1980-01-14 - Village Board Committee of the Whole - Minutes `.1
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS, HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1980,
AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD, BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS.
President Clayton called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.
Roll call indicated the following present: President Clayton; Trustees
Marienthal , O'Reilly, Hartstein, Kavitt, Gerschefske. Trustee Stone was
absent. Also present were William Balling, Village Manager; William Raysa,
Village Attorney; William Sommer, Assistant Village Manager; and Gregory
Boysen, Director of Public Works.
SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL PROGRAM
Mr. Balling stated that the Village was forced to terminate its agreement
with One-Way Janitorial Service for contract snow removal because of lack
of compliance with bid specifications.
Two alternative options would be: (1) to use Public Works Water Department
personnel , using our Toro groundsmaster riding lawnmower with a snow thrower
attachment, which would have to be purchased; (2) the same service approach
as above, but following the bid area.
The concern with these options would be the increased wear and tear on the
mower; however, Mr. Balling said the Village may be able to lease a piece of
equipment.
Trustee Marienthal suggested that possibly a local landscape firm would be
willing to take on the job at a price of $50 per mile, up to $6,000.
President Clayton asked if this task would take a very low priority if done
by Village personnel . Mr. Balling said that would be true in a major snow
storm, but a minor snow storm would not present too much of a problem.
President Clayton stated that Trustee Stone had told her that he prefers going
to bid again, and does not wish to use Public Works personnel .
President Clayton polled the Board: "Yes" indicates favor of contracting with
a landscape firm or any other type of firm that would do this type of work;
"No" indicates opposition:
YES: Marienthal , O'Reilly, Hartstein, Kavitt, Gerschefske
NO: None
ABSENT: Stone
Mr. Balling stated that he will report back to the Board as soon as possible.
SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL ORDINANCE
President Clayton reviewed some of the concerns which were brought up the last
time this ordinance was discussed.
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JANUARY 14, 1980
PAGE TWO
Trustee O'Reilly stated that she does not think it is practical to only
allow three hours for residents to shovel their walks; she feels twenty-four
is more reasonable. Mrs. O'Reilly also feels that the last two paragraphs
under 12.04. 121 should be removed, as she does not feel they are workable.
Regarding enforcement, she stated that she would not expect the Police
Department to go around checking the sidewalks.
Mr. Henry Leuzinger, 800 Twisted Oak, said that three hours is not a
reasonable amount of time to allow for snow removal , since when both people
work, that would be impossible to comply with.
Mrs. Sandy Bornstein feels the sidewalks should be kept clear because of
the many children walking to schools. She said that, if the concern is
enforcement, perhaps the ordinance could work the same way as the Recreational
Vehicle Ordinance does, where it is handled on a complaint basis.
Mr. Leuzinger stated that he would like to go on record stating that the
sidewalks should be cleared by the property owner within a reasonable amount
of time; however, the property owner should not be liable for the Village
trucks putting 12 ' of snow on the sidewalks.
Mr. and Mrs. Laskin of Twisted Oak stated that the children do not use the
sidewalks, but walk in the streets whether there is snow or not.
Trustee Gerschefske stated that he does not think the homeowners should be
responsible for shoveling the sidewalks because they do not own them.
Mr. Harold Schweinebraten stated that corner lots have too many feet of side-
walk to be cleared, particularly when Village trucks pile snow from the streets
on them.
Trustee Kavitt thinks the intent behind the ordinance is good, but he thinks
there are too many pitfalls. He feels we should strive for goodwill to
encourage people to clear the sidewalks. He thinks the ordinance would be
totally unenforceable.
Trustee O'Reilly stated that she now has names of about 35 students who would
voluntarily shovel walks for people who are incapacitated. Mrs. Bornstein
stated that many people would benefit from clear sidewalks. She said we have
ordinances regulating trash, and recreational vehicles for appearance's sake,
and she feels we should have an ordinance regarding snow removal for safety's
sake.
President Clayton stated that Trustee Stone informed her that he is against
any ordinance which would force residents to shovel their walks.
President Clayton polled the Board: "Yes" indicates favor of pursuing the
ordinance regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks; "No" indicates
opposition.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
JANUARY 14, 1980
PAGE THREE
YES: O'Reilly
NO: Marienthal , Hartstein, Kavitt, Gerschefske
ABSENT: Stone
President Clayton asked the papers to inform readers that the Village
strongly encourages residents to shovel their sidewalks.
Moved by Kavitt, seconded by Hartstein, to adjourn to Executive Session
, to discuss personnel and litigation. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
The Executive Session was adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
Janet-N. Sirabian, Village Clerk
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