Public Safety & Transportation Committee

Village of Lombard Village Hall 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Wednesday, November 7, 2018 7:00 PM Lorraine G. Gerhardt Community Room Public Safety & Transportation Committee Trustee Dan Whittington, Chairperson Alternate Chairperson Jennifer Perkins, Michael Corso, John Larkin, John Schwarz, Robert Corbino, Gary Cation and John Mullins Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Whittington at 7:00 P.M. 2.0 Roll Call Dan Whittington, Mike Fugiel, Jennifer Perkins, Michael Corso, John Larkin Jr., John Schwarz, Bob Corbino, Gary Cation, John Mullins, and Jerry Shaefer Staff Present: Scott Niehaus, Village Manager Nicole Aranas, Assistant Village Manager Chief Newton, Police Department Sergeant Menolascino, Police Department Chief Sander, Fire Department Deputy Chief Kickert, Fire Department 3.0 Public Participation Trustee Whittington moved the Public Participation agenda item to after the presentation on Strategic Revenue Generation Discussion - Video Gaming. 4.0 Approval of Minutes A motion was made by John Larkin, Jr., seconded by Gary Cation, that the Minutes of the June 6, 2018 meeting be approved. The motion carried unanimously. 5.0 Unfinished Business 6.0 New Business 180468 12 S. Park Avenue, Removal of 5-Minute Parking Sign A request from a business owner to remove the 5-Minute Parking sign located at 12 S. Park Avenue. The business for which it was installed has closed. (DISTRICT #1) A motion was made by John Larkin, Jr., seconded by Bob Corbino, that this Request be recommended to the Board of Trustees for approval. The motion Village of Lombard Page 1 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee passed by an unanimous vote. 180450 Discussion-Video Gaming Discussion and recommendation from the Public Safety & Transportation Committee regarding whether video gaming should be permitted within the corporate limits of the Village of Lombard. Scott Niehaus reviewed the Strategic Revenue Generation Discussion Video Gaming presentation. He explained that part of this discussion will include budget updates for the committee, as well as a discussion about video gaming and other other potential revenue sources. Gary Cation asked if every town has a maximum of 5 terminals per establishment. Scott Niehaus clarified that it is a State limit. Mike Corso asked if there is a license fee. Scott Niehaus answered that, as a non-home rule community Lombard is permitted to charge $25.00 per machine. However, if Lombard were home rule, some charge $500.00 per terminal. Chief Newton addressed the committee. He was tasked with doing a survey of communities that have video gaming. There has been no increased criminal activity as a result of gaming machines and no increased need for additional staff. That's not to say there has been no criminal activity. There is some, but it is very limited. Those crimes are burglaries that are occurring at the gaming parlors. We do not anticipate, based on the survey and personal observation of various establishments, that the Village would need additional police personnel. Although you read stories about people winning at the casino and being robbed, there are no reported cases like that at these establishments. Gary Cation asked if there would come a break-even point where the Police Department may need additional staff. Chief Newton responded that would come as we begin to allow more, or more establishments have them. However, Villa Park has 18 locations with 85 terminals and Addison, as a conservative estimate, has at least 25 locations and they don't feel the need for increased staff. John Larkin stated that he is in favor of it and would have no regrets going forward with it. John Mullins said that he would like more information before he makes a final decision. John Schwarz said that he is for it. Village of Lombard Page 2 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee Bob Corbino said that he is a member of the VFW in Villa Park, which has five machines. He added that he doesn't gamble, but the Village is missing out on revenue, because a lot of people from Lombard go to Villa Park to gamble. We've missed out on four or five years of revenue. He further added that he understands concerns, but this particular establishment is well regulated, well lighted, well surveilled and additionally an employee has to be facing yhe machines at all times. They do not have keys, it is totally regulated by the State. If there is something wrong with a machine they call the operator and they fix it. They just provide a space. He stated that he believes we should jump on that band wagon now and it will help the Village as a whole. He would vote yes. Mike Corso stated that he has no concerns from a safety stand point. Jennifer Perkins said that she would like to hear public comment. Gary Cation asked if the signatures on the petition were from Lombard. Scott Niehaus replied that he estimates at least 95% are. Cation pointed out that Forest Park just rescinded gaming because of a failed referendum. Niehaus explained that the way the gaming law is written a community could authorize it to exist, and it has existed in Forest Park since 2016. The State wrote in a catch-valve that gave citizens the right to create a petition, and if enough signatures are obtained, they can do a referendum. It can be a binding referendum. What took place in Forest Park was a grass roots citizen effort, and the citizens voted to rescind video gaming. For example, in the early 80's Lombard was home rule. We were over 25,000 citizens and we could adopt it by ordinance, but with home rule citizens have the right to rescind it and that's what happened in Lombard, Lisle and Rockford. Cation stated that he understands that tonight we have to base decisions on public safety. He added that he's not sure it's needed in this town, but will vote based on public safety. Public Participation Alex Delgado stated that he came because he has spoken to Chief Newton about the parking situation on South Broadway. The apartment buildings have no parking, there is only parking allowed in a strip in front of the Prairie Path. There are no regulations about who parks there. Residents have tags that he was told you are only allowed two per residency. Everybody parks there, it's a free for all. It's been a problem and it gets worse in the winter. Sometimes have nowhere to park but the street, but you can't park on the street when it snows. Village of Lombard Page 3 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee Mary Mae Meyer said that after the Finance Committee meeting she went to the Illinois Gaming Board and read the regulation, which is really intense. It's highly regulated and she learned a lot. Legalizing video gambling in Lombard is being presented as a needed revenue source, but it has more to do with the bigger, long-range picture. Elected officials and Department Heads worked together for years to establish a mission statement and strategic plan. Vowing to create a distinctive sense of spirit and an outstanding quality of life. These documents contain guiding principals and they view community image as a strength and an opportunity to be built upon. They state the importance of branding, building and maintaining a good reputation and making our community better, all of which requires setting good examples. You don't set yourself apart by being like everybody else. You can't be unique by trying to be all things to all people. You do accomplish that by demonstrating consistency between your values and your actions. Where she is coming from has more to do with that than any individual situation. She believe our leaders are duty bound to uphold the values that they themselves have attached to the words outstanding quality of life, and to the guiding principals which deal with, not just financial stability, but branding and protecting the marketability of our village. The potential harm is evident by the requirement of license and registration. Reducing potential harm improves our quality of life. There are many good citizens on both sides of this issue. Shed added that she spoke against opening the portal to video gambling in 2014. It was closed then and she believes it should stay closed. She believes the decision should be put to rest by referendum. She has growing concerns about this quality of life in this Lombard image which is unique in the area. One of the concerns is that every fundraiser you see now has something to do with selling ale, which is putting people under 21 off limits. To her that somehow works into this quality of life, the attraction of young families to the community. It seems that for the price of $150,000, surely we can find another way. She went on to say that she does wish the bar owners well. They are good people and she doesn't fault them whatsoever, but there's another side to the coin. Maryann O'Neill stated that she is the owner of O'Neills and also a Lombardian since 1971. She raised four children here. They went to school, participated in sports activities and used the library. Her and her husband found Lombard to be a very welcome, family-centered community. Three of the children have moved back to Lombard. Her family pays a lot of revenue in property taxes with owning six or seven homes in Lombard. Nine of 11 grandchildren go to school in Lombard. Lombard is very important to her. If she thought she was bringing a criminal element into her establishment she would never be in favor of Village of Lombard Page 4 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee video gaming. We are losing money, it's difficult to stay alive and stay in business when half of the young people are going to Villa Park because they have gaming machines. We're losing money and it's not just the $150,000 and the little bit of licensing that we would pay. If our sales go up, that's additional sales tax. A group of businesses have gotten together, about 20 establishments that are interested for the same reason she is. That little bit of extra money would allow her to fix the parking lot and do some of the improvements that she needs to do and still be able to give employees a living wage. We're employers, we employ people in Lombard, we hold fundraisers, support local sports teams, we're involved in the community in a lot of ways, not just as business owners. We live here, we're invested in the community. She worked for meals on wheels and her husband was on Village board, as well as involved in various local organizations. We want to stay involved and we want to stay in Lombard, but it is becoming increasingly difficult. Respectfully ask you to consider the business owners too. It is a difficult subject and agree that there are good people on both sides, but we want to stay in business. Liam Quirke (Punky's Pub) in business 45 years. With video gaming in other towns around us, we are seeing a loss in business at lunch, dinner and the bar. Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace, Glendale Heights and Addison average $4,000 per video terminal annually. That's what the city gets. With Lombard estimate at 40-50 terminals, could easily see it being 80 terminals at $4,000 per terminal. That's a lot of money. To answer the question about Forest Park, it is a small town of about 14,000 people. They lost that referendum 51% to 49% and they lost $170,000 in revenue. The revenue is lost to Forest Park, but it will go to the next town. They'll go somewhere else. With us, if we can get the video gaming in Lombard we can do more for our own businesses, can employee more people. Lombard will collect more in places for eating tax. In 2014 there wasn't enough interest in it. People were leaving Lombard to go to Villa Park and Addison. If Lombard will allow video gaming we can get those people back here and we can also get people from towns around us, like Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove, to spend some money. As far as, quality of life in towns that have video gaming, looked up a couple things. Lower home values, doesn't effect it. It isn't a detriment to the town because of trouble. Did research on safety. As far as quality of life, Money Magazine rated Villa Park number 8 in the country to raise children, and number 28 in the country as best place to live. Jennifer Perkins commented that she found both owners of O'Neills and Punky's to have compelling arguments. It doesn't seem to be drawing criminal types and we're losing out on money. Folks at local places don't have a problem with it. In favor of it. Village of Lombard Page 5 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee Mike Corso asked if there are rules about the amount of time you can spend at the machine. Scott Niehaus replied that we wouldn't want to hazard an ordinance to try to control that. Scott Niehaus reminded the committee that with a motion they can recommend conditions specific to restrictions. The Finance Committee recommended that the Village Board consider it subject to implementation of revenue limitations, waiting periods, implementation of public safety requirements and they were firm on the signage issue. Gary Cation asked for clarification that the committee is being asked to make decisions on the committee's topic not on his personal opinion of video gaming. Scott Niehaus replied that as a Public Safety member you may be asked to provide your opinion when it comes to public safety, but that would not prohibit any member of public safety from going to the meeting next Monday and expressing concerns. Corbino added that Ms. O'Neill had a good point that it's not only money, it's the businesses themselves. We always talk about reviving St. Charles Rd., that would be two more businesses down. John Schwarz commented that his family moved here in 1975, based on other family members that lived in Lombard. Great place to move to, great place for our children's educations. Been on this committee for over 30 years, review all the material that comes and assess what's going on. Prior to coming to meeting made decision that I was going to vote for it, but I have more conviction for that now based on discussion from other community members. It's a good prospect for the Village. There are ways to back out of it if there is a problem. John Mullins added he has been in Lombard for 28 years and want nothing but good to happen for Lombard. As far as safety, all of the boxes were checked. He stated that he is in favor. John Larkin stated that he is in favor based on the information. A motion to recommend approval was made by Bob Corbino, seconded by John Larkin. Additional committee discussion ensued relative to clarifying the motion. Gary Cation interjected that he would like the same stipulations as the Finance Committee included in the motion. If the motion is carte blanche he will vote no, however, he would vote yes based on transportation and safety issues, including stipulations. Village of Lombard Page 6 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee Mike Corso asked how many liquor licenses Lombard has. Scott Niehaus replied 120, but that includes packaged liquor. Nicole Aranas added that consumption on premises would be significantly less. Mike Corso asked if other towns restrict the total number of machines. Nicole Aranas answered that the five terminals is per licensed establishment, theoretically there could be restrictions on the number of video game licenses issued. The Village wouldn't control the number of terminals, but would control the number of liquor licenses issued in a certain category. At some point it would have to be decided which categories have licenses. A motion was made by Bob Corbino, seconded by John Larkin, Jr., that this matter be approved with conditions and that the Village Board consider video gaming, subject to the inclusion of the same restrictions listed below recommended by the Finance & Administration Committee. The motion passed by an unanimous vote. -Prohibit parlors and require businesses to operate for one year period prior to application for video gaming license; -Restrict signage as noted in the presentation; -Limit the percentage of income received from video gaming to not exceed 49% of the overall income of the business; and -Impose security and public safety requirements as noted in the presentation. Aye: 0 Absent: 1 - Jerry Shaefer 7.0 Other Business 8.0 Information Only 180469 EMS Billing - Increase in Revenue Deputy Chief Kickert reviewed the memo. The revenue has been more than anticipated. 150468 Fire Department Reports/Information Deputy Chief Kickert added that the Department has remained busy this year. There have been no significant fires in last 4 months. A firefighter candidate is currently in the academy and will graduate next Friday. Additionally, one more firefighter has been approved. There is an upcoming entry level test scheduled. There will be three to four retirements next year, one Lieutenant has announced he will retire in January. Village of Lombard Page 7 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee 150469 Police Department Reports/Information Chief Newton told the committee that the Department won the top award in the state for impaired driving based on our municipal size from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM). It is an achievement and we were proud to be recognized at the annual awards dinner last weekend. He added that he appreciates the great work of our officers that are out there overnight making those arrests. The Department has just hired a candidate and has begun testing for lateral candidates. We're trying to entice officers from other communities that are already sworn officers. We have been successful with that as we've hired three officers in the last year. Hiring lateral candidates saves training time, man hours and funds that would be used to send to academy. Sargent Menolascino introduced himself and explained that he has taken over the traffic unit. Sargent Menolascino informed the committee that, in conjunction with Public Works, the Department applied for a state grant for Safe Routes to School. The grant money will pay for sidewalk upgrades sidewalk upgrades around Park View and Pleasant Lane schools, as well as a solar powered radar by Pleasant Lane on Main Street. There have been some speeding issues, most likely due to area construction on I-355, Roosevelt and Westmore. Everything is starting to calm down a little bit now that some of that construction is done. Mike Corso asked if the sign would be permanent. Chief Newton replied that it will be and another will be installed by Manor Hill School. Jennifer Perkins commented that there has been one on E. Ash. It has been moved to three different locations. Sargent Menolaschino explained that it was moved to obtain information for eastbound and westbound traffic. The signs record speed, the number of cars and the time. Corbino expressed concern about the lack of warning signs on the Great Western Trail that there is no longer a depressed curb at Westmore-Meyers. John Schwarz added that when there are sidewalk closures, sometimes on all four corners of an intersection, where are pedestrians supposed to go. It's something that should be payed more attention. Who is responsible for somebody who doesn't know where to go and they get hit by a vehicle. That's something that should be taken into account, to figure out an acceptable path for these people to get across the intersection. Chairperson Whittington suggested that at the next meeting the Village of Lombard Page 8 Public Safety & Transportation Minutes November 7, 2018 Committee committee should discuss policies. 9.0 Adjournment A motion was made by Gary Cation, seconded by Michael Corso, to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 P.M. The motion carried unanimously. Village of Lombard Page 9