1963-10-17 - Village Board Regular Meeting - Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, COUNTIES OF COOK
AND LAKE, ILLINOIS, HELD THURSDAY OCTOBER 17, 1963 IN THE
L... LOUISA MAY ALCOTT PUBLIC SCHOOL, BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS.
The President called the meeting to order at approximately 8:10 P.M. All present
stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk called the roll and the
following were found present:
President Farrington; Trustees Rueckel, Racette, Marsh, Weiskopf, Huxhold
ABSENT: Trustee Frank (arrived 8:20 P.M.)
Trustee Racette stated a correction in the minutes on page 2 should be made.
Prior to Trustee Marsh's comments, he (Trustee Racette) asked the status
of the fire truck and the license for it and noted that children had been
riding on ti. President Farrington stated it should be noted that the member—
ship to the Suburban Building Officials Conference is a renewal. The Clerk
noted the corrections and Trustee Racette moved the minutes of October 3rd
be approved as corrected. Trustee Marsh seconded the motion and it was
unanimously carried with Trustee Rueckel abstaining.
Trustee Racette reported that the Public Improvements Committee is making its
sidewalk survey and the farmhouse is being repaired. It will cost between
$50.00 and $75.00 to repair. The weeds have been mowed on Raupp and Mohawk.
Trustee Marsh stated that at a Police and Traffic Committee meeting, Richard
Ball was recommended as the new juvenile officer. Several items were referred
to the finance committee for their recommendation and the difficulty in issuing
citations under certain village ordinances was discussed.
The Plan Commission had no official report but presented its recommendation
on Glen Grove to the Board. President Farrington read a letter from Charles
Wilhelm (Doc. #197) dated October 15, 1963, transmitting documents relative
to the proposed Glen Grove Subdivision. President Farrington stated no action
would be taken on the recommendation because a meeting has been set up one week
from tonight to specifically discuss Glen Grove.
Trustee Frank arrived and was present for the meeting.
Trustee Weiskopf gave the Finance Committee report recommending purchase of
1. Five pair of uniform slacks for radio operators
2. Five badges for radio operators
3. Eleven raincoats for policemen
4. Two fingerprint outfits for police
and deferring recommendation on
5. One model 100 Poloroid Camera for police
until more information could be obtained. Trustee Marsh explained the importance
of having a Poloroid Camera. Trustee Weiskopf stated that it would be the
concurrence of the Finance Committee to recommend purchase of the camera in
light of the information received. Decision was deferred to new business.
Trustee Huxhold stated he had a report. He stated he had been given an order
I ' to get the fire department in shape. He directed Chief Marsh to submit a financial
report and asked the Chief to sign and have the men sign the application
blanks. Up to now, these things had not been done. He stated that because
of this and previous happenings, he requests the dismissal of J. Marsh as Chief.
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He is also asking the firemen to reconsider the application and think it over.
He did not think it took away any rights and stated he feels they want a fire
department as does every member of the board and the struggle to get one is
harder than if it were already organized. He stated since January when J. Marsh
became Chief, nothing has been done, no real training of any sort accomplished
and he felt the men want to stay and be a fire department and would like to get
out and train. He asked that they sign the applications and return them to
him by next Tuesday and they could then start in to form a real fire department.
He also recommended that those who refuse to sign be dismissed from the department.
Chief Marsh then stated that he had the financial statement with him. He stated
he refused to sign the application because when he had been sworn in as Chief
he signed an application. President Farrington stated the form was not compre-
hensive enough and the Board directed that the new application be adapted.
Chief Marsh stated that the men had agreed to take a physical and be fingerprinted
but did not want to sign the application because it stated Othere will be no
compensation and will be entirely on a Volunteer Basis." He stated if they
sign this they will never be able to become a paid department. The second
point of contention was the statement "I hereby agree not to participate
actively in any local politics while a member of the Volunteer Department"
He stated they have been legally advised that this could be interpreted to mean
if they went to the polls to vote they would be actively participating in
politics and thus it takes away their right to vote. President Farrington stated
thinking has gone astray - no one can take away the right to vote from anyone.
The Board is not taking on dictatorial powers but merely exercising the powers
given by statute - to oversee the fire department. The Board can draft new
applications, by-laws or change the organizational set up
4fayetriefte4. He stated the problem is apparently the failure of the fire depart-
ment to realize the village board has authority over it.
Chief Marsh stated they recognize the authority of the board but do not feel
they should be required to fill out new applications again. President Farrington
stated that the fire truck is also controlled by the Village and at no time
are children to be permitted on the truck no matter where it is. On questioning,
Chief Marsh stated tickets had been sold for rides on the truck at the picnic.
Village Attorney, Mr. Raysa, stated that the political statement does not take
away the power to bote. He stated the phraseology might be modified or made
more specific, but no city or village wants the fire or police department to
use their office for political party advancement. This is a common statement
in most applications for police and fire department positions. The men have a
perfect right to run for office and no one will say they cannot but they should
resign their jobs first. Chief Marsh stated that if the phraseologh is changed,
it will be acceptable.
President Farrington stated that if at any time the fire department would be paid
the men would not be barred from receiving pay. Chief Marsh stated that he
did not think it should enter into the application. President Farrington stated
it was included so that the men could not demand pay for fighting a fire when
there were no funds for that purpose.
Trustee Marsh stated that in Iowa an application very similar was upheld by
the Supreme Court as being valid and legal because it did not intend to deprive
anyone from voting, merely from participating actively in a political campaign.
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Trustee Rueckel then stated that he was somewhat chagrined that both the board
and the fire department are bineg petty about the entire thing with constant
bickering month after month, no one completely right and no one completely
wrong. He stated he is not too concerned with the right to vote part of the
statement regarding politics, but did not feel actively engaging in politics
should be prohibited. He stated that in the American Spirit he felt everyone
should be allowed to engage in politics. He questioned how anyone could decide
what actively engaging in politics really means and who could enforce it.
If running for office, they should resign from the department but beyond that
he did not think restriction was necessary. Mr. Raysa again reiterated that
this is a common practice for the simple reason that it is an acknowledged fact
that firemen and policemen have prestige and can use their office for the
advancement of a political party. Trustee Rueckel stated he wished to use a general
quote "because other people do it doesn't make it right for Buffalo Grove."
Trustee Marsh stated he agreed it would be difficult to be a "Solosen" and
decide what is considered actively engaging in politics, but prior to last April's
election when Chief Marsh was asked why certain things were not done, he
stated he could not get the men together for a meeting because they were
"busy campaigning". He stated he did not think it is wise for any member to
engage actively in politics.
Fred Porter stated that in keeping with the American Spirit, the Federal and
State Governments have found it expedient to prohibit their employees from
actively engaging in politics by passing the Hatch Act. Regardless of whether
this type of statement is included on the form or separate, is a mere techni-
cality, but if it appears on the form it makes the person more aware of what
he is signing.
Trustee Rueckel stated he is familiar with the Hatch Act, but people in civil
service are being paid $150.00 a week or more. Trustee Frank stated he was
amazed to hear Trustee Rueckel measure the American Spirit by $150.00 a week.
He stated the Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from engaging in politics
on the federal level for obvious reasons. He stated it could be equated to
the sitaution in the village when in the last election many members of the
fire department did support a political party. He stated when sides are taken
in a heated local election, serious consequences can result. He stated the
fire department seems to be reluctant to recognize that the village beard has
authority over them. He stated if they were under the jurisdiction of the
Rural Fire District, the board would have no authority over them nor would
they contribute financially.
President Farrington stated that regardless of what happened there will be a
fire department in Buffalo Grove and it is the Board' s wish that the members
of taday will comprise the department of tomorrow. He stated things must be
ironed out because there is a tremendous expense involved in getting the
department to a point where they are ready to fight fires. If a department
becomes involved in a turmoil, such as this, they might not have time to fight
fires and only the people will suffer. He asked the men to reconsider the
signing of the form and asked the Board to remove J. Marsh as Chief.
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Mr. J. Kronberger of the audience was recognized. He asked questions regarding
the training of the fire department when there is no equipment available.
President Farrington stated to equip a fire department completely is very
expensive and as long as we are under the Rural Fire District it would be
illegal to form a department of our own. He stated the men were given offers
from Long Grove, Wheeling, and Mundelein which have not been::.utilized. He
stated the Rural district will release some funds toward establishing a department
in Buffalo Grove but only when they know that a training program has been
outlined and will be followed. Trustee Marsh quoted a 1heeling Herald article
of July llth which described the double taxation for fire protection in suburbs
such as Buffalo Grove. He stated this happens when money for equipment is taken
out of the general fund while the people are still paying taxes to the Fire
District. Trustee Frank stated that technically we are not responsible to
provide fire protection - we are under the rural fire district and they are
responsible to provide protection. This is done by contracting to Wheeling
to come out to our Village. Wheeling receives $18,000 a year for this.
The Village Board authorized the fire department because the men stated it
would be strictly voluntary and they would undertake the financing themselves.
He stated that a lot of training could have been done without hoses and equip-
went. President Farrington stated there is a lot of history connected with
the present discussions.
Clifford Burmeister stated he is a new resident of the Village and very
interested in the fire department. He stated his father and brother who
are firemen in Glenview have volunteered to come out and help our department
get started. He stated he agreed there is a lot of training that could be
done without hoses. He stated he wants a fire department and expressed a
`. desire to have things settled so progress could be made.
Following further discussion Trustee Racette moved that Chief Marsh be
removed as Chief for reasons stated. Trustee Huxhold Seconded the motion.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AY'S: Trustees Racette, Marsh, Huxhold, Frank
NAYS: Trustees Rueckel, Weiskopf
President Farrington stated that it is not a pleasurable duty to do but if we
are to have a department it must be done. Trustee Frank stated that his yes
vote was no personal reflection on J. Marsh as Chief but merely because of
conflict of personalities. He stated it is not a dismissal from the fire
department but merely as Chief. Trustee Rueckel moved the board send a
resolution to thank Mr. Marsh for the job he had done . Trustee Frank seconded
the motion and it was unanimously carried. President Farrington directed
Trustee Rueckel to draft the resolution.
OLD BUSINESS
President Farrington read proposed Ordinance amending the section of the Zoning
Ordinance 0-61-7. Trustee Racette moved the Ordinance 0-63-12 be adopted. Trustee
Huxhold seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.
ti... President Farrington stated there is nothing in the statute calling out a
specific term for treasurer nor does our ordinance call out a term. Trustee
Weiskopf stated that both he and the treasurer thought it was a four year term.
President Farrington stated he is treasurer until his successor is appointed.
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President Farrington questioned whether the letter had been received from Mr.
Moser. The Clerk stated it had not. Trustee Marsh asked whether a follow-up
had been sent. The Clerk stated it had. President Farrington directed Trustee
Marsh to contact Mr. Moser since he had made the motion to send the orginal
letter.
Trustee Rueckel stated the $92.00 bill from Satellite should be $72.00.
NEN BUSINESS
President Farrington stated that we are 1 of 2 villages that does not have
a Civil Defense Director. He stated Mr. E. Kaiser has agreed to assume the
Civil Defense Directorship in Buffalo Grove. He appointed Mr. Kaiser to the
position. Trustee Weiskopf moved the appointment be approved. Trustee Marsh
seconded the motion. Trustee Frank stated he felt the Civil Defense concept
is ridiculous and a waste:.• of money. He stated he wished to make it clear
he was not opposing Mr. Kaiser as a person but the entire Civil Defense concept.
Trustee Weiskopf thought it was good if for no other reason than to find out
what we are doing and what can be done. On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYES: Trustees Rueckel, Racette, Marsh, Weiskopf, Huxhold
NAYS: Trustee Frank
President Farrington then stated that a bill from Mobil Oil had been received
for gasoline purchases on Buffalo Grove Day. A note attached stated "no
remittance is necessary, please consider it a donation for Buffalo Grove Day".
President Farrington directed Trustee Marsh to include it in his thank yous.
President Farrington stated the Village Baptist Church is seriously considering
acquisition of land on Buffalo Grove Road north of the Golf Course, 240' frontage
and 350' deep. It is within county zoning and if they acquire the land they
will build under county regulations. Since it is part of the overall picture
of the village he requested the Plan Commission to look into it and talk with
Rev. Peterson to find out if there are any details of building, etc.
President Farrington stated a bill in the amount of $32.00 has been received
which was not authorized, covering final grading of an area in the park.
C. Wagstaff did the work, but no money had been discussed. Trustee Huxhold
stated it looked like a misunderstanding and moved the bill be paid. Trustee
Racette seconded the motion. Trustee Weiskopf requested the payment be with-
held until he talked to Mr. Wagstaff. Trustee Frank moved the motion be
tabled. Trustee Huxhold seconded the motion and it was unanimously,carried.
President Farrington stated that since last spring a boy in the Village has
been diligently raising and lowering the flag in the park. He stated that as
a token of appreciation for services rendered a bond be authorized to Bruce
Barr to recognize the fact that he has done something. Trustee Rueckel moved
that $18.75 be authorized for a savings bond along with a letter of thanks.
Trustee Racette seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.
Upon the recommendation of the Police and Traffic Committee, President Farrington
appointed Richard Ball as juvenile officer for Buffalo Grove.
Trustee Marsh moved the appointment be approved. Trustee Racette
seconded the motion and it was unanimously carried.
President Farrington stated a letter had been received from the
Northeastern Illinois Metropolitan Area Planning Commission in
acknowledgement of $50.00 received from the Village .
Trustee Frank stated there was a request from Mrs . Thorud for
the Girl Scouts to use the park for a cook-out on November 8th.
President Farrington stated he could see no reason why not and
stated that all such requests should be direct to the Park
Commission.
Trustee Marsh moved the board authorize an expenditure not to
exceed $355 .00 for the purchase of the items indicated on the
finance committee report. Trustee Racette seconded the motion.
Trustee Frank stated he found it hard to justify 5 pair of slacks
for the radiomen. He moved the appropriation for the slacks
and poloroid camera be stricken from the motion. He felt the money
could be used elsewhere in the Village . Trustee Marsh stated these
items had been anticipated in the budget and stated the camera is
a necessity. He stated the radio operators are civil volunteers and if
we loose them we will have to hire some at a greater expense .
Trustee Srank stated since there was not a recognized second to
his motion the discussion was out of order . He requested the Chair
to direct him to properly amend the motion. President Farrington
stated that with board concurrence he would waive formality.
Trustee Frank then moved that the motion be amended to delete items
1 and 5 . Trustee Rueckel seconded the motion. On roll call the
vote was as follows :
NAYS : Trustees Racette, Marsh, 4eiskopf, Huxhold
AYES : Trustees Rueckel, Frank
Roll was called on the original motion to appropriate a sum
not to exceed $355 .00. The vote was as follows :
AYES : Trustees Racette, Marsh, Weiskopf, Huxhold
NAYS : Trustees Rueckel, Frank
Trustee Racette requested and moved the board appropriate a petty
cash fund of $100.00 for the Public Improvements Committee for
emergency expenditures . Trustee Weiskopf seconded the motion and
it was unanimously carried.
Trustee Huxhold stated so that all facets of discussion on Glen
Grove and the Utility are covered, he moved that President Farrington
write a letter to Buffalo Utility offering to purchase the Utility
once more . Trustee Racette seconded the motion. Trustee Marsh
questioned whether it was necessary that a sum be indicated.
President Farrington stated it is based on mutual agreement upon
the engineering appraisal of the system. He also stated he
had no doubt as to the answer . On roll call the vote was as
follows :
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AYES : Trustees Rueckel, Racette, Marsh, Weiskopf, Huxhold
NAYS : Trustee Frank
Trustee Weiskopf stated he is investigating the use of MFT funds on
repair of sidewalks and asked the Attorney and Engineer for
their opinion. Mr . Raysa stated he will check into a recent
publication covering what can and cannot be done with respect
to sidewalks.
When approving Ordinance 0-63-12 the incorrect # was used. Trustee
Racette moved the number be corrected. Trustee Huxhold seconded
the motion and it was unanimously carried.
There being no further business discussion from the audience was
entertained. Judge Porter request the board look into obtaining
copies of the Illinois Revised Statute .
He then stated he had received forms which had to be filled out
stating what kind of court room the Village could provide when the
Blue Ballot goes into effect. He stated the specifications for
the courtroom were attached. If the Village does not provide
facilities, officers and defendants will have to go elsewhere for
trials. Mr . Raysa stated it was impossible for our Village, which
cannot support a fire and police department, to furnish facilities
for a district courtroom. President Farrington asked that the
form be given to the Board for study.
John Schmalzer asked what the status was of the farm house which
was mentioned in a letter from Mr. Moser last Spring. President
Farrington directed Trustee Marsh to include this in his follow-up.
Trustee Marsh moved the meeting be adjourned to October 24th at
8 :00 P.M. at the Alcott School. Trustee Racette seconded the
motion. On roll call the vote was as follows :
AYES : Trustees Rueckel, Racette, Marsh, Weiskopf, Huxhold, Frank
NAYS : None
The meeting was declared adjourned to October 24, 1963.
Respectfully submitted,
4 / /1
Vill 4 e lerk