all policemen who
went on strike that they cease that strike. (Here, there were
shouts from the audience of "sick, not strike.")
Somebody told me a rose by any other name, smells just
as sweet. The law is not fooled by the appellation you give
this as "sickness". The City Attorney is not fooled by that
appellation. The Aldermen are not fooled. You know it is a
strike. The Judge will not be fooled. Seventy thousand people
who live and work in this City will not be fooled.
6.
The second prayer of relief is this: The Court is
asked not only to stop. the strike but to have those out on
strike report to work or resign. That is the remedy for any
policeman in this town, who believes he is aggrieved. He
should not call en -masse claiming to be sick. The notice of
tomorrow's court proceeding right now is on its way to every
police officer involved. As I speak to you now, there are
thirty-four police officers, who have failed to perform the duty
they swore to uphold, on the premise they are sick.
I have also served notice of the motion upon Mr. Loevy
and Mr. Flood, and telegrams were sent on the way to the
thirty-four officers. I make the statement now as a matter
of public record - that there will be a hearing tomorrow. There
will be there as many of you defendants as wish to attend. We
welcome you there. We are wishing to join issue with you as
whether you have the right to have done what you have. We
have done that and we are ready. I told you the last time
;when we spoke, this City Council will meet you with every legal
tool at its disposal.
That gives you the essence of my report. Anybody in the
audience who wishes to speak can speak. If Officer Flood speaks,
it will be with the understanding that this is not recognition
'of the Cook County Policeman's Association and not as representative
of anyone on our police force.. The Cook County Policemen's
7.
Association recognizes only one thing - strikes, and the
threat of strike. As long as it remains that kind of organiza-
tion, this City Council will not deal with Mr. Flood or
Mr. Loevy or anybody espousing such a doctrine.
That strike concenpt is what is at the heart of this
problem. And many have lost sleep, worrying about what would
happen. I suggest that in a matter of such importance anybody
with anything to say should be heard.
MR. JOHN FLOOD: I would like to address the City Council.
CHAIRMAN ERITCKETT: You have permission to address us.
MR. JOHN FLOOD: First of all, Mr. Di Leonardi, when you
state the case, you should bring out fully what has transpired.
In the City of Des Plaines, the police officers
find themselves to be compelled to work by a Court Order because
they cannot have fair labor practice relationships, and if
it goes through, it will be the first time in the State of
Illinois, that police officers were forced to work.
The City is threatening to put them in jail..
They are not giving them the fair representation they enjoy
by law.
If we were under the National Labor Relations Act, there
would be no question the things the police officers have
requested would be granted to them. Covered by the proposed
State legislation, there would be no question that what they
wanted would be granted to them.
8.
Mr. Di Leopardi, you should make the public aware that
you and the Mayor sat down and proposed an agreement and we accepted
that agreement..
You said you would bring that forth. In that agreement,
the Cook County Police Association was given authority in its
entirety. It was not for a year. We went through every area
we could possibly go into. You asked us to vote in an election.
We won it forty-eight to two. Subsequently, between the time you
made that and the time you presented it, we gave you the "No -Strike"
clause. We would give it to any community, if you bargain in
good faith. You want to suppress the policeman. You say if
you do not work, you will be under a Court Order. It is a
shame when you have to compel men to work by law. The last time
they did it, they called it slavery.
OFFICER ORNBERG: There was one other thing. I have seen
nothing in writing. I have heard there is a special notice
}
which is being served upon the men at this time, is that correct?
MR. DI LEONARDI: When you are through, I will respond.
MR. ORNBERG: I would like an answer to that question.
MR. DI LEONARDI: The answer is that the City has taken
into consideration every possible legal remedy at its disposal.
I would be less than candid, if I told you one of the things
we have been considering was that the policemen who refused to
work without cause will be suspended. It may happen. It is
one of our lawful remedies.
MR. LOEVY: I am the attorney for the Cook County Police
Association. Rather than threatening the Des Plaines policemen
not working tonight, rather than threatening them with puttimg
them in jail, would it not be more intelligent on the part of
your officials to sit down and negotiate to reach a settlement
and we make the request tonight. We would like to hear your
response.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: The answer is no because the Mayor is
not present.
MR. LOEVY: I would be remiss if I failed to point out that
it is unthinkable that something as important as this should be
decided by a shake of the head of a non -elected official.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: The City Attorney is through with
discussions with you and I do not think we can. resolve anything
here tonight, as far as the question is concerned.
MRS. CYNTHIA LANG: I am a citizen of the City. There
are speeches of imperilling the City, but you avoid the issues
at every turn. You turn them down at City Council Meetings and
say you will take it up at the next time. Just because the
Mayor is not here, we do not see any reason why it cannot be
decided tonight.
MR. DI LEONARDI: A couple of weeks ago, the Mayor and I
prepared something in the nature of a general statement of the
City's position on the entire matter. This is a most appropriate
time to read that statement. However, in doing so, we do not
expect to convince those in the audience who have been so pointed
in their views tonight. The City's position is:
10.
First, the issue is not whether the policemen have a right
to organize by affiliating with the Cook County Police Association
or any other labor organization. Public employees have that
right. We recognize that. Secondly, the issue is not whether
the City refuses to recognize any organization representing its
employees. Rather, the City's position is to the contrary. We
have in the past recognized such groups. We do now with the
Public Works employees. Thirdly, the issue is not whether the
City reoognizes that policemen are entitled to further benefits.
The City has not only recognized this, but has done everything
in its power to fulfill that condition. Theyhave given
substantial increases. Fourth, the issue is not whether there
should be grievance procedures. The City has had these procedures
within the Department and under the Board of Fire and Police
Commissioners for many years. To our knowledge, no policeman
ever disclosed any dissatisfaction with any present grievance
machinery.
Maybe, Mr. Flood or Mr. Loevy can tell us what they want
in the area of "grievances".
MR. FLOOD: We indicated what we were after and what we
were seeking was representation of the men duly elected and we
have standing to represent the men before this City with
grievances.
MR. DI LEONARD': Mr. Loevy, is there any grievance or
lack of grievance machinery at the moment?
MR. LOEVY: What disturbs us at the moment is the elected
membership would not have representation.
11
MR. DI LEONARDI: The answer is "No", am I correct?
MR. LOEVY: You asked me a question. If I get you right,
you were asking a question. In fairness to this Council, they
do not know the facts.
MR. DI LEONARDI: Just be fair.
MR. LOEVY: I will. You indicated what the position of the
City is. Would you indicate what proposals you made to Mr. Flood,
myself and the Mayor and the Executive Board in that same Saturday
morning meeting?
MR. DI LEONARDI: Yes, I will get to that, but first I
wish to finish my statement of the City's position. Fifth, the
issue is not if the City should agree to binding arbitration.
The City, by law, is unable to do that.
Sixth, the issue is not whether the City violates any
mandate or law in refusing to deal with the Cook County Police
Association. In fact, the City has no express authority to do
so at all. Nonetheless, the City has done so with the local
Des Plaines Police Association in previous years and is doing so
now with the Public Works employees. We remain willing to
recognize and deal with any responsible organization, including
any representing the policemen.
Seventh, the issue is not whether we respect our police-
men as individuals. We have the highest regard for the police-
men.. Lastly, the issue is not what concessions should be made
for a "No Strike" pledge. The policemen do not have and never
had the right to strike. It is neither ours nor theirs to give
or take away. It wouldseem that we have reached a sad day when
we have to horse trade with policemen on whether or not they will
violate the law. Mr. Flood knows, and every member knows,
12
policemen do not have the right to strike, and I hope they never
have the right to strike; and that has been the hang-up with the
Cook County Police Association from the beginning.
We said last week and at the meeting of October 25th
that if you insert in the Constitution and By -Laws of theCook
County Police Association a clause that your organization
recognizes the illegality of police strikes and give us a pledge
as the parent organization that you will not strike under your
Constitution, we will recognize you tomorrow. We gave you that
challenge and you have refused to make that change.
When you say tonight that strikes are abhorrent and you
are against them and that the CCPA is against them, and yet
refuse to put such a statement in your By -Laws, and continue to
strike in this town and last week in Harvey and in previous
weeks in other towns, we can come to no reasonable conclusion but
that the Cook County Police Association stands for a strike
concept and strike threat.
I am not going to mince words. It is a threat to paralyze
the safety of an entire community; it is nothing more than that,
or nothing less.
Some of this has already occurred. Tonight, we have
heard shouts about "sick" men. In past weeks we've heard such
weasle-wordsas "alternative methods", "preparations for an
extreme situations", that "illness was a definite possibility",
etc.
I think it would do Mr. Flood some good and do you all
good to say "We are on strike in the City of Des Plaines,' and
the sooner you recognize that the better you will be.
MR. LOEVY: May I ask you to read the proposal you made
that morning and which was concurred in by the Mayor. Will you
then indicate you shook hands and said you would enter into this
agreement with everyone in this room.
MR. DI LEONARDI: You know there was no agreement reached
on that Saturday. If there was, I have no idea what you have
in mind.
MR. LOEVY: You made the proposal.
MR. DI LEONARDI: Do you want me to answer the question?
I will read and compare the language of our proposal and our
resolution. All of these proposals and answers have come from
the City. We have gotten nothing from the Cook County Police
Association except your same three demands and criticism of
documents we've prepared. There have been no suggested ordinances
or proposals from the members of the Cook County Police
Association. We've made them all.
(Here, Mr. Di Leonardi read the written proposal and the
resolution R-17-69.)
Let me add this. Part of the reason this Council was even
willing to do what it did in passing that resolution was that
we were pretty well convinced when you and Mr. John Flood said
to us and the. Cook County Police Association said "we will not
strike", you meant it.
Now, I do not know what the feelings of this Council are
about relying on this again. There was never any agreement
to
reached. There was an agreement reach an agreement concerning
14
these points and the City Council did pass a resolution
concerning the different points, and your group rejected it.
I say again, your group rejected it. Your group is on strike.
This Council has now taken affirmative action to get the public
protection covered again because you struck. I think you should
respond. I am not going to get in a debate.
Whatever value it has, that is the City's position. We
cannot shake the dice with the Cook County Police Association
on the assumption every time we fail to agree they will threaten
to strike and to threaten the public safety of the town.
MR. LOEVY: Mr. Di Leonardi, we would be willing, we are
willing, and we have always been willing to accept the proposal
you made on that Saturday morning meeting in writing over your
signature.
There were certain changes made in that proposal. They
were agreed to by Mr. Behrel and also by us. You cannot deny
this. Specifically, you said no agreement would be acceptable
unless the Cook County Police Association changed its entire
By -Laws. We talked about this for five minutes. Then the Mayor
said: "Bob, you are being completely unrealistic" and you
said, "You cannot blame me for trying."
We walked out with an understanding in substance. With
the agreement you proposed, we agreed and we thought we had now
an understanding. We reached another. If there was going to
be any change, it would have to be submitted to us first. It
to
was agreed by Mr. Di Leonardi and by the Mayor. We would be
contacted. Ten days later, or perhaps six days later, we were
presented with the Resolution which was completely different in
15
our judgment from that presented that morning.
If there was no difference at all, they should go back
to the original resolution. You prepared it over your
signature. It should be submitted to this Council. If they
agree, we will have no problem. It was you who changed your
mind. We were not given even the courtesy of seeing it. By
the way, we did not find it out directly. He read it over the
telephone. I indicated my dissatisfaction over the phone.
You have literally refused to talk to me, as counsel for
these men. You have refused to talk to Mr. Flood, President
by a vote of forty-eight to two and you refused to talk to
anybody connected with the Cook County Police Association. If
that resolution were to be adopted by this Board in its
entirety, the resolution over your signature with those points,
and if paseed, there will be no problem. Are you willing to
submit that to this Board because you did agree to do that on
that morning.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: This Council will not agree to that
without the changes made.
MR. LOEVY: Did Mr. Di Leonardi tell you at the time, if
there is any changes, we would be contacted and we would be in
for more meetings.
MR. DI LEONARDI: We are getting into things here now,
where you have a better recollection than I do and perhaps some
where I recollect better than you. There was no resolution
submitted on the 25th. There was an outline of major points
we were willing to agree to. It is my judgment and that of
every member here despite the fact it came up for discussion,
I think with minor changes, the substance over my signature
was adopted in resolution form by this Council and rejected by
the Cook County Police Association.
We will not get far by our saying you reneged, and you
saying we reneged. The fact is that we are here now a month
later faced with a police strike, and the best evidence that
these policemen are not really sick is what transpired tonight,
it is a strike, pure and simple; a concerted, planned refusal
to go to work because our City Council has not recognized the
Cook County Police Association.
I say it is in the hands of the Circuit Court. The Court
could find the policemen are justified. The Court may find the
other way. It seems to me we should let it rest there and not
suppose what the Court will be doing.
MR. LOEVY: If there is anything firmly implanted in the
minds of your employees, your policemen, it is that they could
not deal honestly any longer with the municipal officers of
this City.
They sat down and reached a satisfactory agreement. We
took it back and recommended it to the members. They accepted
it. There was a different resolution which they rejected.
If he said the only changes were those lacking substance,
I suggest to solve the problem, they be passed. Obviously,
17
he recognizes these are really ones of substance. He told our
Chapter Officers and Mr. Flood and the Mayor said they were
willing to recognize us providing we entered into a no -strike
clause. We agreed. The plicemen do not believe in the
municipal officers.
Let me address myself to one other point. The City
Council may be misled. Let it rest in the Circuit Court,
he says. He is making a decision to have the Courts be
involved in a matter between the policemen and the municipal
officers of the City of Des Plaines.
He has made a judgment not consistent with the judgment
of the other con wunities, The reason was stated or not; but
no circumstances should be required to have a police officer
carrying his weapons under a Court Order requiring him to do
so by a Judge.
This is what the real issue is. Other communities
realize that these questions can be worked out. You have made
another decision. I think it can have no other effect but to
have a detriment to the police force of this community.
ALDERMAN BONAGUIDI: I have a question to ask you, Mr.
Loevy. Have you indicated to the Mayor or the City Attorney
that your organization would be willing to revise your By -Laws
to incorporate the no -strike agreement in the said By -Laws?
MR. LOEVY: Ours is an organization that represents over
fourteen municipalities, 1750 men. Myself, John Flood, your
Des Plabes officers, Evanston men, all are included and could
18
speak for themselves as to what'to do. I have no authority,
to state what the men there would do. What we did propose
in response was not only would we agree we will not strike in
Des Plaines this year, but not strike in Des Plaines ad
infinitum and go on the line and do everything within our
control to prevent Des Plaines men at any time from going out.
We said this with true sincerity. We could not speak for the
men in Evanston or Wilmette. When we suggested this to the.
Mayor after haggling back and forth, the Mayor said you are
right, how can we propose you discuss or direct what your men
in other communities are going to do.
At this point Bob Di Leonardi said well, you cannot blame
me for trying to do it. We are not only willing to not strike
now, but in the future.
ALDERMAN BONAGUIDI: But, you are striking now. Cannot
you amend by voting after putting it to the members?
MR. LOEVY: We will ask every member to vote on this.
It will be done by secret ballot.
CHAIRMAN PRICKETT: Put it to your membership.
ALDERMAN BONAGUIDI: Who authorized the strike in the City
of Des Plaines?
MR. LOEVY: There was none by the parent organization in
the City of Des Plaines. I think what this City Council should
do is to consider the kind of situation that it has created.
I do not believe it is done by people from the outside.
19
The kind of situation created when ninety to ninety-five
percent of the patrolmen call in sick on a given night you are
aware of this. We gave no order. We have no power or
authority. But, consider the situation where you have ninety
to ninety-five percent of patrolmen calling in sick. I do not
think it is fair or right to point the finger at Mr. Flood or
myself, which is the suggestion you have made.
What about the problem when your patrolmen have so little
confidence in your officials that such a thing can happen. The
answer rests with you. They asked to have an organization to
represent them. I think it would do well to allow them to be
represented as they wish.
ALDERMAN BONAGUIDI: Apparently, we do not have a strike,
but is a lawful work stoppage because the men are "sick". The
Cook County Police Association is a doctor not a makesman in
this Council Chambers.
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