The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About03/14/2023 COW MinutesMount Pto',Pw M AMMUMPTIM Budget Source Category Type Information Alternatives in• - Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting - March 14, 2023 April 25, 2023 - IOINT VILLAGE BOARD AND FINANCE COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSHOP - U1313E�� Minutes 1 Village of Mount Prospect Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 14, 2023 / 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Paul Hoefert called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. at 50 S.Emerson Street in Mount Prospect. a. Roll Call Members present upon roll call by the Village Clerk: Mayor Paul Hoefert, Trustee Agostino Filippone, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee John Matuszak, Trustee Richard Rogers, and Trustee Colleen Saccotelli Absent: Trustee Michael Zadel 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1 Minutes of the Committee of the Whole of January 24, 2023 Motion by Colleen Saccotelli second by Terri Gens to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes of January 24, 2023: Aye: Agostino Filippone, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Richard Rogers, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Michael Zadel Final resolution: Minutes approved. 3. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Michael Konopka Maple Street resident • Emphasized the importance of rail safety in our community in light of the recent train derailment in Ohio that released toxic fumes into the environment Mayor Hoefert responded, stating the Village has emergency plans in place should a similar incident occur in our town. Jane Whitecotton Mount Prospect resident • Expressed concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing in Mount Prospect and a lack of reasonably priced dining options for families; would like to see more restaurants serving breakfast. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4.1 Aging in the Community Action Plan Presentation, Discussion, and Feedback Director of Human Services Julie Kane presented the Aging in Community Action Plan and initiative. 2 Ms. Kane introduced members of the Age -Friendly Task Force that commenced in 2021 and meets on a monthly basis since to work on the initiative. The task force includes staff liaisons from the Human Services and Community Development departments. Ms. Kane discussed the importance of forming a task force due to several key factors including increase in life expectancy rates and the simple fact that our community is growing older. In addition, the Village has identified Aging in Community as a strategic priority since 2019. Ms. Kane provided a timeline of key steps the Village has taken to move the initiative forward that includes finalizing the Action Plan in 2023 for implementation in 2023-2025. Ms. Kane stated a Stakeholder Committee was formed in 2019 along with senior focus groups comprised of Mount Prospect residents. The focus groups provided the committee with important insight that included a desire to age in Mount Prospect, transportation options, socialization and various housing options. In 2021, the Village applied to and was accepted into the AARP Network of Age -Friendly States and Communities Program. The task force was established and its first task was to launch the Aging in Community survey. The survey was available in English and Spanish and residents could complete the survey either online or by a paper copy. Ms. Kane discussed various ways the survey was distributed to the community. The Village received 466 responses. The survey proved to be a useful tool in the development of the draft Action Plan. In addition, the Village was selected as one of five municipalities in 2021 to receive the Aging in Changing Region Grant in 2021. In 2022, the task force developed the vision, mission and values for the draft Action Plan. The task force identified five priority areas derived from the Aging in Community survey analysis. The five priority areas include housing, transportation, social engagement, information/communication and health/wellness. These areas are the focus of the draft Action Plan. Ms. Kane presented the goals and objections of each priority area. Ms. Kane discussed next steps that include finalizing and submitting the Action Plan to AARP for final approval. Working groups will be formed for each priority area and these groups will begin implementation of the three-year Action Plan. Ms. Kane stated updates will be provided quarterly to the working group co-chairs and staff liaisons to ensure the plan is moving forward. Ms. Kane informed that additional information and updates on this initiative is available on the Human Services' webpage via the Village website. Ms. Kane provided the followina in response to auestions/comments from the Board: • Village Code does not prohibit or limit in-law suites; coach houses as affordable housing have not been addressed from a Building Code aspect. Mark Rysavy, Deputy Director of Building and Inspections provided response • Human Services collaborates with the Police Department to provide seniors with resources and educational programs to help identify and avoid scams • Working on a vetted list of individuals/contractors who are willing to assist low-income seniors with small repairs/projects • Collaboration with the library and other community partners is imperative to success of senior programs • Senior transportation is a priority; will be included in 2024 budget requests • Goal is to create opportunities for seniors without a separate Senior Center; hiring of a part-time Senior Activities Coordinator will focus on senior engagement, programs and activities, working with community partners to provide these opportunities at different locations throughout the community Public Comment: 3 Marie Bass Mount Prospect resident • Thanked the Village for the comprehensive Action Plan • Seniors should have a central, single -point resource contact Ginny Thomas, Senior Services Social Worker, responded, stating she is the contact person for Village seniors. The Village provides a variety of resources and services including the Senior Buzz monthly newsletter and home visits to those unable to travel. In addition, the "Senior Hub'; located on the first floor of Village Hall, offers a plethora of information pertinent to seniors. John Kane Mount Prospect resident • Expressed need for senior transportation; Ms. Kane responded. Caole Martz Mount Prospect resident • Expressed importance of partnerships; suggested a senior -to -senior buddy program. Also, list of volunteers who are interested in helping seniors in need and newsletters and information printed in large -print would be helpful to seniors; would like to see more senior services provided by the Village Ms. Thomas announced upcoming events and presentations that focus on transportation (August 9) and home modification (November 8); more information and programs to follow. Cathy Dunnington Mount Prospect resident • Aging in Community is a community issue; engage community to work together to address aging and to combat ageism Jane Whitecotton Mount Prospect resident • Complimented the Mount Prospect Public Library's senior programs • Asked if Ageless Grace can be moved to another day. Ms. Kane responded, stating she will work with group to determine which day of the week works best for everyone Louis Goodman Mount Prospect resident • Asked if there are still volunteers who help seniors with snow shoveling Ms. Thomas responded, stating a Teen Snow Shovel program exists but is difficult to find teen volunteers; encouraged teens to sign-up for the program Mike Konopka Mount Prospect resident • Suggested discounts or special senior rates for internet and cable, especially for those who are low-income. Ms. Kane responded, stating a few programs are available for very low- income seniors. Mayor Hoefert thanked the Human Resources team for the presentation and productive discussion and looks forward to continued discussions and actions. 4.2 Village Government Sustainability Plan: Initial Report Review and Feedback Alex Bertolucci, Assistant to the Village Manager, presented the Village Sustainability Plan. Mr. Bertolucci explained the Plan includes a status report and implementation guide. Initiated by two Strategic Planning processes, the 2021-2022 Village Operational Sustainably Plan and the 2022-2023 Village Government Sustainability Plan, help set the groundwork for the Sustainability Plan. The Status Report includes regional efforts, notable achievements and highlights the 4 importance of the Greenest Region Compact categories. The report also includes Village actions and achievements in support of the Greenest Region Compact that include the SolSmart Community designation, Village recycling events and programs, Tree City USA awards and many other significant designations. Mr. Bertolucci explained that an ad hoc Committee was established in September 2022, comprised primarily of existing members of Village boards and commissions who expressed interest in sustainability. The committee worked to create the Implementation Guide that prioritizes goals the committee previously identified. Mr. Bertolucci provided an overview of the seven selected goals. Members of the committee presented a brief description of each goal and accompanying objective: 1. Promote the use of environment friendly alternatives for landscapes throughout the community - presented by member Chris Gordon 2. Help reduce solid waste tonnage generated by all users - presented by member Pat Nuccio 3. Construct new shared -use paths and sidewalks to create greater opportunities for walking and biking - presented by member Jeff Neijdl 4. Use energy for building and facilities efficiently - presented by member Tina DeArgon 5. Maintain landscapes with an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood appeal, in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner, which minimizes the use of pesticides and herbicides - presented by member Liz LaPlante 6. Formalize participation in the Illinois Finance Authority's C -PACE Program that will allow commercial and certain residential properties to finance investment in electric vehicle charging, energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy and resilient design of new and existing buildings - presented by member Arlene Juracek 7. Encourage installation of solar panels and participation in the Village's community solar program - presented by member Ken Arndt Mr. Bertolucci discussed goals on the horizon and next steps. The Implementation Guide may be used as a resource during the 2023-2024 strategic planning process. Mr. Bertolucci stated staff has already begun work on action items summited by the committee. Board Comments: • Important to encourage residents to use electric vehicles • Supports Village events to promote sustainability; suggested a Sustainability Fair in conjunction with the Public Works Open House • Suggested a political sign recycling program • More public education is needed • Recommends the Village move forward with pollinator garden initiatives • Explore a "water rebate" program • Would like Village to be pro -active with action items • Would support a full-time Sustainability Commission • Source grants to help fund programs • Solar panels do not work well in this area; source other ways we can still participate in solar programs such as solar farms in other areas Mayor Hoefert acknowledged work needs to be ongoing and supports establishment of an official commission to support, initiate and execute programs and goals. Public Comment: Carole Martz • Suggested the Village offer organics recycling and fabrics recycling year-round Encouraged residents to use the Mount Prospect Facebook Free group 5 S. VILLAGE MANAGERS REPORT No report 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS None 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Rogers, seconded by Trustee Matuszak moved to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous roll vote of the Village Board, the March 14, 2023 Committee the Whole meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk 0