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12/04/1939• 220 MINUTES OF THE RESEAWLRIUTTING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1939 AT TU HOUR OF 8:00 P.M. 444 TO OMR: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hobart M. Abbe presiding, with aldermen Carroll, Johnson, Henrich, Loos, Dopheide, Carlson, Friott, Lemke, Schwanbeck and Campagna responding to the roll call. The Clerk reported all members of the Council present. REPORTS OF OFFICERS: The Clerk then submitted the following reports: The report for November, 1939, of M.J.Friedrich, City Clerk The report for November, 1934, of Chas. M. Larson, City Treasure, i Th* Mayor :ordered the said reports placed on file. THE JUDICIARY & ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE through its chairman, Alderman Carlson, thensubmittedthe following reports To the Chairman Carlson, Judiciary & Assessment Committee, at the meeting of -the -City Council, held November 20, 1939, the following matter Was referred to your committees_ The matter of studying the City's insurance requirements and making such recommendation as you may deem advisable in order that the same may be incorporated in the new policies which must be placed at the beginning of 1940. M.J.Friedrich, City Clerk. To the Mayor and City Councils We, your Committee on Judiciary & Assessment have investigated the above and have found the following insurance policies expiring on December 31, 1939: Automobile Liability, Volunteer Fire Department Group Insurance, and Fire Insurance on the. Pumping Station and contents, located at 921 Des Plaines Ave., Des Plaines, I11., together with the following policies expiring on January 1, 1940; Torkmens' Compensation and Employees Liability, and Fir, and Theft insurance on the Mack Fire Truck. Upon suggestion by Alderman Lemke, and with dee consideration by this committee, it is deemed necessary to include a Lightning and Tornado insurance policy on the present Steel Tank and Water Tower of the City of Des Plaines. 1e, your committee, therefore recommend that the City Clerk be in- structed to advertise for bids in the Des Plaines Suburban Times for insur- ance in accordance with the specifications attached hereto as a part of this report. Bids to be returnable before 8 P.M. December 18, 1939, at which time said bids shall be opened and read before the City Council. Signed Committees CLIFFORD CARLSON JAMES J. CARROLL ELMER JOHNSON The :motion was made by Alderman Carlson _and. seconded by Alderman Henrich to concur in this report. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the report concurred in. THE POLICE & LICENSE COMMITTEE had no report to offer. THE STREETS & SIDEWALKS COMMITTEE had no report to offer. THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS, BUILDINGS & PLATS through its chairman, Alderman Loos, submitted the following report: To the Uhairman Loos, Public Wks., Bldgs. & Plats committee, at the meeting of the City Council, held November 20, 1939, the following matter was referred to your committee with full power to act: "Mr. Donald Kyger, Scout Master of the Northwest Boy Scout Council requests the use of the Court Room for the purpose of conducting a ten or twelve week's course in .first aid for Boy Scouts from Des Plaines. The course would require the use of the room once each week and could be arranged for either Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 7:30 to 9:00 P.M.". E.J. Friedrich, City Clerk To the Mayor and City Council: Your committee on Public Wks., Bldgs. & Plats, has investigated the above and has found that Fridays to be best suited for all concerned. We, your committee, therefore recommend that Fridays be given to the Northwest Boy Scout Council to conduct instruction for first aid work in the Uourt Room , said course to finish in 12 weeks. Signed Committee: F.A. LOOS J.W. LEMKE The committee having had full power to act, no further action was taken by the Council. THE SEWER, DRAINAGE & SANITATION COMMITTEE: through its chairman, Alderman Campagna, then submitted the following report: To the Chairman Campagna, Sewer, Drainage & Sanitation committee, at the meeting of the Lity Council, held November 6, 1939, the following matter was referred to your committees The matter of providing a suitable culvert to properly drain the farm of John Boeckenhauer was referred to your committee for study and report. E.J.Friedrich, City Clerk C rt To the Mayor and. City Councils Your Committee on Sewer, Drainage and Sanitation, has investigated "<!C the above and has found that while it would be financially advantageous to the City to wait to construct this proposed culvert with TPA labor, fear of heavy fall rains may involve the City in another law -suit. We, your committee, therefore recommend that the said committee be empowered to order the construction of a culvert under Thacker Street to provide proper drainage of the farm lands of John Boeckenhauer, at a cost not to exceed $500.00. SIGNED COMMITTEE: S.C. CAMPAGNA The motion was made by Alderman Campagna and seconded by Alderman Henrich to concur in this report. The Mayor put the question and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes; Aldermen Carroll, Johnson, Henrich, Loos, Dopheide, Carlson, Friott, Lemke, Schwanbeck and Campagna.. Nays; None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the report concurred in. THE MATER COMMITTEE through its chairman Alderman Lemke, then sub- mitted the following letter ve►ich was read by the Clerks ALFRED G. WILL General Contractor and Builder Des Plaines City of Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Ill. Dear Sirs: December 4, 1939 As requested by Mr. Marvin Wells, Supt. of Public Works, I am submitting the following estimate to repair and replace coping on the City Water Works Plant located on Thackert Street near the Belt Line tracks. My suggestion is that present coping over all parapet walls be removed and cleaned, all present mortar to be removed; lay one layer of 90# felt, this to extend one inch over present parapet wall, then lay one more layer of 90# felt, same to be glued with Plastic Cement. When re- placing coping a margin will be shown on either side of parapet wall. At the present time this coping is set flush on exterior walla and does not provide for proper drip, naturally causing leakage. All coping when re- placed, will be bedded above felt with water proof cement; Vulcatex com- pound will be used in all cross joints to allow for expansion and contraction so same will be water tight. The above for the sum of One Hundred Ninety Dollars ($190.00). Yours truly, Signed: ALFRED G. WILLE The motion was made by Alderman Lemke and seconded by Alderman Schwanbeck to 222 accept this proposal and order the City Clerk to issue a formal purchase order to Alfred G. sills to make the repairs as given in the foregoing letter at a price of $190.00. The Mayor put the question and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes; Aldermen Carroll, John- son, Henrich, Loos, Dopheide, Carlson, Friott, Lemke, Schwanbeck and Campagna. Nays; None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried. THE FIRE COMMITTEE through its chairman, Alderman Dopheide, inquired as to what has been done about the matter of lubricating fire hydrants (referred to Nater Committee 1/3/39). The motion was made by Alderman Bopheide and seconded by Alderman Henrich to again refer this matter to the Bator Committee with power to act. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. THE BAND COMMITTEE had no report to offer. THE CITY ATTORNEY, Kenneth G. Meyer, then submitted the fol- lowing report which was read by the Clerks To Kenneth G. Meyer, City Attorney, at the meeting of the City Council held Nov. 20, 1939, the following matter was refesred to you: The letter from Mrs. Ea. Fendt, 570 Arlington Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois,dated Nov. 13,. 1939, making claim (amount not stated) for damages suffered by Mrs. Bessie Dunnie, 570 Arlington Ave. A copy of the said letter is typed on the reverse side hereof. E.J.Friedrich, City Clerk To the Mayor and City Councils Your Attorney has investigated the above and advisee that it is my opinion that there is no legal liability of the city to Mrs. Dunnie for the alleged damages sustained. The law is clear that a municipality is not liable for injuries sustained by reason of snow or ice on the streets or sidewalks, unless some defective condition of the sidewalks, coupled with the presence of ice or snow, caused the accident. Likewise, leaves of themselves are not dangerous per se, and in the instant case, the manhole cover was not in a defective condition, and I do not believe the City is under any legal obligation to remove leaves from the sidetealks and streets. I, your Attorney, therefore recommend that liability to Mrs. Bessie Dunnie be denied. Signed: KENNETH G. MEYER, City Attorney The motion was made by Alderman Henrich and seconded by Alderman Carroll to concur in this report. The motion vas voted upon by acclamation where- upon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the said report concurred in. THE CITY ENGINEER, E.N. Fletcher, reported that the State Highway Department has approved plans and specifications for the installation of ornamental lights on Pearson Street (MFT Section 6.1 CS) and that the advertisement for bids for the said work will appear in the Des Plaines Suburban Times this week as per resolution adopted October 30, 1939. THE BUILDING INSPECTOR, Frank F. Scharringhausen, then reported building permits approved during November, 1939 as $52,942.00 as compared with $34,060.00 for November, 1938. He also reported *529,242.00 for the first eleven months of 1939 as compared with $208,400.00 for the same period in 1938. The Mayor ordered the said report placed on file. OPEN BIDS FOR GASOLINE: The motion was then made by Alderman Carroll and seconded by Alderman Johnson to open the bids for gasoline re- ceived in response to the call for bids published Lithe Des Maines Suburban Times, November 23, 1939. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayer declared the motion oarried. The Clerk then opened the said bids and read them as tabulated below: (see tabulation of bids on following page. TABULATION OF GASOLINE BIDS Regular Bid Alternate Bid Unicago 'rank Wagon Price Plus Koehler Bros. Serv. Station . . Harry E. Kruse Sinclair Service Lake -Cook Farm Supply Company . . Geisen's Service Station . . Whetstone Service Station Westfield Service Gniot Bros. ▪ 4.40/gal . Par Gallon • 1.40/gal . 1.00/gal . 1.0¢/gal. 5 50/gal. .18¢/gal. .140/gal. 223 The motion vas made by Alderman Lemke and seconded by Alderman Carroll to refer the said bids to the special gasoline committee for study and recommendation. The motion vas voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the matter so referred. RIGHT -TURN ARROW AT MINER AND LEE STREETS: The Clerkthen read the filowing letter: STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Division of Highways November 28, 1939 Mr. Edgar d.Friedrich City Clerk Des Plaines, Illinois Dear Sir: This acknowledges receipt of the resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Des Plaines attached to your letter of November 15, 1939. The accident record at the intersection of Wolf and Rand Roads slums that 5 accidents have occurred, 2 of which were fatalities and two personal injur- ies, the majority of which were angle collisions. I have been informed that, at the intersection of Dempster St. and Rand Rd., the percentage of stop sign violations is rather large, motorists complaining that they are unable to see the stop signs. Therefore, we have instructed our sign department to erect 36 -inch stop eigns at these two intersections. It is our belief that the erection of large atop signs at the intersection of Mannheim Road and Touhy Avenue will not eliminate accidents at this in- tersection. The railroad tracks parallel to Mannheim Road about 30 feet from edge of pavement, making it necessary to erect stop signs for westbound traffic on the east side of the tracks. No doubt motorists atop at the sign and then proceed across the intersection, misjudging the speed of t raffic on Mannheim Road. We will make an investigation in the near future to see other remedial measures can be taken. For your information, at the intersection of Band Road and Golf Road this department has installed 36 -inch stop signs with large stops and stop lines painted on the pavement. This intersection is controlled by an officer during summer months on Saturdays and Sundays. le have made an investigation at the intersection of Miner and lee Streets and find that there is a fairly heavy right turn movement of southeast bound traffic on Miner Street. Is is our opinion that a right turn green arrow for this traffic would be beneficial by permitting traffic to move with the southbound traffic on Lee Street. Therefore, permission is granted for the erection of the right turn green arrow. However, the cost of the equipment and installation will be assumed by the City of Des Plaines. ,Yours very truly, Signed: KSNDRICK HARDER, District Engineer The motion was made by Alderman Dopheide and seconded by Alderman Carroll to order the Superintendent of Public Works to have a right -turn arrow installed as per the last paragraph of this letter. The motion was voted upon by accla- naties whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. 294 BUSINESS DRIVEWAY ORDINANCE: The Clerk then read for second reading a proposed ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE CONSTRUC- TION AND MAINTENANCE OF DRIVEWAYS OVER PARKWAYS AND SIDEWALKS, AND REPEALING SECTIONS 282 TO 287, BOTH INCLUSIVE, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF IBES PLAINES OF 1928. also the following letter: DES PLAINES BUSINESS MEN'S ASS'N. 1490 Miner Street Des Plaines, Illinois December 2, 1939 Honorable Mayor and City Council Des Plaines, Illinois Gentleman: In..discussing .your new ordinance to inspect and charge an annual inspection feefor driveways leading into the business houses, the majority of our members who maintain such driveways are firm in the belief that thin is discriminatory legislation which will effect a great many local business men,,and-they naturally are not sympathetic with the ordinance. They do not object to paying an inspection fee at the time the driveway As constructed and feel obligated to protect the city in case of any ac- cident occurring on city property, but cannot see any reason for paying an annual fee for the -inspection of said driveways unless the same fee and the same inspection is enforced against all residences. In other words, we understand the city isequally liable for suit where an indivi- dual is injured on a sidewalk in a residential district. We also believe that the sidewalks adjacent to driveways in the business section are in better condition on the whole, than are the sidewalks in the residential district. ' We further understand that there is an ordinance on the books prohibiting the driving of trucks acorse sidewalks in residential areas, but that this ordinance has never been enforced. As a result the sidewalk in many places. has been broken by truck deliveries. We agree with the Council that insome eases individual gasoline stations, are using too much public highway space for thier own driveways, but believe you can force them to correct this without passing your contem- plated ordinance which will penalize every merchant who has a driveway.. Conditions in general in the business world during the past few years have not been conducive to large profits, and it has been difficult for most business houses to make both ends meet. Therefore, we hope that the present trend of legislation by your body that calls for a business man to pay additional services to the city will be discontinued. We realize that your job is a difficult and thankless one, and regardless of what legislation you pass, it is certain to cause criticism from some one. However, we are not writing this in the spirit of criticism but rather to impress upon your body that the business man today is paying a terrific amount of money in taxes to the. Federal and State governments and their business has not been particularly good. Therefore, we hope that the city government will look at further legislation from the viewpoint of the business man before coming,.. to a decision. Very truly yours, DES PLAINES BUSINESS MEN'S ASS'N. Signed: MURRAY S. SMITH, Sec. The motion was made by Alderman Carroll and seconded by Alderman Johnson. to refer this proposed ordinance to the Committee on Public Works, Build- ings and Plats for further study and recommendation. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. PARKING REGULATIONS ON PEARSON STREET: The Clerk t hen read the following letters (see letter on following page.) DES PLAINES BUSINESS'MEN'S ASS'N. 1460 Miner Street Des Plaines, Illinois Honorable Mayor and City Council Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: Nov. 27, 1939 Seven of the merchants on Larson Street held a meeting Friday evening and requested the writer to send you a letter as an official communication from them as to their sentiments on the new widened street. It is the wish of these merchants that parking be limited to sixty min- utes and that cars be allowed to park at a thirty degree angle on the West side of the street and parallel on the East side of the street. This committee further requests that the city sweep the gravel from this street because it creates a dust which is very annoying to the shoppers and keeps the stores dirty at all times. Our President, Mr. Brown, and his committee are investigating the changes to be made in the electrical and building codes. They have had several discussions but are not able to offer an intelligent recommendation cover- ing all pointe at this time. They have requested that you allow them a recess until after the Christmas holidays. They will report their final recommendations to you at the first meetin in January. We noticed your statement in the paper suggesting that we investigate the new ordinance covering driveway inspection. We understand that the gas- oline station organization is sending a representative to your meeting tonight to discuss this legislation with you. Our organization wants to officially thank your body for its whole -hearted cooperation with us during the past year, and to further state that we hope this cooperation will continue throughout 1940. Very truly yours, Des Plaines Business Men's Assn. Signed: M.S. SMITH, Sec. Mayor Ahbe referred this letter to the Des Plaines Safety Council for study and recommendation. ZONING BUSINESS LOTS IN CUMBERLAND TERRACE: The Clerk then read the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: The Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Des Plaines held a public hearing on July 14, 1939, after due notice had been given thereof according to law, and considered the petition of certain property owners to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Des Plaines by changing Lots No. 1 to No. 5 in Block 11, and Lots No. 3 to No. 6 in Block 1, in Bran- igar's Cumberland Terrace, a subdivision in $ of the NW* and the W of the Nak of Section 18-41-12. from Residence District, Area District "A" to Commercial District, Area District "C". The Zoning Board heard the persons interested in the matter and after due consideration of the problem, decided that at present there is already too much commercial property within the City of Des Plaines and it would be contrary to the best interest and public welfare of the citizens of the City of Des Plaines to classify all the above property as commeecial. Therefore your Zoning Board recommends to the City council that an ordinance be passed amending the Zoning Ordinance by changing Lots No. 1 to No. 5 in Block 11, in Branigar's Cumberland Ter- race, from Residence District, Area District "A" to Commercial District, Area District "C"; and that the request to change Lots No. 3 to No. 6 ineaid subdivision from Residence District, Area District "A" to (om- mercial District, Area District "C", be denied. Respectfully submitted, ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Singed: T.R. NAPIERALSKI, Sec. . also read for first reading a proposed ordinance pertaining thereto en- titled$ "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING. AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: "AN ORDINANCE TO CLASSIFY, REGULATE AND RESTRICT THE LOCATIONS OF TRADES AND INDUSTRIES AND THE LOCATION OF BUILDINGS DESIGNED FOR SPECIFIED USES: TO REGULATE AND LIMIT -THE INTENSITY OF THE USE'OF LOT AREAS AND TO REGULATE AND DETERMINE THE AREA OF YARDS', COURTS AND OTHER OPEN SPACES WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDINGS, AND TO ESTABLISH THE BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICTS FOR THE SAID PURPOSES AND PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS". Passed on the Fifth day of February, A.D. 1923, as Heretofore Amended. Mayer Ahbe ordered the said proposed ordinance filed for second reading. TWO FAMILY BUILDING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA: The Clerk then read the following recommendation: RECOMMENDATION To the. Honorable mayor and City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois Gentlemen: The Zoning Board of Appeals convened a legal meeting on July 14, 1939 after due notice thereof had been given according to law, and considered the recommendation of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines that. Section 3 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Des Plaines be amended so as to prohibit the remodelling of single family dwellings into two or more family dwellings. After due consideration of the subject and upon the hearing on said matter, no one appeared and objected to the Zoning Ordinance being amended to prohibit the remodelling of single family dwellings into two or more family dwellings, but several property owners appeared and sup- ported the proposed amendment_. The Board after due consideration was and is of the opinion that it is detrimental to property values, the public welfare, health and best -interests of the City, to permit in Residence Districts, Area District A of the City of Des Plaines, dwellings intended for more than one family and in view of the decision in the case of Merrill vs. Village of Wheaton, 356 I11. 657, the Zoning Board of Appeals recommends that Section 3 v the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Des Plaines be amended to read as follows, to -wit: "ACTION 3: In Residence Districts, Area District "A" and Area District "B" the purposes permitted are for one or more of the following specified uses: 1. Dwellings 2. Churches 3. Educational institutions 4. Transportation rights of way 5. Passenger stations 6. Public parks and playgrounds 7. Public libraries 8. Police and fire departments 9. Streets and alleys Provided, however, that in Residence Districts, Area District "A" no building or residence shall be here- after constructed or remodelled for the use of more than one family; and provided further that in Residence Districts, Area District "B", in addition to the uses above specified premises may be used for hotels, lodging or boarding houses not involving, however, con- duct of a retail business on the premises; and pro- vided further, in addition to the uses above set forth permitted in Residence Districts, Area District "A", there shall be permitted accessory uses customarily incident to the Above uses, including uses for professions and home occupations engaged in by the occu- pants of a dwelling in such dwelling not in- volving the conduct of a retail business on the premises, but not including, however, garages arranged or designed to accomodate more than four passenger motor vehicles of the type commonly defined as pleasure cars." ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS. Signed:, T.R. NAPIERALSKI, Sec• and then read for first reading a proposed ordinance pertaining thereto entitled: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED: "AN ORDINANCE TO CLASSIFY, REGULATE AND RESTRICT TEE LOCATIONS OF TRADES AND INDUSTRIES AND THE LOCATION OF BUILDINGS DESIGNZD FOR SPECIFIED USES: TO REG- ULATE AND LIMIT -THE INTENSITY"OF THE USE OF LOT AREAS AND TO REGULATE AND DETERMINE THE AREA OF YARDS, COURTS AND OTHER OPEN SPACES WITHIN AND SURROUNDING SUCH BUILDINGS, AND TO ESTABLISH THE BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICTS FOR THE SAID PURPOSES AND PRESCRIBING PEN- ALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF ITS PROVISIONS." Passed on the Fifth day of February, A.D. 1923 as Heretofore Amended. The motion was made by Alderman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Henrish to suspend the rules and place this proposed ordinance upon its final passage. The Mayor put the question on the motion to suspend the rules and the Clerk called the roll with the following result: Ayes; Aldermen Carroll, Johnson, Henrich, Loos, Dopheide, Carlson, Friott, Lemke, Schwanbeck and Campagna. Nays; None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion married, the rules suspenddd and the proposed ordinance before the Council for final disposition. The motion was then made by Alderman Johnson and seconded by Alder- man Henrich to finally pass and adopt this proposed ordinance. However, the motion was made by Alderman Carrobl and seconded by Alderman Lemke to refer this proposed ordinance, together with the recommendation pertaining thereto, back to the Zoning Board of Appeals for further consideration. The motion to refer was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor de- clared the motion carried and the said matter referred back to the Zoning Board of Appeals. PROTESTS AGAINST ELECTRICAL INSPECTION FEES: The Clerk then read the following letter: DES PLAINES JOURNAL 1557 Ellinwood St Des Plaines Mr. Hobart M.Ahbe, Mayor City of Des Plaines, Dear Sir; December 2, 1939 Although it has been apparent for some time that our present electrical code is being most injudicially administered, because of your recent promise to see that abuses would be immediately rectified, we have withheld newspaper comment on the matter. But judging from our experience with the electrical department this week, no such relief is contemplated. We believe the theory of our present electrical code is the same as that of most other communities which have adopted them --namely, a protection to the home owner and the community at large, against the use of inferior materials or amateur or poor workmanship. tsut evidently those administering the law here have different ideas, due to the fact that 757, of assessed fees go into some individuals pockets. No other conclusion can be reached when our city's electrical department demands the payment 298 of $2.00 for the right to add ONE EXTRA LIGHT to an existing instal- lation. Such was the outrageous permit fee demanded of us for work during the past week. This light was installed outside of the building far away from city property, and consisted of one socket containing a small60 watt bulb. The contractor on this work Sas a licenses elec- trician who is recognized for doing good work. As a result of this city fee,_ the total cost of adding this one light was $12.00. le agree with the council that the codes of this type are essential to any growing community, but it is customary that discretion beusedin administering any code or ordinance. when your electrical department demands a $2.00 fee for just the right to install such a light to an existing system, we cannot admit that desoretion, or in fact even.inteiligence is being applied by that department, and that the intent of this code is being flagrantly violated.. If such practices are to be condoned by the council and such outrageous fees are to be sanctioned, it is high time that something be done about the matter, and we assure you that it will be a pleasure for our newspaper to bring the matter to the attention of the public, not only at this time, but at some future date when it might be even more opportune, and embarrassing. To show you our interest in this matter, we are publishing this letter in tomorrow's issue of the Des Plaines Journal. We shall be pleased to be allowed to print the Council's ropy in the following issue. Yours very truly, Des Plaines Journal Signed: LL. FABIAN, Publisher. The liayor referred the said letter to the Committee on Public Works, Buildings and Plats. APPROACH TO CUMBERLAND STATION: The Clerk then read the fol- lowing letter: CUMBERLAND TERRACE CIVIC CLUB Dee Plaines, Illinois December 4, 1939 To the Honorable Mayor and members of the City Council Dear Sirs: The Cumberland Terrace Civic Club, which represents the greater majority of home owners residing in the sub -division known as Branigar•s Cumberland Terrace, has made various efforts to have the C & NW Ry Co, provide suitable means of approach to their station platform from the south of their right-of-way. As it now is, pass- engers are compelled to climb an embankment in order to reach the station proper, and 'within the last week or so the State Highway Department planted numerous trees and shrubs on the embankment which makes it practically impossible to approach the station platform. This organization has been contacting the Railway since last. August with reference to a walk of some sort to their station, and the only definite statement made by the Railway was that the com- muter* walk north of the Northwest Highway to a point commonly cal- led the circle" then back south to the sub -walk under the Northwest Highway in order to reach the station platform. This distance is approximately one quarter to one third of .a mileout of the way for commuters living in Cumberland Terrace. Therefore, in view of the fact that the C & NW Railway has taken such attitude towards the matter, we as citizens united, call upon you to exercise your corporate powers or authority to induce or compel the C & NW Ry. to provide suitable means of ingress and egress tot he Cumberland Station from the south of their right-of-way. Any effort on the part of the City with reference to this matter ehall be appreciated by the residents of the community. Sincerely yours, Signed: SRALTER SCHUESSLER, Chairman Improvement Committee The motion was made by Alderman Loos and seconded by Alderman Dopheide to refer this letter to the Streets & Sidewalks Committee for study and report. The motion w as voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. 229 NURSE & WELFARE CHRISTMAS CHEER: The Clerk then read the fol- lowing letters DES PLAINES NURSE & WELFARE Des Plaines, Illinois Dec. 1, 1939 My dear Friends: Withtthe coming of Christmas Season the Des Plaines Nurse and Welfare Association begins plans for bringing cheer to the needy fam- ilies. Every year the people of Des Plaines are very generous in help- ing these less fortunate than themselves, and filling the Christmas bas- kets is an expression of thankfulness. The students of Maine Township High School and the Christmas Benefit Party sponsored by the Elks, Lions and Business Men's Ass'n. provide the canned goods, but oash donations are necessary to buy meat, butter, eggs and fruit. Last year 125 bae- ketswere filled and although the list is not complete the number this year will be about the same. Cash or checks may be sent to the treas- urer, Mr. F. Beer, 1404 Campbell Avenue. We sincerely appreciate your help in making this a cheerful Christmas. The Des Plaines Nurse & Welfare Assn. 00 C\I Signed: MRS. JOHN RAYMOND, Christmas Gift Chairmn The Mayor ordered this letter placed on file. DRAINING WOLF ROAD DITCH NEAR THACKER STREET: The motion manmade by Alderman Dopheide and seconded by Alderman Henrich to refer to the Sewer, Drainage and Sanitation Committee, for study and report, the matter of providingsuitable drainage of the roadside ditches at Wolf Road and Thacker Street with a view toward diverting ditch water from the City sewer to the natural drainage outlet west along the north line of Thacker Street and west along the south line of Thacker Street to empty into Weller Creek. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. SUGGESTSCONDEMNING CERTAIN BUILDINGS: The Clerk then read the following letters: CITY OF DES PLAINES Building Inspector December 2, 1939 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Dee Plaines, Ill. 4 Gentlemen: Calling your attention to a residence on the east side of Maple Street between Oakton and Lincoln Streets. This building and premises are unfit for human habitation and should be condemned until put in condition and passed the inspection of the Health Dept. We recommend that the proper authorities be notified to prevent this residence from being used for living quarters until approved. At this writing the -premises are vacant. Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Des Plaines, Ill. Yours very truly, Signed: FRANK SCHARRINGHAUSEN, Building Inspector CITY OF DES PLAINES Building Inspector December 2, 1939 Gentlemen: Calling your attention to a photograph attached of a garage or barn being erected without permit in commercial area, which is classed as additional fire zone. Have made several stops there, but was not able to find out who was building it. In addition to this, there have been additions made to the Bar -B -Q stand and apparently being used as a residence. Quantities of 230 old used lumber is scattered permisciously around the grounds. This is a very objectionable sight when entering or leaving the city. This sort of building will stunt the building of homes in Des Plaines. Yours very truly, Signed: FRANK SCHARRINGHAUSEN, Building Inspector CITY OF DES PLAINES Building Inspector HonorableMayor and City Council city of Des Plaines, Ill. December 2, 1939 Gentleman: Calling your attention to photograph of a building located at northwest corner of Oakton street and Des Plaines Ave. Thisbuilding was formerly used for a Bar -80Q stand and is now occupied as a residence. This building alone with the recently partly completed garage, togetherwith material scattered over much of the property, making a very bad appearance. This is especially noticeable to anyone passing by, and would not help promote or invite,building in this vicinity. Yours very truly, Signed: FRANK SCHARRINGHAUSEN, Building Inspector The Mayor refered these letters to the Committee on Public Works, Buildings and Plats jointly with the, hoard of Health. APPROVAL OF PLAT OF "CUMBERLAND EAST": The Clerk then submitted for the Council's approval a plat of subdivision entitled: H.M. Cornell's CUMBERLAND EAST Being a Subdivision in the Mt of Section 8, Township 41 North, Range 12 East of the 3rd Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois. It was explained that this proposed plat is submitted in place of theplat approved by the Council ou October 30, 1939, whichhasnever been officially recorded. The motion was made by. Alderman Dopheide and seconded. by Alderman Carlson that approval of the plat approved October 30, 1939 be rescinded, that the said revised plat now under consideration be approved, and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to sign the said revised plat for and in the name of the City ''ouncil of the City of Des Plaines. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the.. said revised plat approved. IINTZNANCE OF STREET NAME SIGNS: Alderman Henrich called the Council's attention to the fact that while he has asked that certain street name signs be replaced or repaired, nothing has been done about the matter. to date. The Mayor referred this matter to the Streets and Sidewalks Committee. CONTROLLING THRU GASOLINE TRUCKS: Alderman Dopheide suggested that the Council pass an ordinance limiting thru gasoline trucks to certain streets, as a fire prevention measure. Mayor Ahbe referred this matter to the City Attorney. PROTESTS PARKING IN FRONT OF FIRE HYDRANTS: Alderman Henrich then informed the Council that he has noticed much parking in front of fire hydrants, due largely to lack of proper street marking. The matter was referred to the Streets and Sidewalks Conunittee for action. 231 TRAFFIC HAZARD AT RAND ROAD AND MINER STREET: Mayor Ahbe then voiced the request of several citizens that some means be provided to permit students from Maine Township Highschool to cross Hand Road on Miner Street with less hazard. The motion was made by Alderman Carroll and seconded b, y Alderman Dopheide to refer this problem to the Des Plaines Safety Council for study and recommendation. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried. SUGGESTS REMOVING ECHO CANOPY: Alderman Henrich requested that steps be taken to remove the Echo Theatre canopy extending over the public sidewalk on Lee Street because of its unsightliness and because roof water in large quantities from the said canopy is emptied upon the side- walk. The matter was referred to the Streets and bidewalks committee by the Mayor. ASKS ENFORCEMENT OF DOG ORDINANCE: Alderman Henrich reported numerous dogs about the business district unleashed, and asked thatsteps be taken to eliminate this condition which is existing contrary to the provisions of the "Dog Ordinance". SUGGESTS AMENDING ELECTRICAL CODE: Alderman Henrich suggested that the Revised Building Code of 1939 be amended so as to remove there- from the provision which makes it unlawful for anyone who is not a Registered Electrical Contractor, to install electrical wiring or to do electrical work. The Mayor referrd this matter to the City Attorney for study and report. APPOINT LIBRARY TRUSTEE: Mayor Ahbe then appointed the fol- lowing as a member -se the Board of Library Trustees: FATS LONGLEY, for the unexpired term of Kenneth W. Downing, resigned. Term expires April 30, 1941. The motion was made by Alderman Johnson and seoonded by Alderman Carroll to confirm the said appointment. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the appointment con- firmed. POLICE BENEFIT ASS'N. PRESENTS TICKETS: Mayor Abbe, then dis- tributed to each member of the Council a complimentary ticket for the Annual Police Benefit Ball to be held at Maine Township Highschool Gymnasium on Saturday evening December 9, 1939. The Mayor fittingly expressed to the Police Benefit Association the gratitude of the members of the Council. APPROVAL OF BILLS: The Finance Committee, through its chairman Alderman Johnson, then introduced the following proposed resolution: RESOLVED THAT THE FOLLOWING BILLS AND WAGES ARE DUE AND PAYABLE AND THAT THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE PROPER VOUCHER WARRANTS IN PAYMENT OF THE SAME. 4874 Middle States Telephone 4876 Ditto, Inc. 4878 A. Kennicott 4880 Middle States Tel Co 4882 Middle States Tel Co 4884 Middle States Tel Co 4886 Frank Scharringhausen 4888 Middle States Tel Co 4890 Lagerhausen Lbr & Coal 4892 Albert Ritter 4894 Chas. Krueger 4896 D. Hildebrandt 4898 Pure Oil Prod Co 4900 Lagerhausen Lbr & Coal 4902 Fred Kaufman 4904 John Lewis 4906 City Clerk Petty Cash 4908 Public Service Co 4910 Lagerhausen Lbr & Coal 4912 Des Plaines Publ Co Co 33.05 4875 Middle States Tel Co 19.82 4877 Des Plaines Journal 75.00 4879 Des Plaines Publ. Co 37.30 4881 Harry E. Kruse 3.00 4883 Des Plaines Publ.Co 7.50 4885 Wm. Radlein 161.25 4887 Arthur Hieck 4.95 4889 Lagerhausen Lbr & Coal 9.97 4891 Chicago Blue Print Co 60.00 4893 Bert Sweeney 3.60 4895 L. Payne 2.70 4897 Harry Kruse 16.74 4899 Public Service 3.12 4901 Middle States Tel Co 45.60 4903 Bert Sweeney 34.20 4905 Fred Jungwith .35 4907 General Chemical Co 762.90 4909 Rust-Oleum Paint Corp 4.16 4911 Middle States Tel Co 7.10 4913 J.R. Wesley 20.35 10.30 38.40 1.90 6.50 46.80 66.79 28.78 3.05 5.00 3.60 16.08 Co 10.38 9.10 55.00 21.60 64.27 24.58 16.25 34.62 232 4914 Lagerhausen Lbr & Coal Co 4916 Addressograph Sales Agency 4918 Middle States Tel Co 4920 Des Plaines Vol.Fire Dept. 4922 Middle States Tel Co 4924 Bd.Trustees Firemen's P.F. 12.27 4915 James B.CLow & Sons 2.78 4917 J.W. Peterson 3.25 4919 Joe Palmer 125.00 4921 Ed Geisen 6.28 4923 Bd.Trustees Police PP 1.19 4925 D P Vol Fire Dept. 37.24 3.-75 9.45 52.80 38.77 .72 The motion was made by Alderman Johnson and seconded by Alderman Lemke to adopt this proposed resolution. The Mayor put the question and the Clerk called the roll with the following results Ayes; Aldermen Carroll, Johmr son, Henrich, Loos, Dopheide, Friott, Lemke, Schwanbeck and Campagna. Nays; None. The Mayor thereupon declared the motion carried and the said resolution :adopted. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Each member of. the Council having been supplied with a copy of the minutes of the regular council meeting held Monday, November 20, 1939, the motion was made by Alderman Lemke and seconded by Alderman Friott to approve the said minutes as written. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the :_motion carried andthe said minutes approved. ADJOURNMENT: The motion was made by Alderman Schwanbeck and seconded by Alderman Carlson that the Council adjourn. The motion was voted upon by acclamation whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and the Council regularly adjourned. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINFS HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1(439 AT THE HOUR OF 8:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER:. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hobart M. Ahbe presiding, with Aldermen Johnson, Henrich, Loos, Dopheide, Carlson, Friott, Lemke, Schwanbeck and Campagna responding to the roll call. Alderman Carroll was absent during this roll call but arrived soon thereafter. THE JUDICIARY & ASSESSI.NT COMMITTEE had no report to offer. THE POLICE & LICENSE COMMITTEE had no report to offer. THE STREETS & SIDEWALKS COMMITTRE: The Clerk the n read the following report: To the Chairman Schwanbeck, Streets and Sidewalks committee, at the meeting of the City Council, held December 4, 1939, the following matter was referred to your committee: The matter of seeing that the canopy over the public sidewalk at the old Echo Theatre is removed as well as the matter of eliminating the nuisance caused by downspout water emptying directly upon the sidewalk was referred to your committee. E.J.Friedrich, City Clerk Your Committee on Streets and Sidewalks has investigated the above and has found that there is an unnecessapy nuisance at the above location and the committee has notified the proper person for repairs. We, your committee therefore recommend that in view of the fact that the above theatre is in the process of being leased, the present owners promised repairs in either case. Signed, Committee: T. Schwanbeck H.E. Friott S. Campagna Mayor Ahbe ordered this report placed on file.