[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6083784,"mediaKeyId","2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1","parentId",2927319,"title","Morton Grove planning commission-backed text amendments presented; first reading of Title 12 changes slated","audioSeconds",45,"startMs",1315000,"endMs",1360000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1&start=1315&end=1360","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1/thumbnail_1315000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083784/Morton-Grove/Cook-County/Illinois/Morton-Grove-planning-commission-backed-text-amendments-presented-first-reading-of-Title-12-changes-slated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083784-e7137f0cb465e586cf4e23c522a52285/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448388&Signature=iIS8pCbd-i6m8C0onU~hR4zWM7VIncPYb84r3BGgfLhcBzZaETavMw1g3CBVYP3dd2se7fEeGGtf7XKz1yrsbOChQzgs5tHw2eOL0KWiwHOMd3dNAsZnMPYMmFJqIScPUvW9V~1zQQMWPMWMe55ZMerSQwBFdHLLR1m9pWFw2s9P6CsWaFqPVgu8PqIA8pnljfLlGfxhqEVO3GuejrtqAAHdy6l4EQjgqvFFZ801Jq12Gwt0kh0AlKJGkKqkXtkPsEefDxHTYeC5xD4cm6jvhOnwWO6mkJsuaxaeZP9-n3xqWSWfUPsO3rLuvl0YrsJLbuJPZAUqymuq3jYLdyz0Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Morton Grove, IL","date","2025-04-09T16:54:57.553Z","article","Village planning staff presented Planning Commission case PC 25-03, a set of proposed text amendments to Title 12 of the Morton Grove municipal code, and the board heard the first reading of ordinance 25-17 reflecting those edits.

Brandon, a planning staff presenter, told trustees PC 25-03 would clarify definitions, make some housekeeping changes to the zoning code, provide guidance for parking of vehicles bearing delivery plates, extend the construction timing period for planned-unit developments and special-use permits, create a process for the Zoning Board of Appeals to receive input from the Traffic Safety Commission, allow in-kind driveway replacement with two approaches, and provide guidance for installation and use of synthetic turf and security shutters. Brandon said guidelines for solar and wind energy collection systems were evaluated by the commission but removed from the draft after review.

Brandon reported the Planning Commission reviewed the draft and voted unanimously on March 18 in support of the proposed amendments. Ordinance 25-17 was presented as a first read at the board meeting; no formal vote was taken on the Title 12 amendments during this session.

Why it matters: The proposed amendments change how the village defines several zoning terms, how driveway and parking issues are handled, and how the ZBA may receive technical input — all of which affect future development reviews. Because this was a first reading, implementation requires future board action.

Next steps: Staff will return the ordinance for second reading and potential adoption at a later meeting; trustees took no formal action this evening.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Morton Grove Village Board of Trustees Meeting April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Village planning staff presented Planning Commission case PC 25-03, a package of Title 12 text amendments, and the board heard a first reading of the related ordinance, 25-17.","taxTitle","Morton Grove, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",70199,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083791,"Morton Grove board approves ordinances and multiple infrastructure resolutions; warrants pass",1540,46000,1586000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1&start=46&end=1586","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1/thumbnail_46000.jpg","/articles/6083791/Morton-Grove/Cook-County/Illinois/Morton-Grove-board-approves-ordinances-and-multiple-infrastructure-resolutions-warrants-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083791-d274498796a40c3c487f9fb7ec85f624/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448388&Signature=QBCj-7NlgtH8bvBiRWeXzqmzGGU9TBMyrqwvr91Knerk5H1xH-c-9X9UWZ9cjZj7u2R-hgAjFS7-Jo2CGVrkv9GQpyNV~RpFh8uO5iIcIoy5JXbyGbFxyaNJPR9KgjY4eA-w9I8dojIJ70oM5qzYjM3n-aFh7BapYklocjLRhYlA~qGM3I2pvZs1HO8NMpXxkQge2K~E6SX~cm-VO~HsH2VTvdmLkMNfdCJkQbLH4OVQ67LcGHEpRWeCCkvNijgY9XtytYyfpj3B-SKGLAgYir-AExmKWWoSEGfhLM5xhtHSNt0zqZCYXpPb8zRw2E1DL7JLm7jRiPHeQPp8304cZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Morton Grove Village Board on April 24 approved several ordinances and resolutions including an update to remote-attendance rules, two land-use approvals and multiple street-resurfacing appropriations, and accepted a $25,000 USDA urban forestry grant. The board also approved warrants totaling $1,549,612.74.

The board voted 4-0 to adopt Ordinance 25-13, an amendment to Title 1, Chapter 5 of the municipal code to update electronic-remote-attendance rules for public meetings. Trustee Travis moved the ordinance and Trustee Mink seconded; Trustees Mink, Phil, Travis and Witko voted aye.

Two land-use ordinances were approved by unanimous vote. Ordinance 25-14 grants a minor amendment and special-use permit for a six-unit mixed-use development with a drive-through at 6724 Dempster Street; the motion passed 4-0 after a motion by Trustee Whitko and a second by Trustee Thill. Ordinance 25-15 approved a planned-unit-development amendment to modify fence authorizations and residential lot provisions for the Ponto Collection subdivision at 9312 Shermer Road; Trustee Witko moved and Trustee Travis seconded, and the measure passed 4-0.

The board passed a series of resolutions to authorize contracts and appropriate motor fuel tax (MFT) funds for resurfacing projects. Resolution 25-20 awards a contract to Globe Construction Company, Inc., of Addison, Illinois, for the 2025 concrete replacement program (motion by Trustee Phil, second by Trustee Travis). Appropriations of MFT funds passed unanimously for Beckwith Road (25-21), Central Avenue (25-22), Growth Point Road (25-23) and Shermer Road (25-24). Trustees noted that the four MFT projects rely on federal funds and cautioned that final scope could change if funding is not confirmed in Washington.

The board accepted Resolution 25-19 to close Dempster Street for the annual Memorial Day parade (approved 4-0) and accepted Resolution 25-25, authorizing acceptance of a U.S. Department of Agriculture urban and community forestry grant for $25,000 to purchase trees (approved 4-0). The board also approved warrants totaling $1,549,612.74 by unanimous vote.

Ordinance 25-17, a set of text amendments to Title 12 (which mirror Planning Commission case PC 25-03), was presented as a first read; no vote was taken on that ordinance at this meeting.

Other procedural actions included approval of the March 25 regular meeting minutes and the appointment of Trustee Witko as mayor pro tem for the evening.

What this means: The board’s votes authorize immediate contracting and budgeting steps for public-works projects and update village procedures for remote participation. The MFT-funded resurfacing work and the USDA tree grant are subject to external funding availability and may be scaled if federal funds are not received, the board noted.","At its April meeting the Morton Grove Village Board approved amendments to electronic-attendance rules, two land-use ordinances, multiple street-resurfacing and contract resolutions, accepted a USDA forestry grant award and approved warrants totaling $1,549,612.74.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083776,"Morton Grove proclaims Arbor Day, highlights Tree City USA recognition and USDA grant",1093,73000,1166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1&start=73&end=1166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1/thumbnail_73000.jpg","/articles/6083776/Morton-Grove/Cook-County/Illinois/Morton-Grove-proclaims-Arbor-Day-highlights-Tree-City-USA-recognition-and-USDA-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083776-2d49cf637448532553e2a16143fec753/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448388&Signature=X4w3mlOzXvqaRbj-JxeeNag-E85T~vea5GkltlRxjuNd9VcueMj1vmvXK76r9ZW3lJ3L~vwwPx7FSBIqeNjF~qYTwVackPgLp96DDaI9zmSS15XzQgNFPkRTRyhwYO4wAehP-y1378VWGs~Q4-grL5MYs~LnUfewViFK1SauQp~YmUqAlCb50X90nSs~VcA3wOiYNJ45xwqBiYCb1W4T1XioS5BW8dAl-H6QIlndzhXieHdJH2VgEaDTXR6GXEQlVGUB2YFznZBYNxHyu~q81ELf5KIi9znid6KdNqRiWTAnXE9ARiacULVaAUA6qC0giLQneYqDb2Tx2VCWBHHC2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor (via proclamation) designated April 24, 2025, as Arbor Day in the Village of Morton Grove and highlighted the village’s recognition as a Tree City USA community for the 24th consecutive year and receipt of the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award for the third year.

The proclamation, read into the record, noted multiple benefits of trees including erosion control, energy-cost reductions, air quality improvements and enhanced property values. The board also accepted a U.S. Department of Agriculture urban and community forestry grant for $25,000 (Resolution 25-25) to fund tree purchases; the grant was approved 4-0.

Trustees and staff emphasized continued village support for urban forestry programs. Separately, staff announced the village’s Adopt-a-Block program and an Earth Month water-conservation pledge opportunity as part of the 2025 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.

What this means: The proclamation formalizes the village’s observance of Arbor Day and, with the USDA grant, provides funding to purchase trees for village planting programs. The transcript records the grant award amount as $25,000; staff and trustees noted that final receipt of federal funds is subject to federal processes.","The board proclaimed April 24, 2025, as Arbor Day in Morton Grove, marked the village's 24th Tree City USA recognition and growth award, and accepted a $25,000 USDA urban and community forestry grant to purchase trees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083780,"Board hears first reading on proposed ban of unregulated ‘cannabis-like’ products; resident urges regulation of kratom",464,427000,891000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1&start=427&end=891","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2927319-be8478deaef477f52171bbbd5e6124f1/thumbnail_427000.jpg","/articles/6083780/Morton-Grove/Cook-County/Illinois/Board-hears-first-reading-on-proposed-ban-of-unregulated-cannabis-like-products-resident-urges-regulation-of-kratom","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083780-b6f4d07d0e6bb11be1927840bba56564/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448388&Signature=mR~LnO5Uspm9agAGwYl6LRDkTx4iVtLf3SFuKdJsMEdvPemLJFcz-r-7I~yFGW9r4k9CE0~~OblmztCBQRp2ztn-6lk4Bs8Y2kSObxcgaphJSahabmajhlHhE76Ow~eDmKOsD4hShr277bpExANlksmniqNQRitnn9AsL4lpXHUvoqrOPeH8ndoJqtfmpVj3dgBJBSp8Pzqc0PN9ooKFoDA-sin7ZBz~Bbq~qQVklqkmmJ-5Gzjw5R9kp35-~RqAARaLJI-XgLkLDjm~XM~tHiN4ThW9i9lRmWB98~wLZpBUsXGyqjpGJct6F14HEleS0nkGYj7Ykv3-oNHDK-fItg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village staff presented Ordinance 25-16 as a first reading, proposing to add Section 6-7-4 to the municipal code to limit the sale of certain unregulated cannabis-like products to state-licensed establishments. No vote was taken; the ordinance was described as not affecting state-licensed recreational or medical cannabis retailers and, if adopted, would take effect Aug. 1 to give local sellers time to come into compliance.

During the public-comment period, James Pratt, a Morton Grove-area resident, addressed the board specifically about kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that some residents use for energy, concentration and pain management. Pratt urged trustees to consider that kratom is not cannabis and to evaluate the scientific safety profile before imposing a sales ban. He said some users rely on kratom as an alternative to opioids and described an FDA ascending-dose study he said found kratom well tolerated until relatively high doses (Pratt said the first adverse event in that study was nausea at roughly 12 grams).

Pratt also warned about adulterated kratom products entering the market and recommended regulation focused on labeling, testing and age restrictions rather than a blanket ban. The transcript shows the village staff committed to follow up on information about kratom and provide guidance before the next meeting.

Why it matters: The proposed ordinance would change local retail rules for products that resemble cannabis but are not sold at state-licensed cannabis businesses; businesses currently selling these products inside the village would need time to comply or cease retail sales. Trustees did not take action during the first reading and directed staff to gather additional information on kratom and related products.

Next steps: Staff will follow up with the information referenced by Pratt (the transcript notes an email from Heidi Sikora) and bring guidance to a future meeting; the ordinance remains at first-reading status.","Village staff presented ordinance 25-16, a first reading to restrict sale of unregulated cannabis-like products to state-licensed establishments; a resident urged trustees to treat kratom separately and consider regulation rather than a sales ban.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Morton Grove planning commission-backed text amendments presented; first reading of Title 12 changes slated

Morton Grove board approves ordinances and multiple infrastructure resolutions; warrants pass

Morton Grove proclaims Arbor Day, highlights Tree City USA recognition and USDA grant

Board hears first reading on proposed ban of unregulated ‘cannabis-like’ products; resident urges regulation of kratom