The Glenview Watch


May 25, 2004

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GLENVIEW FIREMEN OKAY A UNION
 
For years, some local firemen have pushed for the right to be represented by the International Association of Fire Fighters.  That group negotiates contracts for men and women who battle blazes and provide emergency medical services to 80 percent of the nation, but Glenview's village manager – a staunch opponent of unions – has fought to keep the IAFF out.
 
Last year a drive to unionize failed by one vote after Village Hall pulled out all the stops, delaying an election for months while lobbying firemen to reject organizing efforts.  A new fire chief, Dan Bonkowski, urged the men to give him a chance – to wait at least a year to see what he could do for them.  Bonkowski is well-liked by the rank and file, so many firemen agreed to wait.
 
Now, however, with McCarthy planning his retirement and new state laws making unionizing easier, a substantial majority of the department has signed cards requesting representation by the IAFF.  Unless Glenview officials can prove that coercion or fraud was involved in getting signatures, the state will authorize the IAFF to bargain on behalf of local firemen this year.
 
While some fire fighters may be thinking of last year's controversial decision by the village to ban holiday decorations at local fire houses, many say they simply want a professional contract – something most of their counterparts in other North Shore communities have.
 
TRUSTEES COOL TO GREEN COP SHOP
 
Glenview's trustees, who often pay lip service to nature and open space, whispered and fidgeted through a short presentation on why they should invest in an energy-efficient police station, then told the project's architect to come back when he could give them a simple explanation without the dull details.
 
Sente, Rubel, Bosman and Lee, the firm hired to design an $18 million structure for the corner of Lake and Shermer, wants Glenview to spend up to $115,000 for projected energy savings of up to $16,000 per year.  Given those numbers, a member of the architectural team predicted payback on the investment in up to seven years. 
 
Village Manager Paul McCarthy pointed out that the village does not actually pay ComEd for power used by its police and fire stations or Village Hall.  Under a special arrangement giving the utility access to rights of way, electricity is provided at no charge.
 
Trustee Jim Patterson thought Glenview should still be socially responsible. "Given that we truly have a sense of responsibility, an obligation to be energy efficient and set an example," he said, "we really have to do this."  He added that while Glenview might not be paying for electricity today, circumstances and energy prices could change over the projected 30-year life of the police station.
 
"Fifty years ago, no one put insulation in their houses because insulation cost more than the fuel," he added.
 
Trustee Mike Guinane wondered when the board would get updated cost projections for the building.  Original estimates were made last fall, and Guinane – a professional building contractor – said the cost of materials had gone up 30-40 percent in the past two months.  "I think we need to be very careful here.  Before we start adding more money onto this project, we need to get a good handle."
 
Architect Bosman conceded construction costs would likely rise by 6-9 percent. 
 
"If building costs are up 6 percent, we just added a million bucks to the project costs, so we ought to lay low on committing ourselves to anything else until we have a pretty clear idea what this project's going to cost overall," said Trustee Kimball Woodrow.
 
He moved to continue the discussion once revised projections we're in.  "I'll second the motion," said Guinane.  "So will I," said Trustee Jeff Lerner who asked for more information in a future presentation. "If you're putting more glazing on the windows and stuff, we ought to know whether or not that functionally makes a difference."
 
Bosman, who had overseen an earlier discussion with the board on energy efficiency, said he would be glad to come back with more details but warned the board, "that if we're going to have an in-depth conversation, we will need a substantial amount of your time and attention."
 
That remark sparked a surprising response from Village Manager McCarthy who had earlier warned the architect to keep his presentation short.  "We asked for some very simple cost comparisons – yes or no decisions," McCarthy said. "This is the second time we've gone through this.  The level of enthusiasm was low then, and it's lower now.  My strong suggestion is come back with something on an index card, give the trustees the information they ask for to make a decision.  I apologize, but this is very counter-productive.  You should have got it last time, man!"
 
"Sorry for the misunderstanding," said a startled Bosman.
 
Editor's note:  The architect's presentation on energy efficiency was admittedly a snore.  Sente, Rubel, Bosman and Lee should keep their energy expert in a closet until she learns to speak English and stops using so much technical jargon, but that is no excuse for the indifferent way the board  treated the subject of energy efficiency.  They sounded like a group of fifth graders who couldn't be bothered with arithmetic when recess was just around the corner. 
 
TRUSTEES SPARE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS
 
Prodded by a Glenview Announcements editorial, four trustees voted not to let owner opposition stop the village from declaring a building or home historic.  In other words, if the Glenview House were purchased by a developer intent on knocking it down and constructing condominiums, that developer could not single-handedly stop the village from protecting Glenview House with a historic designation.
 
Trustees Patterson, Guinane and President Larry Carlson thought that position was wrong.  "We have to protect the rights of both the homeowners in this community and the business owners in this community.  If you're going to take away those rights, you better be prepared to compensate them for the economic loss of their property."
 
Guinane also worried that owners would have to spend money on a lawyer to prevent Glenview from declaring their property historic, prompting long-time preservation advocate Norma Morrison to approach the public microphone.
 
"I want to comfort Trustee Guinane," said the octogenarian. 
 
"That's what I was looking for tonight, Norma," said Guinane.  "I can't get four votes, but I can get your comfort."
 
The board chuckled as Morrison explained, "An attorney is not necessary to appear before the historic preservation commission or the village board." 
 
The trustees also voted to exempt the Glenview Park District from the historic preservation process. Based on the majority's views, village attorney Jeff Randall will now rewrite the historic preservation ordinance for official consideration at the board's next meeting.
 
NORTHBROOK HONORS ITS CHIEF COMMUNITY CRITIC
 
Ninety-four-year-old Berj Tashjian has spent 39 years keeping an eye on the Northbrook Village Board and speaking his mind when things did not suit him.  He has always said his remarks were made with the good of the community in mind and should not be taken personally.
 
Last week, Northbrook rewarded that sentiment by declaring Berj Tashjian Day.  Village President Mark Damisch said he and Tashjian had often locked horns, "but no one can doubt the love you have for this village."  Before accepting the award, Tashjian approached the much younger Damisch and tossled his hair. 
 
The friendly gesture prompted laughter and a standing ovation from the audience.
 
TRUSTEE PATTERSON'S COMPLAINT
 
Jim Patterson, who has distinguished himself by catching more spelling errors in village board minutes than any other trustee, called for a change to the most recent records.  In a discussion of flooding problems in the village, engineer Russ Jensen had apparently abbreviated remarks about construction of storm water detention when he referred to  "creating storm water."  Patterson thought he should have said, "treating storm water," since "someone higher than us" is actually responsible for "creating storm water."
 
To his credit, Patterson also noted that the British insurer Lloyd's of London was referred to in village minutes as Lords of London.
 
SCHOOL DISTRICT PONDERS MILLION DOLLAR WINDFALL
 
Glenview's main elementary school district is trying to figure out why it got more than $1 million in unexpected revenue from Springfield. Finance Director Bob Vicente has asked officials to check for any mistakes before he celebrates.  If District 34 is actually entitled to the extra cash, Vicente says Glenview could be up as much as $400,000 rather than facing a $1.1 million deficit. 
 
The school board had planned to spend reserves to cover costs, and substantial spending reductions have already been made. 
 
Meanwhile, the Chicago Tribune reports many communities are extending tax increment finance deals – depriving school districts of additional revenue for more than a decade.  State law limits the life of a TIF to 23 years unless communities can make the case for an extension of up to 12 years.  Glenview officials once predicted a TIF used to redevelop the former Glenview Naval Air Station would end in 2006.  Recent estimates push that date to 2014.
 
THE POLICE BLOTTER
 
Police report a 20-year-old Glenview man died after crashing his 2004 Suzuki motorcycle on Shermer Road early Sunday morning.  The victim was identified as Brandon Goldman. 

DOWN ON THE FARM
 
Wagner Farm has two new residents – a team of Belgian work horses acquired from an Amish farm.  They are Doc, age 9, and Betsy, age 11.  District officials say many area farms in the 1920's used horses, and horse-drawn equipment was found on the farm.
 
THE CYCLING SCENE
 
– The Cook County Forest Preserve has approved an ordinance requiring kids under 15 to wear a helmet when riding bicycles.  The proposal came from Glenview Commissioner Larry Suffredin.
More children go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms for injuries linked to bikes than any other sport.
 
– Bike racing enthusiasts raised $225,000 to rebuild Illinois' only outdoor track in Northbrook's Meadow Hill Park, but they were forced to cancel their season rather than risk the possibility that construction would not be complete in time for next year.  The park district said building materials are especially sensitive to temperature.  Asphalt must be allowed to dry for a month, and an acrylic top coat can't be applied if temperatures fall below 55 degrees.
 
MORE NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORS
 
– Wilmette's beach opens for swimming May 29.  Admission for non-residents is $6.50 per day or $65 for the season.
 
– Wheeling's plan commission gave speedy approval to developers of a new Westin Hotel going up on the southeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Lake-Cook Road.
 
– The Botanic Garden hopes to finish construction of a $12.9 million sound barrier along the Edens Expressway this fall.  Planners say the addition will mean a more attractive, quieter park.
 
– Wildlife lovers are urging the government to investigate claims that a woman in a rowboat raided three nests filled with Canada Goose eggs, then dumped the eggs into Lake Michigan.  The Wilmette Harbor Association has denied any involvement in the incident.  Because the geese are migratory birds, the federal government protects them except during hunting season.
 
– Deerfield is considering local tax breaks for owners of historic homes.  If an owner wanted to renovate rather than tear down a designated house and the cost to renovate was at least 25 percent of the total market value, the assessed value of the property would be frozen for at least eight years under a plan being debated there.
 
– Northbrook has given Little Louie's Red Hots a permit for outdoor dining despite a ban on the use of disposable items like plastic forks and paper cups when dining al fresco.  Village President Mark Damisch felt the 37-year-old hot dog stand should be given a chance to show it will not contribute to litter problems by serving patrons outside.
 
READERS WRITE
 
A Chicago-area real estate expert was puzzled by news that Fields had purchased nine acres of land on Willow Road for $1 million: "Commercial land on a major road in front of Home Depot and Costco routinely brings $15 per square foot or $653,000 per acre.  Multiply that by nine and you get $6 million.  Even if you subtract $2.2 million – the estimated cost to create underground detention and to make wetlands buildable,  Fields is getting one heck of a deal. Land in front of or adjacent to Home Depot and Costco is in great demand. Something is not right!"
 
BE wants a word with Superintendent Dave Hales regarding Sean Easton, the boy who was expelled from Glenbrook South High School after a marijuana pipe was found in his car: "I tried to e-mail Dr. Hales to urge or perhaps beg him to let Sean Easton graduate with his peers. As the parent of four graduates of GBS who are now a college student and three productive citizens I can attest to the fact that zero tolerance does not work! Anyway, the e-mail was returned to me because I do not have the proper whatever on my computer. Is there another way to contact him besides the good old mail? I have many friends who also want to contact Dr. Hales on behalf of this young man."
 
The Watch replies: Try dhales@glenbrook.k12.il.us – but remember to address your comments to the school board.  While Dave Hales provides guidance, decisions about expulsion are ultimately made by the board.
 
A reader who claims to be a Glenbrook South student has this reaction to the Easton case: "I have an excellent solution for kids like Sean Easton: Abstain from drugs. Yeah, it makes a lot of sense! Parents, teach your kids not to use illegal drugs, and there is a greater chance that they will refrain from abusing illegal substances; consequently, this means that they probably won't have bongs in their vehicles. The Glenbrook school board is doing nothing that is not in the handbook and nothing beyond their control. Why are they being blamed for creating a safe academic environment?

"Before school started, Sean agreed that he would not obtain any illegal drug paraphernalia on school campus. Arguing his case apres fait accomplishes nothing, does it? He is subject to the penalty listed in the student handbook. Sure this might have been a mistake, but experimenting with illegal drugs was definitely not. Mr. Easton needs to maintain a better grasp on Sean, so we don't have any more mistakes."
 
The Watch replies: We have real doubts about whether the school board's zero tolerance policy "creates a safe academic environment," and we want a school board that's thoughtful enough to do more than follow a handbook. We also feel expulsion is a poor solution when dealing with kids who make mistakes that do not, in fact, put other students at risk.  The unfortunate lesson Sean has learned is that small town officials often have small minds, and people who don't hire lawyers may be subject to injustice. 
 
School District 34 Spokesman Brett Clark responds to our claim that local boards of education agreed not to criticize a tax increment financing (TIF) program used to pay for redevelopment of The Glen at the expense of public schools: "District 34's Board of Education and administration did sign a support document regarding the TIF. This action did not include an agreement pledging never to criticize the tax increment financing program. We have always had both informal and formal opportunities to discuss the TIF. One formal example is the annual meeting of the core jurisdictions where we learn about the most recent financial ramifications and express support, concerns or ideas with the execution of the TIF."

The Watch replies: This year's meeting to report on TIF progress and entertain questions from the schools, the park district and the public has not been held.  It should have been scheduled months ago, and Village Hall has offered no explanation for the delay.
 
And a reader who has studied the TIF situation had this reaction to Clark's claims:
"I suggest that Clark read the original intergovernmental agreement, then take off his rose-colored glasses.  If he has had formal and informal opportunities to discuss the TIF,  that's more than the average village resident has had.  Absolutely no mention of any TIF was made in the community planning meetings that preceded the village board transforming itself into the board of directors of the Glenview Development Company.
 
"Former Village Trustee John Crawford once asked that The Glen TIF publish the same sort of annual financial report that all the hundreds of other TIFs in Illinois annually file with the State Comptroller. Only military base closure TIFs, of which there are three, are exempt. The Directors of the Glenview Development Company said it was an unnecessary expense and voted it down.
 
"The village has all the numbers already. All they have to do is publish them. It's just more of the culture of arrogance that prevails in local government."
 
MHG is upset with developments around town: "The tear down and rebuild mania is out of control, and with so many McMansions being built, property values are rising – pushing taxes up. On May 5, the Illinois House passed a bill that would increase property tax exemptions statewide. The bill now goes to the Senate for their concurrence vote.  State Senator Jeff Schoenberg voted against most of the provisions when they were contained in another bill. Please contact him at senator@jschoenberg.org to express your support.
 
JB thinks: "It is ridiculous that there are no right turns on red in The Glen, particularly at Chestnut and Patriot. The village board could have saved a lot of money by polling the residents of Glenview on how traffic should flow through the village rather than hiring an expert. Proceeding westbound on Chestnut, the light at Patriot is so backed up that those waiting to make a right turn can't all get through because the light is so short. Also, I've wanted to go straight instead of turning right (north) through the Patriot intersection, but in someone's wisdom, there is only room for one lane of cars before you reach the right turn lanes to Patriot, so no one can get to the left turn or straight ahead lanes until the block-long right turn traffic clears. Those cars must also wait for the next green light."
 
The Watch replies: Complaints about traffic should be sent to Sgt. Terry Urbanowski at turbanowski@glenview.il.us
 
As Glenview's Sister City program comes to an end, Jodi Carlson announces a new global connection for local kids: "This summer will bring some excitement to Glenview as 16 Middle Eastern teens will be attending the 2nd annual Hands of Peace program. Among the teens will be Jewish Israelis, Arab Israelis and Palestinians. Upon their arrival they will be joined by Jewish, Muslim and Christian American teenagers who are also participants of the program. They will live with host families, attend daily group discussions, team building exercises and cultural events. The goal is to foster friendships and understanding which can be a first step to ending the destructive cycle of hatred and violence in the region. The program is sponsored by Glenview Community Church and Jewish Congregation BJBE. Area Muslims are also participating in the program. The program was founded by Glenview residents Gretchen Grad and Deanna Jacobson.
Included in the group are three graduates of last year's program, who will pass along the lessons they learned. Hands of Peace 2003 was a resounding success with lifelong friendships formed among all participants, many of whom regularly reconnect in the Middle East. Arab and Jewish teens who participated say they've made deep bonds which transcend the religious, ethnic and political tensions that tear their country apart.
The program begins on August 1 when the teens arrive from Israel and the Occupied Territories. The scope of the program has continued to grow and with it so have the funding needs. Hands of Peace is a grass roots organization founded in Glenview and is dependent on local support. Donations are now being accepted for this worthwhile cause. For more information about how you or your business can support the program, send an email to JodiCarlson@comcast.net or visit our website www.Hands-of-Peace.org
There are also openings for several American teenagers who would like to participate and gain insight and memories that will last a lifetime."
 
A reader who signs himself ‘a concerned citizen' writes: "Looking for WMD's? Try the Glenview Public Library. Their proposed new $24.5 million library at The Glen will be ‘Way More than Demand.' Just consider this FACT: in 2003 visits to the library numbered 443,709 – less than the total for 1993 of 484,851. And remember population increased by over 5,000 residents during this time. Over this same time span the board proudly boasts that the full-time library staff has increased by 28 percent. Just goes to show you that in the public sector ‘once hired; never fired.' Apparently, with the exception of Dave Johnson, the board has never heard of Google. For heaven's sake how many residents would drive to the library to look-up the capital of Tanzania when they can just click a mouse instead. (By the way it's Dar es Salaam – go to Google; then to the CIA's World Fact Book and  in three minutes you have your answer.)

"Besides boasting about their bloated payroll, the board also made this claim in their self-serving, ponderous Resolution No. 04-03 dated May 3, 2004: ‘Whereas, for many years, the Glenview Public Library has been a substandard facility in terms of its physical condition (e.g. shifting foundation, antiquated HVAC system, leaking roof and walls, ADA compliance), etc.' Quite a contrast to the conclusion drawn by Fyre Gillan Molinaro Architects Ltd, in their Expansion Feasibility Study dated June 17, 1998: ‘The existing building is in good condition. It is structurally sound, finishes are in good condition, and with minor exceptions, the electrical and HVAC systems are in working order.' The library should add-on like Northbrook did five years ago to save the cost of replacing the existing 54,000 square feet we already have and have already paid for. It's worth almost $15 million. To tear it down would really be a slap in the face of all Glenview taxpayers.

"I'm sure the editors of Glenview Watch will gladly give the board a chance to respond. Not with undocumented claims about shifting foundations and leaking roofs but with proof  in the form of an engineering report from a truly independent consulting engineer. Furthermore, the report should be made available at the library and on the library's website along with all past and current planning documents.

"Of particular interest would be a patron seating study that would prove that the library needs more than twice as many seats as recommended by one the nation's leading authorities in library planning, Anders C. Dahlgren of the University of Wisconsin. On any given day the average number of occupied seats is less than 40 (not counting school field trips). Why the board believes it needs over 400 patron seats is beyond me.  Resolutions are fine. The truth is better."
 

YOUR TURN: Write to glenviewwatch@aol.com or 3537 Maple Leaf Drive, Glenview, IL 60025. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a contribution to support The Watch. Non-deductible checks should be payable to Glenview Watch. Thanks for your support and for reading. Dean Schott and Sandy Hausman, Co-Editors.


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