On November 21, six village inspectors returned to a familiar home on Prairie Street. The property, owned by Village Trustee Mary Beth Denefe’s mother-in-law, was cited last summer for a series of code violations that were "judged to be health and life safety related," according to Building and Zoning Chief Phil Knudsen.

During the follow up inspection, he says nine violations first noted on June 28 remained, and two additional ones were observed. A legal notice was sent to the landlord and another inspection was set for December 6.

A file at Village Hall also contains notes from Inspector Leslie Carr who has kept a log on this case since June 12. Carr records a visit from Watch Editor Sandy Hausman to her office on November 13 with a follow-up phone call on November 14. "Sandy Hausman called drilling me on what my position was with the village, asking in numerous ways who I supervised, who worked under me, did I do building, electrical or plumbing inspections. . .I explained I was not knowledgeable in structural, electrical or plumbing codes. I told her I was the lowest paid among the inspectors and supervised no one."

Editor’s note: While our reporters often ask questions in an attempt to better understand complex subjects or relationships, we do not "drill" anyone. We found Ms. Carr to be highly professional and competent in responding to our inquiries about her department and the inspection process and hope she will receive a raise and promotion soon.

After months of delay, the department store chosen to anchor a new shopping center at The Glen has signed an agreement to locate here. Iowa-based Von Maur plans to build a two-story, 160,000-square-foot retail outlet – the company’s 17^th. If all goes as planned, ground could be broken in April 2002 with a grand opening in autumn 2003.

Also joining Von Maur at the center, a 10-screen movie theater and a book store. Redevelopment Director Don Owen said the search for other tenants continues and incentives may be needed to draw new businesses to the MURC and to a nearby industrial park.

On a related note, Owen will ask the village board to approve a new $299,000 contract with Mesirow Stein, the Chicago company that has assisted Glenview with marketing and development at The Glen. The agreement, to be reviewed at this week’s meeting of the trustees (7:30 p.m. Tuesday on cable channel 17) would include 537 hours for real estate experts to "assess risk," 232 hours of marketing services and 988 hours for coordinating construction of the shopping center, multi-family housing around it, Gallery Park and the new Lehigh Road.

Despite a public protest by Trustee John Crawford, who felt too little information had been provided to participants in advance, Village Manager Paul McCarthy and Redevelopment Director Don Owen met last week with officials from School Districts 34, 225 and 30, the Park District and Library Board to let them know how much tax money they can expect from the Glen’s tax increment financing (TIF) fund.

Owen said 778 people had moved into Glenview’s newest neighborhood including 48 elementary school kids and eight who have enrolled at Glenbrook South High School. As a result, he said District 34 would get about $387,000, District 225 could expect $109,000, the Park District would receive $131,500 and the library $61,200 to serve the new citizens. The village itself gets $153,000 from the TIF fund, and District 30 will get no revenue since it receives no students from The Glen.

District 34 Finance Director Pat Siegel questioned Glenview’s calculations, suggesting the schools were being "hit over the head" by some improper accounting assumptions. A representative from District 225 agreed, and the village suggested the two put their objections in writing so adjustments could be made.

Owen said it was difficult to predict how many more Glen students would be enrolling in Glenview public schools, but District 34 says as many as 30 percent of its children may come from the new development.

Glenview’s Library Board will vote this month on its 2002 budget – a $3.8 million spending plan up 4.23 percent from this year. The largest expenses are for personnel (about $2.2 million), contractual services ($568,000) and materials such as books, magazines and videos ($732,000).

The librarians are in line for a 2 percent cost of living increase and many will also get a 2.5 percent merit raise. Legal fees are projected to rise 160% to $8,000 in anticipation of a referendum on the spring ballot.

Technology has meant some surprising changes in spending. The library will achieve a 100 percent reduction in costs to recruit personnel by using the Internet instead of placing newspaper ads, but revenues from the pay phones will be down 50 percent. With so many patrons using cell phones, the company that maintains three pay phones in the lobby plans to remove two of them, and the library will lose its share of the revenue.

Meanwhile, Executive Librarian John Blegen reports circulation is up – a common trend when the economy is down. He’s also seen increased interest in subjects related to Islam and Afghanistan.

Once again, Glen Redevelopment Director Don Owen appeared late at the last meeting of Glenview’s Village Board to ask for additional cash. This time, he needed about $40,000 for Glenview’s environmental consultant. Owen said the official clean up of Glen property was complete, but the paperwork was not done, and URS Corporation was needed to verify that the Navy and the Environmental Protection Agency had done everything required of them. He also submitted bills for some work already done. The trustees then attempted a responsible evaluation of his request.

Trustee Donna Pappo asked Owen about a charge for "computer expenses." Owen hemmed and hawed, then launched into a complicated explanation of how the Navy had classified parcels of land at the base and concluded: "It’s the printing and computer charges to get all the documents in final format for us."

He introduced a representative from the consulting company, Ken Kastman, who said the extra expense was "primarily for the reproduction of large-sized prints and drawings."

"I thought that was under `document reproduction,’ said Pappo, "but you’re saying that’s a different issue."

"Yes," said the consultant.

Trustee Mike Guinane wondered if the Navy had ever given us reason to doubt their word.

"No," said Owen. "One of the things we’ve been able to prove through [the consultant’s work] is that the Navy, working in concert with EPA and IEPA have studied the base thoroughly, they’ve created work plans that are standard for the state and in compliance with industry standards."

Village Attorney Jeff Randall claimed reports from URS had proven valuable in assuring developers that the land was clean. "It went a long way to help sell these parcels. . .and to create a feeling of security for prospective purchasers."

Owen added that the consultant’s work meant big savings for developers. "Instead of them going out and drilling and doing all kinds of extra tests, they didn’t have to spend that time and money that would have delayed development, so I think it’s been a real value."

"Did the developers reimburse the village for all this expense?" asked Guinane.

"No," said Owen. As he began to explain, Village Manager McCarthy jumped in. "Without this, it wouldn’t have been marketable, and we made them pay through the nose, and they paid it because they knew it was bankable. We had guys watching the guys that were watching the guys."

The trustees fell silent. Then, at the prompting of President Carlson, they voted to approve the appropriation.

Editor’s note: We have often said that it’s a mistake for local trustees to become developers. They lack the expertise for a job like this and are wholly dependent on the advice of managers who are also new to the game. We doubt that any developers paid through the nose for anything at The Glen, but we don’t really know, and we don’t think our elected representatives do either.

One other question was lost in the debate. Before beginning his presentation, Owen described himself as the "Economic Redevelopment Director for the Village of Glenview." In the past, his title has been confined to The Glen. Does this new title signal a future role for the former Navy officer? Is he being groomed to help the village redevelop downtown and other parts of Glenview? Stay tuned.

At last week’s meeting of the Glenview Village Board, Viccino’s Pizza applied for a liquor license, hoping to serve beer and wine at its new sit-down Italian restaurant in the Plaza del Prado. The owner explained that patrons will place their orders, then be seated and wait for their food to be brought. Trustee Donna Pappo, who put herself through law school by waiting tables, expressed concern that adults might order beer or wine for friends under the legal drinking age. Without waiters or waitresses, she feared there would be no enforcement of liquor laws. Owner Doug Denenberg assured her the place would be small, allowing him and his staff to keep an eye on patrons at about 10 tables. Village President Larry Carlson seemed satisfied with the answer but warned, "It’s something we’re pretty strict on in this village. We don’t fool around. The village giveth a liquor license, and the village taketh away."

Glenview had hoped to join a coalition of communities in northeastern Illinois, buying electricity in the new, deregulated market to save money. Village Manager Paul McCarthy endorsed the deal, saying Glenview could save 6 percent a year on electric bills, and the trustees were poised to vote on a contract with Enron Energy when Trustee John Crawford pointed out that Enron was in serious financial trouble and proposed a delay.

At their last meeting, a representative of Enron tried to reassure the board, and the trustees asked a series of questions about the nature of the deal they were considering. The more they talked, the more confused they got. When one board member asked the Enron man to explain how his company would make money from the deal, he replied: "We make money on an adder based on the index, based on our trading vehicles. When we trade it on the NYMEX or on Synergy or on any trading mechanism that we do, we gain the delta between the spreads."

That’s when Board President Carlson called an end to the discussion, saying the board would need more information. Trustee Crawford quickly proposed another delay, and a chorus of other trustees offered to second his motion. This week, Enron declared bankruptcy.

As the weather turns cold in Glenview, our park district begins the search for summer lifeguards, and officials are always looking for help in staffing Splash Landings – the indoor pool complex at Park Center. "We’re always looking for lifeguards," says the Parks’ Executive Director Tom Richardson.

In Northbrook, where a lifeguard shortage sometimes forced closing of some outdoor pools, one man has set an example that could help that community and others to solve this problem. Steve Farwell, a father in his forties, got frustrated when he and his son would arrive at Meadowhill Aquatic Center for a swim, only to find pool sections closed. "Someone had to step up and assist with the pool staffing problem," he says, "so I decided that the someone had to be me."

Farwell got 16 hours of training in systematic pool surveillance, CPR and the use of an external defibrillator. He learned to coordinate whistle commands with fellow guards and became the first certified adult volunteer in Northbrook.

"Watching the children learn to swim their first length or seeing their first jump off the high dive made me feel deeply connected to my community," he recalls. "I encourage others to join me because I think they’d find it rewarding in so many different ways."

Richardson says Glenview would be delighted to have more adult lifeguards and would cover the costs of training. For more information, call 657-3209.

The Park District will hold a benefit for the Northfield Township Food Pantry. Donations of canned or boxed edibles can be dropped off at Park Center, The Grove, the ice rink or tennis club December 10-16. Meanwhile, the library is collecting "warm fuzzies" for needy township families. Bring new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, slippers and sweaters to the lobby until December 18.

Make your own gingerbread house at 7 p.m. December 5. An instructor will be at the library with 25 different kinds of candy, gingerbread walls and icing to help with assembly. The cost is $20 per house, and space is limited. To register, visit the information desk or call 729-7500, extension 112.

Fritz writes about our call for a new debate on zero tolerance at Glenbrook South: "If village police can get caught smoking pot in Milwaukee and get their jobs back how can we in the same community enforce zero tolerance on our high school children? Fact is, we should not. This policy also turns teachers into liars when they fail to report kids that they like. You address addiction as a medical condition. Many people in the medical and psychology community do not agree that addiction is a medical condition. It is, for sure, a condition that needs to be addressed, not put off – out of school out of mind, and away from help. We need to keep these kids in school and work with the family to address the problem. Also, several years ago, I think at GBN, a kid was zeroed out for a beer can that was from the father. Guilt by association? Not the American way."

JR is shocked by the living conditions described in our story, Nightmare on Prairie Street: "I think it is time for Trustee Mary Beth Denefe and family to rent "It's a Wonderful Life." They remind me of Mr. Potter. I find it unbelievable that local churches and government would allow slum lords to exist in our town. Fifteen hundred and fifty dollars a month for those living conditions is disgusting and evil."

Gayle Nelson-Blomquist responds to last week’s story about the house on Prairie Street and to our update on doings at the fire department: "Thank you for reporting on how government agencies work in this village. They apparently work for those who are connected and those that are connected make sure they use their influence for their own gain. I am disgusted.

"As Director of Development for Chicago Women in Trades, a group that supports women in nontraditional careers, I also want to point out that there are female firefighters. Using terms like ‘men’ and ‘brothers’ perpetuates the stereotypes of women not working in that field."

The Watch replies: You are certainly right about women firefighters in general – but here in Glenview we know of none.

Liz Dinsmore thinks citizens should play a bigger role in planning downtown’s future: "In watching citizens’ committees help the Park District plan for Wagner Farm and assist School District 34 in planning its programs, it occurs to me that a citizens committee could be valuable to the Comprehensive Plan Commission in shaping the future of downtown Glenview. Such a group would bring fresh ideas to the table and focus on the issues with more discussion than is possible at the hearings. A committee of perhaps 50 volunteers would have time to study the facts and review the responses to surveys and notes from the hearings.

"The Comprehensive Plan Commission consists of representatives of the elected boards and appointed commissions in Glenview. These people already have so many other issues on their plates. Surely, they would appreciate the help of informed and committed citizens. The next hearing of the Comprehensive Plan Commission is at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 13 at Village Hall with the commission meeting to follow at 9 p.m."

Ron is annoyed over belated claims that a new library could have been built at the site of Glenview’s new Swenson Park: "I just got the library’s newsletter – LINES – and it mentions that the former Rugen Center site would have been a great place for the library to relocate except the Park District said the neighbors had already approved a new design and the money had been applied for. We had a meeting with the Park District at least three months ago because of concerns about a dog run. At that time no money had been applied for and no design was complete. Park District officials were asked why not locate the library there, and they said the library needed more space. Someone got shafted here."

Mike Luxem writes about Hangar One and the mosquito battling board: "It’s that time of year again when the three members of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District elect themselves to oversee $850,000 in tax dollars. Don Israel and Cook County Custodian Otto Cesario will no doubt control the check book. Last year, the budget review and vote took just six minutes, so your readers should not have to stay long. The board will assemble at 5 p.m., December 7at their headquarters – 117 Northfield Road, south of Willow. The public is invited, and I urge you all to show up.

"I also hope the public will continue to support preservation of Hangar One. Back in 1995, The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation supported the listing of the GNAS building on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1996, an agreement between the State of Illinois Historic Preservation officer, the Navy and the Village of Glenview was finalized protecting the property. Now the Mayor of the Glen, Don Owen, feels Hangar One should be torn apart to make way for a department store. The Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois has stepped forward to halt the destruction of a national landmark and is prepared to do battle to save a part of Glenview's military history. I support the preservation of Hangar One!"

YOUR TURN

What's on your mind? Drop us a line at 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025 or by e-mail at GlenviewWatch@aol.com.  Contributions to assist with the costs of our website, duplication and mailing can also be sent to the address above. They are not tax deductible but are much appreciated. Thanks for reading and for keeping in touch.   --Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors of The Watch.

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