02051951¥9z
APPROVAL OF MINUTES, CONT'D.
Special Meeting of January 8, 1951. The motion was voted upon by acclama-
tion, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the minutes ap-
proved.
ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Wolf and seconded by
Behrel to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the
Mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting regularly adjourned.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES,
ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
MONDAY. FEBRUARY 5. 1951. AT 8:00 P. M.
CALL TO ORDER. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kenneth G.
Meyer, who presided with Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines,
Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava responding to roll call.
OFFICIAL REPORTS. The Clerk submitted the reports of Building In-
spector, Arthur F. Rieck, and the City Clerk for the month of January.
A combined report was also submitted by Engineer Fletcher and
Superintendent Warnicke regarding the Chicago Board of Underwriters report
on the fire fighting equipment and water mains. On motion by Alderman
Halverson and second by Morava, the Clerk was instructed to send a copy of
the report to the Board of Underwriters asking for comment.
ATTORNEY MARSHALL S. HOWARD'S REPORTS. The Clerk read the follow-
ing reports which were ordered placed on file:
Hon¢rable Mayor and City Council
Ci of Des Plaines
Ci Hall
Des Plaines, Illinois
February. 5, 1951
Gentlemen:
There has been distributed to each one of you Chapter 13 and a
part of Chapter 14 of the Revised City Code.
I want to call your attention to the fact that Chapter 14 is
only partially completed and that there is a substantial portion yet to
come.
Respectfully submitted,
M. S. Howard
MSH:rj City Attorney
February 5, 1951
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Des Plaines
City Hall
Des Plaines, Illinois
Gentlemen:
A new lawsuit recently has been commenced by Mr. Clifford 0. Lund
and wife, who claim to be owners of the lot lying immediately adjacent to
the Lund Coal Company property on Oakton Street. The lot is on the south
side of Lincoln Avenue, immediately to the East of and adjoining the Soo
Line tracks. The lot was recently rezoned from industrial to residential
classification. Mr. Lund alleges that he purchased the lot relying on the
industrial zoning, paid a price based on industrial =ning and always in-
tended to and now is planning to use the lot for industrial purposes.
449,9
MARSHALL S. HOWARD'S REPORT, CONT'D.
The suit is to declare the recent ordinance rezoning this one lot from in-
dustrial back to residential classification invalid and to return the
property to its industrial zoning status.
If the facts stated in Mr. Lund's petition are correct, namely
that he bought the property as industrial property, relying on the then
classification of the property as industrial, there is an excel]ent chance
that he will win the lawsuit and that our ordinance as affecting this
particular property will be declared ineffective and void and the property
returned by Court action to industrial use.
I have today filed an answer challenging the claims of the Lunds
and asking that the suit be dismissed.
This is the same property about which there was a complaint to
the Council recently, in a letter from the adjacent property owners,
Mr. and Mrs. Gallery on Lincoln Avenue. The Galierys have recently moved
into a brand new home adjoining the Lund property and are very much dis-
turbed at the prospect of having a coal yard adjoining them.
Respectfully submitted,
Marshall S. Howard
MSH:rj City Attorney
Alderman McKay, Chairman of the Municipal Development Committee,
reported on the County Zoning Board hearing regarding the rezoning of the
C. & N. W. Railway property north of Golf Road and track to Maryville.
The report opposed the rezoning from "Agricultural" to "Light Industry."
A representative of the C. & N. W. Railway and Mr. Franzen were allowed
to speak and explain the rezoning. The motion was made by Alderman Davis
and seconded by McKay to concur in the report.
The Clerk read a letter from the Cumberland East Civic Association
opposing the rezoning.
After discussion, the Mayor put the question, and the Clerk called
the roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis, McKay,
and Clement. Nays: Aldermen Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, Halverson and
Morava. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion lost.
Alderman Behrel reported that the Public Protection Committee met
with the Traffic Commission and recommended that no changes be made in meter
parking hours at this time.
The Mayor referred the matter of checking on locations for parking
lots to the Public Protection and Municipal Development Committees and the
City Engineer.
Alderman Davis reported on the cost of atomic pamphlets. The
motion was made by Alderman Clement and seconded by Baines that the Defense
Committee be alloted $100.00 for purchase of these pamphlets. The Matiyor put
the question, and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes:
Aldermen Hansen, Davis, Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement,
Halverson and Morava. Nays: None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion
carried.
CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR REMODELING BUILDING INSPECTOR'S
OFFICE. Alderman Morava reported on the plans for remodeling the Building
Inspector's Office. On motion by Alderman Morava and second by Clement,
the Clerk was instructed to advertise for bids for remodeling the inspector's
office, the bide to be returned by Monday, March 5, 1951 at 8:00 p.m.
The Mayor referred the matter of new street lighting in the business
district to the Street Committee, and, at the same time, the Street Committee
is to recommend the type of pole to be used.
Alderman Halverson reported on the extension of water mains for
Thacker Street, Wolf Road and Algonquin Road. On motion by Halverson and
second by Morava, the City Engineer was instructed to draw plans and speci-
fications to present to the City Council for the above water mains.
Alderman McKay reported the following:
2'9q
ALDERMAN *KAY'S REPORT, CONT'D.
Des Plaines, Feb. 5, 1951
SOO Line RR Crossing Gates at Prairie, Thacker and Lee Streets
Mayor and City Council:
Reference letter from City Attorney, above subject:
We feel it would be inadvisable to close Graceland Avenue to high-
way traffic as suggested by the Soo Line. However, we do not think any real
hardship would ensue if Oakwood and Walnut Streets were closed to vehicular
traffic. If Walnut Street is closed, a lane should be opened along the east
side of the Soo Line connecting Walnut with Lee Street, similar to the lane
now connecting Graceland with Oakwood.
We recommend that the City Attorney proceed in the matter by ad-
vising the Soo Line representatives and others involved that the City of
Des Plaines is willing to close Oakwood and Walnut Streets (with the under-
standing that, if possible, a lane be provided either by the railroad or
the City, between Walnut and Lee Streets just east of the tracks); and with
the further understanding that the railroad install automatic crossing gates
with flasher lights at Prairie, Thacker and Lee Streets. In his conference
with the railroad representatives and the representatives of the State and
Country, the City Attorney to endeavor to determine if all of the expense can
be borne by the railroad, the County and the State,none of the cost to be
charged to the City of Des Plaines. If Walnut Street is closed, the flasher
lights there should be transferred to Graceland crossing.
Recommend that this report be concurred in.
S. E. McKay
W. N. Davis
E. G. Hansen
H. J. Halverson
The motion was made by Alderman McKay and seconded by Hansen to
concur in the report. The Meyor put the questionand the Clerk called the
roll with the following result: Ayes: Aldermen ;Jansen, Davis, Baines,
Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava. Nays: Aldermen Vavrinek and
Wolf. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF BILIS. Alderman Baines, Chairman of the Finance Com-
mittee, presented the following proposed resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DES PLAINES THAT THE FOL-
LOWING BILIS ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AND
THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK BE AND
ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE PAYMENT
FOR SAME.
(Schedule of bills placed before each alderman and affixed to
resolution and on file with the City Clerk.)
The motion was made by Alderman Baines and seconded by Hansen to
adopt the proposed resolution. The Mayor put the question, and the Clerk
called the roll with the following result:- Ayes: Aldermen Hansen, Davis,
Vavrinek, Wolf, Baines, Behrel, McKay, Clement, Halverson and Morava.
Nays:, None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the
proposed resolution adopted.
BOUTON -FOSTER COMPANY'S AGREEMENT ON HEATING WAREHOUSE. The Clerk
read the following proposed resolution:
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into at Des Plaines, Illinois,
this lst day of October, 1950, by and between the CITY OF DES PLAINES, a
Municipal Corporation (hereinafter sometimes for convenience referred to
as the "City"), and BOUTON FOSTER COMPANY, an,Sllinois corporation (here-
inafter sometimes for convenience referred to as the "Company").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City -is the owner of certain premises located at
1856 Miner Street, in the City of Des Plaines, County of Cook and State
of Illinois; and
1
1
1
BOUTOA-FOSTER'S AGREEMENT, COMM.
WHEREAS, said premises consists of three (3) buildings, one of
which is occupied IT the Company and another of which is occupied by the
City; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto are desirous of effecting an agree-
ment in writing for the supplying of steam by the Company to the heating
unit or units now located in the said building occupied by the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the pro-
visions hereinafter contained, it is agreed by and between the City and
the Company as follows:
1. The Company agrees, during the season commencing October 1,
1950, and ending June 1, 1951, to supply steam to the heating unit or units
in the said building occupied by the City in such quantity as to maintain
a temperature within said building of no less than thirty-two degrees
Fahrenheit (32° F.), it being the understanding of the parties hereto that
said temperature shall be maintained above a freezing temperature: Provided,
that, if the Company be prevented from furnishing such amount of steam on
account of any damage to the heating plant or scarcity of the supply of fuel
in the open market at Des Plaines, Illinois, orio other causes beyond the
control of said Company, Company shall not in that event be liable for any
damages on account of said Company's failure to furnish steam or maintain
said temperature. In no event shall the City or anyone claiming under the
City be entitled to recover any damages on account of any failure of Company
to furnish steam or maintain said temperature, or anything incidental there-
to, or from any cause arising from the furnishing of said steam, and no
damages shall be recovered on account of any injury to the City or others
by reason of any breach of this covenant.
2. The City agrees to pay the Company for the supply of said
steam during the season aforesaid the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00),
said sum to be payable in two (2) equal installments of Two Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($250.00) each on the 15th day of February, 1951, and the lst day
of Mey, 1951: Provided, however, that in the event that the cost of fuel
to the Company for supplying steam to the building occupied by it and to
the building occupled by the City shall, for the period of said season
aforesaid, exceed the sum of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), then the
City shall pay to the Company► an amount equal to one-third (1/3d) of any
such cost in excess of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), said amount to
be paid upon the exhibiting of fuel bills by Company to City showing its
said cost to have been in said excess amount.
3. This Agreement shall terminate and cease of its own accord on
the 1st day of June, 1951. Thereafter, the City shall promptly at its ex-
pense disconnect and detach all heating pipes and radiators located out-
side of the said building occupied by the Company which may in any way be
connected to the heating plant located in the building occupied by the
Company, in such a manner as not to impair the efficient operation of said
heating plant.
4. The Company shall supply said steam, as herein provided, as
an independent contractor, and any employees, servants or agents of said
Company, maintaining or operating any heating plant, or any equipment or
supplies incidental thereto, shall not be considered in any manner what-
soever employees of the City.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have placed their hands
and affixed their seals on the day and year first above written.
BOUTON FOSTER COMPANY, an Illinois Corporation
By
Its President
ATTEST:
Secretary
ATTEST:
CITY OF DES PLAINES, a Municipal Corporation
B9
Its Mayor
City Clerk
BOUTON-FOSTER'S AGREEMENT, CONT'D.
On motion by Alderman Morava and second by Behrel, the Mayor and
Clerk were authorized to sign the agreement.
ZONING BOARD REPORTS ON VARIATIONS.
Mr. Kimball Hill
Kimball Hill and Associates, Inc.
716 Lee Street
Des Plaines, Illinois
January 24, 1951
Dear Sir:
At a meeting held on Tuesday, January 23rd, 1951, your application
for a variation in regard to the property on Welwyn Avenue between Maple
and Cedar Streets was discussed. Your letter of December 19, 1950 was
read and the plat of the property was examined. After considerable dis-
cussion, motion was made by Carroll and seconded by McConnell to grant the
variation and to permit the use of 3 foot side -yards instead of 5 foot
side -yards as now required by ordinance. Upon being put to vote, the
votes were: AYES, Carroll, Gundelach, McConnell; NAYS, Howe and James.
The vote thus failed because a vote of four to one is required to grant
a variation.
Those in favor of granting the variation, Carroll, Gundelach
and McConnell, advanced the following reasons:
1. The five foot side yard ordinance was being adhered to in
spirit, in that there would be not less than fourteen feet between
-buildings and in order to provide a driveway on one side of each building
there was not less than three feet and one side of each building and not
less than eleven feet on the other.
2. The subdivision plat had been approved by the Planning Com-
mission and appeared to create a harmonious relationship within the lot
sizes (other than corner lots) of fifty feet.
3. To require the petitioner to resubdivide the area after
approval by the Planning Commission and after the sale of some of the lots
would impose a particular hardship.
4. The area in question was identical to and contiguous to a
similar area to the South on Fargo Street which had already been built
in conformance' with the old ordinance requiring a three-foot side yard,
and which is substantially similar to the area in question.
Those opposed to granting the variation, Howe and James, ad-
vanced the following reasons:
1. To grant such a variation would encourage other builders
to apply for similar variations, particularly in the undeveloped area
immediately adjacent, west of Maple Street.
2. The subdivision had been laid out two years ago and the
builder had plenty of time to get building permits before the five foot
side yard ordinance was passed.
3. The area can be resubdivided into sixty foot lots and thus
come within the ordinance.
After some discussion, it was agreed to give the petitioner
another hearing at 8:30 P.M: in the Council Chambers, City of Des Plaines,
on February 27th, 1951, at which time he may present additional evidence
if he so desires.
Very truly yours,
CC: Building Inspector Albert L. Gundelach
City Clerk Secretary
Mr. Arthur Rieck
Building Inspector
City of Des Plaines
Des Plaines, Illinois
January 27, 1951
Re: Application of Kimball Hill &
Associates for a variation for
property located on Welwyn Avenue
Dear Sir:
On Saturday, January 27, 1951 representatives of the following purchasers
of properties on Welwyn Avenue appeared at the City Hall to contest the de-
cision of the Zoning Board of Appeals on the above matter:
5197
ZONING BOARD REPORTS, CONT'D.
Mr. Raymond Preston
Mr. Henry Lange
Mr. Herman Brauer
Lot 32
Lot 31
Lot 24
The Secretary outlined the history of the application for the variation.
The Secretary then telephoned Mr. Fred K. Howe who had voted against the
variation and explained the attitude of the property owners. Mr. Howe then
agreed to vote in favor of the variation on the following properties which
have been sold:
Lot Number 7 22 23 24 25 27 28 31 32 9
Street Number 1864 1895 1887 1877 1865 1851 1847 1821 1815 1886
The Secretary called Mr. McConnell who also agreed. Mr. Carroll and Mr. James
could not be reached.
In view of the above you are authorized to allow a variation from the five-foot
side yard to a three foot side yard on the properties listed above.
CC Kimball Hill Albert L. Gundelach
City Clerk Secretary
January 24, 1951
Mr. Ray DiVito
1289 Cora Street
Des Plaines
Illinois
Dear Sir:
At a meeting held on Tuesday, January 23rd, 1951, your application
for a variation in regard to the property at 1289 Cora Street was discussed.
The evidence which you presented at the public hearing on January 9, 1950
was considered. Upon motion duly made, seconded and passed unanimously,
your application for a variation was denied for the following reasons:
1. There are no apartment buildings in the area.
2. A non -conforming use should revert back to the original
use of the property, which in this case, was a single
family dwelling.
Very truly yours,
CC: Building Inspector Albert L. Gundelach
City Clerk Secretary
The Mayor ordered the reports placed on file.
On request of Alderman Baines, the Mayor referred the change of
'Mooning House" Ordinance to the License Committee (the matter of changing
the number of roomers from five (5) to three (3).
DES PLAINES SAFETY COUNCIL LETTERS. The Clerk read the following
Feb. 5, 1951
letters:
Des Plaines City Council
Mr. Otto "W. J. Henrich, City Clerk
Dear Sirs:
At the last meeting of the Des Plaines Safety Council the question
of having an adult patrol guard at Thacker and Wolf Road was again brought
up by representatives of West Side Civic Club and West School P.T.A.
The Safety Council will appreciate a report from the City Council
as to what steps have been taken or what plans have been made to'make
crossing here safer• for the many children crossing at this point during
the day.
Apparently there are more now then at the time this Civic Group
made a survey in Jan. 1949 which showed 160 children using this crossing 4
to 6 times a day. At that time an adult patrol guard was asked for, but as
only three men were available and assigned to more hazardous corner; nothing
could be done.'
The Safety Council will appreciate a report so that if the question
as to what was done comes up again we will have a written report on record.
Thanking you for your cooperation
We remain yours truly
J. Gallup, President * A. Pieper, Secretary DES PLAINES SA1`ET! COUNCIL
The Mayor referred the letter to the Public Protection Committee and
Chief Wigham.
DES PLAINES SAFETY COUNCIL LETTERS, CONT'D.
Feb. 5, 1951
Des Plaines City Council
Des Plaines, ill.
Gentlemen:
At the last meeting of the Des Plaines Safety Council, traffic conditions
pertaining to speeding and reckless driving on Garland Place between
Dempster Street and Rand Road were reported and discussed. The question
of signs, etc. was brought up.
The Safety Council wishes to recommend for your consideration the erection
of suitable signs, and if possible occasional check up by squad patrol as
to conditions and enforcement of traffic regulations.
Yours truly,
Des Plaines Safety Council
J. Gallup, President
A. Pieper, Secretary
The Meyor referred the letter to Chief Aigham.
c
Des Plaines City Council
Des Plaines, I11.
Feb. 5, 1951
Dear Sirs:
The Des Plaines Safety Council at its last meeting, after dis-
cussion of lighting conditions in the business district especially around
the Municipal Buildings wishes to recommend that some suitable method be
found for improvement of lighting conditions in that area both as for ap-
pearance and safety, perhaps some method of flood lighting because at present
Municipal Building corner seems poorest lighted in business district.
It is also recommended that all possible be done to improve street
lighting in residential areas especially at crossroads.
Yours truly,
Des Plaines Safety Council
J. Gallup, President
A. Pieper, Secretary
The Mayor referred the letter to the Street Committee.
BOY SCOUTS TO COLLECT PAPERS. On motion by Alderman McKay and
second by Morava, the request was granted for the Boy Scout Troop #27 to
collect newspapers, February 17, 1951.
GARDEN CLUB LETTER ON PAINTING C. & N. W. STATION. The Clerk
read a copy of a letter wk&eh-kae4-been-reeelved-from the Des Plaines Garden
Club which they had sent to the C. & N. W. Railway regarding the painting
of the station and fence. The Clerk was instructed to write a similar
letter to the C. & N. A. Railway.
STATE DIVISION OF HIGHWAY PERMIT NO. 10-9597 FOR SEWER AICD WATER
MAIN ON WOLF ROAD. The Clerk read the following letter and resoltuion:
January 16, 1951
Mr. Otto R. J. Henrich
City Clerk
City Hall
Des Plaines, Illinois
Dear Sirs
I attach hereto for signature duplicate copies of Permit No. 10-9597
covering sewers and water mains requested by your City Engineer.
Please have both copies properly signed also both copies of the
attached resolution properly Paled out and return them to me for completion
by the Department.
Yours very truly,
Attachments C. H. Apple
District Engineer
-9%q
STATE DIVISION OF HIGHWAY PERMIT NO. 10-9597, CONT'D.
On motion by Alderman Halverson and second by Baines, the Mayor
and City Clerk were authorized to sign the permit and resolution.
CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS ON FUEL OIL FOR CIT!.HALL. On
motion by Alderman Davis and second by Wolf, the Clerk was instructed to
advertise for bids on fuel oil for City Hall. On motion by Hansen and
second by Vavrinek, the matter was referred to the Building and Lands Com-
mittee.
RESOLUTION FOR RECREATION FOR SERVICEMEN. Alderman Clement pre-
sented the following proposed resolution:
RESOLUTION IN RE
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR SERVICE -MSFT
WHEREAS, the City of Des Plaines is located in close proximity
to a number of bases for the Armed Forces of the United States, and
WHEREAS, the number of personnel quartered at these bases is
apparently increasing and,
WHEREAS, there is apparently no organized effort to provide recre-
ational and entertainment activities for these members of our Armed Forces,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Des Plaines, as follows:
1. That the Mayor or other appropriate Municipal Authority com-
municate with the Commanding Officer of each of the adjacent bases for
Armed Forces personnel to determine the desirability of organized activity
by the citizens of Des Plaines to provide recreational activity and other
suitable entertainment or like activities.
2. That after such communication has been had and if such a program
is regarded as desirable by the various Commanding Officers the Mayor appoint
a Citizens Committee to organize such activities.
3. That the Citizens Committee so appointed be directed to com-
municate with the Municipal Authorities of neighboring municipalities with
a view toward` organizing a collective effort of this character.
Adopted by the City of Des Plaines this ,5th day of February, 1951.
APPROVED:
Otto W. J. Henrich
City Clerk
Mayor
On motion by Alderman Clement and second by McKay, the resolution
was adopted.
THE MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. The Mayor presented the following annual
report:
MEMBERS OF THE CIT! COUNCIL: -
The law requires that the Mayor shall annually report to the Council
the state of the City's affairs, and accordingly I wish to present to you the
Condition of our City as of January 1, 1951.
FINANCES
1. The General Corporate Fund carries the cost of the Executive
Department (salary and expenses of Mayor and Aldermen), the Department of
Finances and Accounts (salary of Clerk and Treasurer, and expenses of office
of City Clerk and City Treasurer), the Police Department, Health Department,
Legal Department, Building Control and Inspection, Building and Ground Depart-
ment, Sewer Department, Map Department, Plan Commission, Zoning Commission,
Fire and Police Commission and Civil Service Commission. This is the major
financial account in our City Government. This account was $26,538.00 in
the red January 1, 1950. It is now $14,989.00 in the red --a reduction of
$11,549.00.
ado
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT, CONT 'D .
2. Library Fund -- This account was $2511.00 in the red Janu-
ary 1, 1950. It is now3484.00 in the red --an increased overdraft of
$973.00. This was occasioned by the new lighting system installed in the
library last -year. I am confident that this fund will be in the black at
the end of 1951.
3. Fire.Department -- Was $8295.00 in the red January 1, 1950 and
it is now $8258.00 in the red. In order to get this account in the black -we
will have to increase our general corporate tax levy for we are already levy-
ing the maximum the law allows'for fire protection.
4. Street Fund. This account was $8165.00 in the red January 1,1950,
and is now $7138.00 in the red --a reduction of overdraft of $1027.00.
5. Street Lighting -- Was $3797.00 in the red January 1, 1950, and
is now $2779.00 in the red --or a reduction of $1018.00 --yet it cost the City
about $1000.00 more for electric current in 1950 than it did in 1949.
6. Parking Meter Fund. This account was $3300.00 in the black
January 1, 1950. It is now 13,000.00 in the black. I anticipate about
$30,000.00 income in this'account for 1951, and strongly urge prompt action
to use these funds to acquire parking areas and to improve the lighting
system in our business sections.
7. Garbage, Department -- Was $1642.00 in the black January 1,1954.
but is now $1049.00 in the red. This red balance was caused by the $3000.00
expense to repair the chimney at the incinerator. This account should be in
the black by December 31, 1951. It is interesting to note that all charges
for garbage burning and ash removal are being paid currently --as of De-
cember 31, 1950 there was only $102.00 in accounts receivable outstanding.
8. Water Account. This account had a black balance of $37,758.52
on January 1, 1950, and had a black balance of $43,366.61 on December 31, 1950.
The income in this account was around $147,400.00 in 1950. We owe $100,000.00
on Revenue Bonds and are calling for maturity about $10,000.00 each year.
Otto Henrich, City Clerk, is doing an excellent job in using available funds
from this account to acquire outstanding bonds, and this stops additional in-
terest from accruing.
9. Warehouse Account. I have urged that the cost of all necessary
alterations to our warehouses be made from the income received from this
property. At present, our income has been $5280.00, and our expenses have
been $1026.00 --So we should be able to make such alterations as are neces-
sary to fit our needs, without any cost to the taxpayers.
10. Gas Tax Fund. As of December 31, 1950, we had $31,700.00 to our
credit with the State as our portion of gasoline taxes.
We have already earmarked $22,000.00 for traffic lights for Graceland
Avenue, Miner Street and Pearson Street, and an additional $29,000.00 to comp.
piste the widening and straightening of Prairie Avenue from Lee to Pearson
Streets, or a total of $51,000.00. -- Thus, an additional $20,300.00 over
and above funds to our credit is needed to complete approved projects. Me
receive about $2000.00rper month from gas taxes, so if we receive $24,000.00
from gas taxes during 1951 we will only have $3700.00 to apply to other
projects during 1951 with gas tax funds.
I urge careful consideration of future expenditures from gas tax
funds and suggest that for the balance of the year we consider using these
funds for the maintenance and repair of existing streets where these funds
can be legally used.
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
The City owes $100,000.00 payable solely from Water Revenues.
Our general bonded indebtedness is $129,000.00. This is payable
from general taxes. This is an extremely low indebtedness compared with
other cities of comparable sire to Des Plaines. Park Ridge, for example,
has a bonded Indebtedness of over $700,000.00. We have the legal ability
to become indebted to an amount. exceeding $1,500,000.00.
In conclusion, in spite of the red balances heretofore referred to,
our financial position is good --If we were to transfer certain surplus
balances in certain funds we could very nearly wipe out all red balances.
We are paring our bills on time, and have not been required to issue tax
warrants.
MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT, CONT'D.
During the past two years I have done my best to see that the City
gave as much as possible at a minimum of cost to the taxpayers, and you
members of the Council have been most cooperative in this respect. I ap-
preciate your sincere cooperation.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The Citizens of this City are asking for more dog catcher service,
more police service, more school patrolservice, more street lighting,
more street and sidewalk repairs, a larger fire department, snow plowing
of sidewalks, all of which require additional expenditures. You and I
fully appreciate the fact that if we were to grant the desire of citizens
to furnish all the things they ask for, our tax rate would be far in excess
of what it is to date.
We have many newcomers to our City. They are fine people and a
great asset to our City, but many have never owned their own homes before
they moved to Des Plaines, and many never lived in a small suburb before,
so they don't understand the legal limitations placed upon our ability to
spend money and furnish:public services. In order to make them understand
that we are not derelictin our duties, we must fully inform them of the
legal rules and regulations which limit our activities.
PLANS FOR 1221.
For the coming year I urge your sincere attention to the follow -
ing:
1. Acquisition of parking areas.
2. Street lighting system for our business sections.
3. Full cooperation on all matters concerning Civil Defense.
4. Completion of revision of our City Code.
5. Removal of light standards in Homerican Villas and install-
ing the conventional overhead lighting system.
6. Removal of old pump house on Des Plaines Avenue and beautifica-
tion of that location.
7. Service attention to repair of existing streets. We have been
spending sizeable sums each year to the extension of our water system. I
believe that during the coming year we should reduce our spending for water
extensions wherever possible and use some of the water revenues to make
necessary street repairs.
8. Solution of south side sewer problem.
9. Hiring our own mechanics to service and repair our mobile equip-
ment.
CONCLUSION
Gentlemen -- I appreciate the spirit of cooperation evidenced by
all of you during the past year. We haven't agreed on all issues that have
come before the Council, but that is, in my opinion, a healthy condition in
any City. The Committees have diligently worked on the problems assigned
to them. The employees and various commissions acting for the City have
done very well and are to be complimented for their endeavors.
A continuation of this spirit will assure all citizens that Des Plaines
is a good city in which to live.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth G. Meyer
mayor
APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The motion was made by Alderman Halverson and
seconded by Morava to approve the minutes of January 15, 1951. The motion
was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon the Mayor declared the motion
carried.
ADJOURNMENT. The motion was made by Alderman Clement and seconded
by Morava to adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation, whereupon
the Mayor declared the motion carried and the meeting regularly adjourned.
U. J. HENRICH
ITY CLERK
SO/