Storm Clean-up Praised, Pet Fees Criticized at Trustee Meeting

The Morton Grove Board of Trustees spent time in their Monday meeting discussing Andy DeMonte, director of the public works department, estimated the damage exceeded $100,000.

President Dan Staackmann praised the fire and police department and gave special kudos to Emergency Management Coordinator John Hill and his team of 20 volunteers.

"Last Tuesday night, we got hit again," Staackmann said somberly. "By 10:30 that night, the city of Morton Grove was open and clean. I'm very proud of the staff we have that they operated that fast."

Hackles raised briefly, however, toward the end of the meeting when Morton Grove resident Lenore Pearson berated the board for increasing the license fee for pet owners.

"When my elected officials raise taxes and fees, it sends an unmistakeable message that you are completely out of touch with your constituents," Pearson said, unhappy that she has to buy a pricier license for her cats, Conan the Barbarian and Xena the Warrior Princess. "What I would like to remind each of you is that the government doesn't have any money of its own."

Staackmann thanked Pearson for realizing the village is in tough economic times, but he cautioned her it would have been unfair to have non-pet-owners pay for animal-related costs to the village.

"People who choose to have animals are going to have to pay for that animal control officer," he said. "It's not fair to raise real estate taxes across the board. It was a compromise."

In other news, Village Administrator Joseph Wade was appointed as Building Commissioner. Trustees also approved ordinances to:

• Purchase a new wood chipper at a budgeted cost of $47,590
• A special use permit to allow a new physical fitness facility at 7300 Dempster
• Create a professional services agreement with T.P.I. Building Code Consultants for planning and inspectional services

 More information can be found on the board's June 27 agenda; all of the actionable ordinances were approved.