More talks planned on the future of the former PNC Bank land in Northfield

NORTHFIELD – The Village Buildings and Grounds Committee has scheduled a working session on July 28 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss in more detail what to do with the former PNC Bank property owned by the village on Route 8 .

In recent weeks, Councilor Keith Czerr has campaigned for the creation of green space at this location after council discussed paving for the parking lot. For several days, Czerr carried a sign on and near the parking lot expressing his opposition to parking.

At the July 14 Council meeting, Czerr presented a drawing to his colleagues illustrating his vision for the site. It has not been shared publicly, but will be part of the discussion during the working session on July 28.

In previous meetings, director of services Jason Walters said parking for village workers will be needed when a new police station is built north of the village town hall. The land could also be used by business customers along Route 8.

Walters estimated the land could be paved for just under $ 50,000. Village engineer Daniel Collins said the parking area totals approximately 7,555 square feet and could accommodate 40 to 45 spaces.

Walters said a source of funding must be found if the council decides to create a green space on the land. City Councilor Jennifer Domzalski said businesses could perhaps be approached to provide the money.

Council representatives said they would like to hear residents’ comments on the matter and invited residents to contact them or attend the July 28 buildings and grounds working session.

OTHER BUSINESS

The council has awarded a contract to insurance companies Selective, Hanover, Cincinnati and Hudson through insurance agency Wichert to provide village liability insurance from July 13, 2021 to July 13, 2022.

The premium will be $ 43,425 and the contract will be subject to minor price changes based on the addition or removal of certain properties, equipment, vehicles and coverage.

Council authorized the mayor to enter into a licensing and service agreement with Tyler Technologies Inc. for software related to finance. The initial amount is $ 105,867, plus $ 14,573 in annual recurring fees.

The 2021 general fund credits have been changed, including increasing the income tax projection by $ 485,000 and the RITA operating reimbursement by $ 61,135.

In a finance committee session ahead of the regular meeting, Finance Director Jennifer Potvin said she was comfortable with the financial situation the village finds itself in for the rest of the year.

“Although there are still challenges, the economy is recovering,” she said. “We have seen an increase in tax revenues and our spending is exactly where we expected it to be.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, we were not as badly affected as other communities because we took certain steps to deal with declining incomes. “

“I am very comfortable with where we are and where we are going,” said city councilor Gary Vojtuch, adding that he hopes the village can get back on track soon with the renovations to the fire station. “We may need to update plans to deal with changes in building codes. “

City Councilor Alan Hipps said it could be advantageous for the village to hire a construction manager. He noted that the cost of building materials has increased significantly, and in some cases it takes a long time to get materials.

Waste Management spokesperson Vince Crawford briefed the board on the company’s operations and then faced harsh criticism over the garbage collection.

“I don’t see very good customer service from WM,” Vojtuch said, adding that he had received several complaints from residents. “I was once treated rudely by a crew member and saw garbage leaking from trucks all over the street.

Council Representative Renell Noack and Mayor Jesse Nehez added that they had also heard several complaints, and Potvin said there had been billing issues with WM “that have not improved.”

Crawford said he would share the village’s concerns with company management.

The Council sent a new chapter of the business regulatory code dealing with food service trucks for third reading after Vojtuch asked General Counsel Brad Bryan to add a provision to the regulation requiring inspection of truck propane lines.

Vojtuch offered to the village to offer an allowance to first responders who have had to deal with COVID-19 situations. Walters said the Smith Park playground equipment had been repainted and the new village town hall sign was in use and working well.

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