MINUTES
Moraine Township Board of Trustees
Thursday, July 12, 2007 5:00 PM
Township Office
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
July 12, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 PM, and upon roll call the following members were present: Supervisor Mari Barnes; Trustees Bryna Gamson and Jeff Zaluda. Trustees Margoth Moreno and Cynthia Plouché were absent. Also Present: Assessor Peter Koukos; Clerk Ellen Gussin; and Director General Assistance Tracy Coleman.
Approval of Minutes
The Regular Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2007 stand approved as written and distributed.
Approval of Bills
None to approve
Public Comment
None
Assessor’s Report
Assessor Pete Koukos reported that efforts are progressing well with the updating of multi-family units and commercial properties. He also addressed Trustee Gamson’s previous questions concerning the “Developer’s Exemption” via Property Tax Code 35 ILCS 200/10-30. He clarified that the statute may have been the basis of the practice which has been in place since before he became Assessor and followed by at least West Deerfield, Shields and Moraine Township, but he agreed that the statute does not really apply to the practice since it specifies vacant land comprising a minimum of 10 acres. He also stated that although he had initially opposed the practice of reducing the assessment during the period of redevelopment on parcels of land sold to a developer for tear down (essentially the property is assessed at the cost of the land only), he now believes the practice beneficial because it delays the date on which the full value of the newly built property is included in the levy thereby reducing the tax burden. Although several questions remained, the Board agreed to table the discussion; those interested will pursue individually with the Assessor, bringing the issue before the Board if and when appropriate.
Supervisor’s Report
The Pantry Report and Van Report for clients served and maintenance costs were distributed and discussed.
Supervisor Barnes discussed the progress report she is drafting to send to the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park, whose grant enabled the purchase of the second van, explaining that 90% of the riders are on fixed incomes and qualify for the tax freeze.
Supervisor Barnes informed the Board about calls she had received from Bethany Day Care concerning a funding shortfall of approximately $2,000 for two students and whether the Township might be willing to cover the deficit. The funding had been promised to Bethany by the School-Age Child Care Fund, but the payment had not been received despite Bethany’s follow up since January. Supervisor Barnes advised that she would need to bring the matter before the Board; she pursued contact with the School-Age Child Care Fund herself prior to this Board meeting, upon which she was advised by the Fund Director that the checks had been cut, which hopefully will resolve the crisis.
Stephanie Adler of the Phyllis Santullano Fund contacted the Township concerning waning support for participation in the end-of-year Holiday drive traditionally mounted on behalf of the Latino community in Phyllis Santullano’s memory. With the Board’s support, Supervisor Barnes will inform Ms. Adler that the Township will willingly take up this effort, following Township established guidelines for holiday gift purchases and distribution.
Committee Reports
Transportation: There are now four drivers for the two vans. PACE has contacted the Township concerning their drug testing program for drivers and other Township officials who work with the paratransit program. Supervisor Barnes will consult with the Township attorney and the insurance company about how best to respond.
Township Website: Trustee Gamson has completed the formidable task of redesigning and getting up and running the Township’s new website, since its former host ceased service at the end of June. The Board thanks Trustee Gamson for her untiring efforts in adding pictures, new items and updates as necessary.
Old Business
None
New Business
Ana Marie Viti contacted Supervisor Barnes concerning the Township’s possible interest in new office space in Highwood. The Board encouraged her to investigate further considering rent, space, parking, and environmental comparisons with the Township’s current space.
Clerk Gussin advised the Board of the upcoming TOI Annual Educational Conference in Springfield November 11-13.
Adjournment
With no further business to conduct, Trustee Zaluda moved, seconded by Trustee Gamson, the meeting be adjourned at 6:01 PM. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________
Ellen S. Gussin, Moraine Township Clerk
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