HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/2023 VB Minutes
Village of Mount Prospect
Regular Meeting of the Village Board
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 / 7:00 p.m.
Amended 6/5/2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hoefert called the Regular Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:16 p.m. in the
Board Room at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St.
2. ROLL CALL
Members present upon roll call by the Village Clerk: Mayor Paul Hoefert, Trustee Vincent
Dante, Trustee Agostino Filippone, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi, Trustee John
Matuszak and Trustee Colleen Saccotelli
Absent: None
2.1 Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Dante
2.2 Invocation - Trustee Saccotelli provided the invocation.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the regular Meeting of the Village Board – May 2, 2023
Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Bill Grossi to approve the meeting minutes of May 2,
2023:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen
Saccotelli
Nay: None
Absent: None
Final Resolution: Motion Passed
4. MAYORS REPORT
4.1 PRESENTATION: Police Department - Administer the Oath of Office to:
Bart Tweedie - Commander
Mount Prospect Police Chief Mike Eterno provided a background of Bart Tweedie's achievements
and outstanding job performance that led to his promotion from Sergeant to Commander of the
Mount Prospect Police Department. Village Clerk Karen Agoranos administered the Oath of
Office to Commander Tweedie.
4.2 ACCOLADES: Presentation of accreditation plaque by the American Public Works
Association.
American Public Works Association representative Sean O'Dell presented Public Works Director
Sean Dorsey a plaque, awarding the Mount Prospect Public Works Department formal
accreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA). This declaration of accreditation
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formally verifies and recognizes the Public Works department for compliance with the
recommended practices of the American Public Works Association. Seeking accreditation is a
voluntary approach to objectively evaluate, verify and recognize compliance with recommended
management practices. Mr. Dorsey identified key members of the Public Works staff and thanked
them for their hard work and dedication to excellence. Mayor Hoefert, on behalf of the Board, and
Village Manager Michael Cassady congratulated the entire Public Works team for this important
and well-deserved recognition.
Mayor Hoefert read the following proclamations into record:
4.3 PROCLAMATION: National Public Works Week May 21 - 27, 2023
Accepted by Mr. Dorsey who invited the community to attend Saturday's annual Public Works
Open House. Mr. Dorsey provided a few details of the day's family-friendly events,
demonstrations, and activities.
4.4 PROCLAMATION: Monarch Butterfly Day - May 20, 2023
Proclamation accepted by members of the Mount Prospect Monarch Group and the Garden Club
of Mount Prospect.
4.5 PROCLAMATION: Mental Health Awareness Month – May 2023
Mount Prospect Police Social worker Sandy Ziesak accepted.
4.6 1st reading of an ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13 (ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS) OF THE
VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT. This ordinance increases the number of Class "F-8" liquor
licenses by one (1) SALERNO'S MT. PROSPECT INC. d/b/a SALERNO'S PIZZERIA & EATERY,
WHISKEY HILL BREWING & KITCHEN located at 99 W. Prospect Avenue, Mount Prospect, IL.
Petitioner Robert Salerno was present and answered questions from the Board. Mr. Salerno
estimates an August 2023 opening for Salerno's Pizzeria and Eatery, followed by a September
2023 opening for Whiskey Hill Brewing. Mr. Salerno thanked the Board for their continued
support.
Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Bill Grossi to waive the rule requiring two readings of an
ordinance:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen
Saccotelli
Nay: None
Absent: None
Resolution: Motion Passed
Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Bill Grossi to approve the subject ordinance:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen
Saccotelli
Nay: None
Absent: None
Final Resolution: Motion Passed
Ordinance No. 6676
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS - CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Steve Polit
601 N. Wilshire
Preserving and sustaining the existence of monarch butterflies, bees and insects is an
ongoing effort
Education is important to understand the concept and importance of "No Mow May"
Pat Rubino
220 Can Dota
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Expressed concern regarding traffic patterns around Lincoln School; requested traffic study
Village Manager Michael Cassady responded, stating the Village is currently working with School
District 57 on this issue and offered a follow-up conversation with her
6. CONSENT AGENDA
As members of the Lions Club Board of Directors, Trustees Dante and Grossi each
announced their decision to abstain from the vote on items 6.2 and 6.3.
Clerk Agoranos acknowledged their votes of abstention will be recorded accordingly in the
meeting's minutes.
Motion by Terri Gens, second by Vincent Dante to approve the consent agenda:
Yea: Vincent Dante*, Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi*, John Matuszak,
Colleen Saccotelli
Nay: None
Absent: None
Final Resolution; Motion Passed
6.1 List of Bills - April 26, 2023 to May 9, 2023 - $ 2,900,277.78
6.2 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT OF LICENSE WITH THE MOUNT
PROSPECT LIONS CLUB TO CONDUCT THE FARMERS MARKET
*Abstain: Vincent Dante, Bill Grossi
Resolution No. 9-23
6.3 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A GRANT OF LICENSE WITH THE
MOUNT PROSPECT LIONS CLUB TO CONDUCT WEEKLY CAR SHOWS
*Abstain: Vincent Dante, Bill Grossi
Resolution No. 10-23
6.4 Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13 (ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS) OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT
PROSPECT. This ordinance decreases the number of Class "F-1" Liquor Licenses by one (1)
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. d/b/a Chipotle Grill #631 located at 102 E. Kensington Road, Mount
Prospect, IL.
Ordinance No. 6677
6.5 Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13 (ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS) OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT
PROSPECT. This ordinance decreases the number of Class "F-1" Liquor Licenses by one (1) MANY
MICE RESTORED LLC d/b/a SURF'S UP located at 220 Randhurst Village Drive, Mount Prospect, IL.
Ordinance No. 6678
6.6 Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt an
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, “TRAFFIC” IN THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT,
SECTION 18.2009C. This ordinance will prohibit parking from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on the east side
of Aspen Drive from Maya Lane to the school driveway at Frost Elementary School on school days.
Ordinance No. 6679
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Motion to Establish the Village of Mount Prospect Economic Emergency Fund
Director of Finance Amit Thakkar presented items 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 together in one
presentation.
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Mr. Thakkar began by defining what a fund balance is and its importance, relevance and purpose
to a governmental body. A fund balance includes three categories: Non-spendable Fund Balance,
Restricted Fund Balance (revenue for a specific reason and purpose i.e. American Rescue Fund)
and Unrestricted Fund Balance (budget-approved expenses for day-to-day services).
Mr. Thakkar explained that a fund balance is needed because not all revenues are collected
upfront or at the same time. By state regulation under the Prompt Payment Act, the Village is
required to pay all bills within sixty days or less; the fund balance assists with this in addition to
compliance with on-time debt service payments, risk management purposes and stabilization of
tax rates.
Mr. Thakkar further explained what a fund balance does for a municipality by stating it defines
the minimum, maximum and target fund balance and defines action items in cases where the
fund balance falls below the minimum required fund balance. The fund balance also ensures
continuity of operation and is an important criterion evaluated by credit rating agencies. The
higher the fund balance policy requirements, the higher the creditworthiness, which results in a
lower interest rate. Mr. Thakkar stated the Village's target fund balance is 25 percent of the
year's annual budgeting expenditures. Mr. Thakkar added the maximum fund balance is capped
at 50 percent. Recent projects funded by the Fund Balance included flood control projects at
Burning Bush and Aspen Trails, abatement of pension levies, abatement of Police and Fire
Headquarter debt levies and replacement of the Village Vehicle Sticker program revenue.
Mr. Thakkar presented issues with the Village's current Fund Balance Policy. The issues include
emphasis placed on the accounting fund balance instead of a spendable fund balance, absence of
an official emergency fund and lack of long-term contingency reserves should the Village be faced
with economic downturns, state legislative impacts and other emergency challenges.
Mr. Thakkar provided a snapshot of the Village's current fund balance along with how much fund
balance is sufficient to maintain a smooth operation that includes a four-month cash reserve
balance. Future uses of the fund balance include $2 million towards additional pension
abatements, $1.4 million toward Police and Fire Headquarters bond and $1.4 million to the Vehicle
Sticker fund, resulting in approximately $282 annual relief for an average household.
Mr. Thakkar shared staff recommendation regarding revisions to the Village Fund Balance that
include increasing the fund balance target to approximately 40 percent of the annual budgeted
expenditures. Revisions include direction for use should the fund balance increase beyond 60
percent and dips below 30 percent. If or when this decrease occurs, staff will report if the
decrease is temporary or permanent. If permanent, staff will be required to report to the Finance
Commission and the Village Board if contingency planning should be deployed and/or use of the
Economic Emergency Fund should be triggered.
Mr. Thakkar stated staff is also recommending creation of an Economic Emergency Fund for use
during unforeseen emergencies. Unforeseen emergencies are defined as natural or manmade
disasters, revenue shortfalls, economic downturn, emergency infrastructure repairs, pension and
debt service levy abatements and stabilizing public finance. Mr. Thakkar stated an Economic
Emergency Fund can provide budgeting flexibility which allows local governments to address
unexpected expenses without cutting programs or services. Existence of an emergency fund can
also improve the credit ratings for local governments, making it easier and cheaper to borrow
money when needed. Most important however, is the ability for a municipality to meet the
emergency needs of the time.
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Mr. Thakkar displayed a fund balance analysis of surrounding communities and provided staff
recommendations for the creating of an Economic Emergency Fund. Mr. Thakkar proposed
funding the Economic Emergency Fund with one-month worth of cash totally $6.5 million. This
amount will be transferred to this fund from 2022 surplus and will be invested in short-term
investments with high liquidity and high credit ratings. The Finance Commission, by a vote of 4-
1, voted to support this initiative.
Mr. Thakkar stated in the event of an emergency, the Village Code allows the Village
Manager to respond promptly and accordingly. If the emergency is not considered
extremely urgent, appropriations from the fund will be presented to the Finance
Commission for recommendation and to the Village Board before their final approval.
Finally, Mr. Thakkar presented budget amendments to the 2023 annual budget. Staff is proposing
allocating 100 percent of home-rule sales tax ($6.4 million) to the General Fund and allocating
$2.0 million to each of the Capital Project Funds from the State Sales Tax and the remaining will
be allocated to the General Fund ($24.0 million). In addition, the initial funding of the Economic
Emergency Fund will come from a transfer from the General Fund totaling $6.5 million.
Mr. Thakkar answered questions from the Board. A robust discussion followed.
Trustee Filippone expressed the following concerns:
Fund balance decisions are made by the Board each year as part of the annual budget and
approval process which includes staff presentations and recommendations
In the event of an emergency there are mechanisms in place to call for a Special meeting
of the Village Board and that depending on the level of emergency, potential State and
Federal funds and assistance could also be triggered.
expressed concern with taking budgetary authority and policy decision-making with regard
to emergency/savings fund balance away from a group of elected officials and putting it in
the hands of one unelected staff member for interpretation and use
if the Village is concerned about potential economic headwinds and “living beyond its
means” the Village should review the budget and consider cutting expenses in the present
as the Village portion of property tax bill was a 5% increase last year and tracking for at
least a 6% increase this year.
Supports keeping money on the side as additional “savings’ in the general account and the
Board should not be adding unnecessary strings and ceding additional budgetary control to
an unelected singular person
Public Comment:
Steve Polit
601 N. Wilshire
Offered his own explanations that an average resident can relate to and understand
regarding Village budgeting
Pat Rubino
220 Can Dota
While the suspension/elimination of the vehicle sticker is appreciated, money never seems
to come back to the resident; questioned what determines a man-made disaster;
expressed concern regarding the possibility of large numbers of migrants entering the
Village.
Mayor Hoefert stated the Economic Emergency Fund is a responsible action by the Village but
understands the ambiguity using the word "emergency." Mayor Hoefert defined a natural
disaster as a tornado or flood; an example of a man-made disaster is a rail spill or terrorist
attack. Mayor Hoefert stated the Village historically maintains a healthy General Fund; due to
this, the Village has been able to manage difficult economic periods. The Village Board has a
long history of fiscal responsibility.
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Bill Scott
507 W. Go Wando
Advocated to give some money back to the residents; generate spending; multiplier effect
Mr. Thakkar responded and provided ways the Village gives money back to the residents through
tax abatements (levying less).
8.1 Motion to Establish the Village of Mount Prospect Economic Emergency Fund
Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Vincent Dante to establish the Village of Mount Prospect
Economic Emergency Fund:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli
Nay: Agostino Filippone
Absent: None
Final Resolution: Motion Passed
8.2 Motion to Approve Revisions to the Fund Balance Policy.
Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Vincent Dante to approve revisions to the Fund Balance
Policy:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli
Nay: Agostino Filippone
Absent: None
Final Resolution: Motion Passed
8.3 Waive the rules requiring two readings of an Ordinance and adopt AN ORDINANCE
MAKING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNUAL BUDGET ADOPTED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2023 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2023.
Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Bill Grossi to waive the rule requiring two readings of an
ordinance:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli
Nay: Agostino Filippone
Absent: None
Motion by John Matuszak, second by Bill Grossi to approve the subject Budget Amendment
Ordinance:
Yea: Vincent Dante, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli
Nay: Agostino Filippone
Absent: None
Final Resolution: Motion Passed
Ordinance No. 6680
9. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT
9.1 Motion to approve the purchase of Axon Taser 7's to replace the Police Department's
current inventory of Tasers from Axon Enterprises, Inc. in an amount not to exceed
$80,057.96.
Police Chief Mike Eterno presented information regarding the purchase of Axon Taser 7
Chief Eterno stated the department has utilized Axon Tasers as an effective intermediate tool
for several years and it is Department policy that every officer assigned to the field must
always carry a taser while on duty. Chief Eterno stated tasers are used to subdue physically
violent offenders to avoid physical altercations. Chief Eterno stated tasers resemble the look of
a firearm but are bright yellow in color.
Chief Eterno stated the current tasers in use are reaching the end of their useful life (a typical
lifespan is five years). The proposed purchase of the Axon Taser 7 model is an upgrade from the
current model in use and is more effective. Chief Eterno added Axon is a trusted and respected
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manufacturer of tasers; their models are used by most police departments and are effective and
very reliable. The proposal includes the purchase of thirty Axon Taser 7s and accessories including
battery packs, holsters, targets, charging docs and cartridges; the proposal also includes a five-
year warranty. Chief Eterno stated staff recommends the waiver of the bidding process and
approve the purchase of Axon Taser 7s to replace the Police Department's current inventory of
Tasers from Axon Enterprises in an amount not to exceed $80,057.96. Chief Eterno stated this
purchase is included in the Police Department's 2023 Capital Improvement Projects budget and if
approved, will be paid from Asset Seizure funds.
Chief Eterno responded to questions from Board. In response to a question, Chief Eterno stated
the current tasers will be traded-in and likely be refurbished by Axon and resold. Chief Eterno
stated the Department received a discount for the trade-ins. Commander Bart Tweedie added to
the discussion, stating the Axon Taser 7 is an improvement over the existing tasers in use by
improving the probability of getting a violent offender safely into custody.
Motion by Bill Grossi, second by Vincent Dante to approve the purchase of Axon Taser 7's to
replace the Police Department's current inventory of Tasers from Axon Enterprises, Inc. in an
amount not to exceed $80,057.96.
Yea: Vincent Dante, Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen
Saccotelli
Nay: None
Absent: None
Final Resolution: Motion Passed
9.2 As submitted
No additional report.
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Hoefert reminded residents that the Public Works Open House is Saturday, May 20 from
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee
Saccotelli second by Trustee Grossi motioned to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the
May 16, 2023, regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees adjourned at 9:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen M. Agoranos
Village Clerk
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