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Home My WebLink About4.1 Minutes 04/08/2025 COW MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Meeting of the Committee of the Whole Tuesday, April 8, 2025 / 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefert called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Board Room at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St. ROLL CALL Members present upon roll call by the Village Clerk: Mayor Paul Hoefert, Trustee Vincent Dante, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi, Trustee John Matuszak, Trustee Colleen Saccotelli Absent: None None MAYOR'S COMMENTS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Minutes of the March 11, 2025, Village Board Workshop and Committee of the Whole Meeting Motion by Bill Grossi, second by Vincent Dante to approve minutes of the March 11, 2025 Village Board Workshop and Committee of the Whole meeting: Yea: Vincent Dante, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed None CITIZENS TO BE HEARD DISCUSSION ITEMS 6.1. Present proposed concept plan, cost estimate, and schedule for the construction of the Central Gateway Plaza Project at 310 West Northwest Highway. Director of Public Works, Sean Dorsey, presented the proposed concept plan, cost estimate, and schedule for the construction of the Central Gateway Plaza Project at 310 W. Northwest Highway. Mr. Dorsey stated that the Village recently purchased the property, viewing it as a key parcel and entryway to downtown. He provided a brief history of the property, noting that it had been used for a gas and service station since the 1930s and most recently served as the home to Formula Auto, an auto repair shop. Mr. Dorsey presented a landscape plan designed by Public Works staff. He noted that, given its unique location and layout, the intent is not for it to serve as a park but rather as a gateway green space. He displayed a survey that indicates where the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) incident sites are located and the remediation areas. The LUSTs have been removed. The site remediation area addresses any ground pollution left over from former uses. Environmental work has been completed to date, and outcomes from this remediation have been identified. He stated that both the LUST and SRP (Site Remediation Program) Corrective Action Plans have been submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for review. The approval of the remediation work and testing that has been completed to date is expected by the end of April. Mr. Dorsey and staff are confident the site can be restored as a public green space. Mr. Dorsey provided a proposed project schedule that includes the anticipated clearance from the IEPA in April, demolition and site preparation work in June, planting materials installation in September, and clock tower installation in November. The proposed plan features a six -space parking lot on the west side of the property, an improved shared garbage enclosure and resurfacing and milling of the adjacent alley. Additionally, new brick pavers will be installed, existing public sidewalk pavers will be replaced, the alley entrance off Central will be removed, electrical poles will be relocated, and new planting beds will be installed. The plants will combine ornamental and native plants, perennial flowers, evergreen shrubs, and deciduous shrubs. The selected proposed clock tower, made by the Verdin Company, is 30 feet tall and approximately 8 feet wide. It will feature four 5-foot-wide clocks with aluminum, non -working bells that can be programmed to play music or bell sounds. Mr. Dorsey discussed two other bell options. The Verdin option was chosen due to its quality, features, and reliability. Mr. Dorsey discussed the project's cost estimate, which encompasses everything from demolition to the clock tower installation, totaling $1,095,588. Mr. Dorsey presented a rendering of the completed proposed project. He discussed the next steps, which include Village Board approval for the Verdin clock tower purchase and the contract for demolition and site preparation. Board Comments: • Kudos to the staff for the design • Beautiful vision for the gateway • Concerned that the clock tower will be scalable • Suggested addition of landscape lighting or pathway lighting Mr. Dorsev provided the followina in response to auestions from the Board: • Parking spaces will be open to the public for any use, including Trezeros overflow parking • The contract with the demolition and site preparation company will include requirements for the use of personal protective gear and equipment • The clock tower will be maintained on a schedule similar to other steel structures in the Village; if it needs repair, the Verdin Company provides service • The clock tower will be backlit • An irrigation system will be in place • The site will be safe for public use • The project will be funded through the Prospect and Main TIF Public Comment: Louis Goodman 310 N. School St. • Inquired whether the clock tower will chime every hour Mr. Dorsey stated that the chime is programmable. Walter Szymczak 104 N. Eastwood • Asked whether there will be benches in the park Mr. Dorsey stated that there will be a sitting wall instead of benches. Beth DiPrima 420 S. We Go Trail • Expressed concerns about the proposed selection of plantings. • Asked about the purpose of the space Mr. Dorsey responded, stating that the space will become a gateway/entrance to downtown. Jill Hoff Mount Prospect resident • Asked if the installation of landscape art was considered for this space Mr. Dorsey responded that public art projects have been discussed but not for this space. No further discussion. 6.2. Proposed Signage Design, Cost Estimate, and Schedule for the Construction of the South Mount Prospect Gateway Signage Project at 3229 S. Busse Road. Director of Community and Economic Development Jason Shallcross presented the proposed signage design, cost estimate, and schedule for the construction of the South Mount Prospect Gateway Signage project at 3229 S. Busse Road, and new signage for the Kensington Business Center. Mr. Shallcross stated the new gateway sign into South Mount Prospect on Busse Road will be constructed from masonry with a "fieldstone" appearance and black metal accents, accompanied by a prominent display of the Village keystone logo. The design will feature materials consistent with other Village infrastructure signage. Mr. Shallcross mentioned that maintenance on this sign will be minimal. Staff will collaborate with a landscape architect to select a variety of perennial and annual plants for the area surrounding the sign. Board comments: • The sign will be a great addition to our south side • Thanked the staff for incorporating the Board's feedback. • Prefers a backlit sign as it is easier to read In response to a question from the Board, Mr. Shallcross stated that the budget includes a $10,000 allowance for lighting design for both this sign and the Kensington Business Center signs. The Kensington Business Center signs are proposed for the east and west entrances. Mr. Shallcross stated that staff conducted a survey of the KBC occupants to determine whether "Business" should remain part of the business park's name, as it includes more than just businesses today. The overwhelming response was to retain "Business" as part of the park's name. Mr. Shallcross displayed images of the proposed signs, which include materials consistent with the proposed new gateway sign. Board Comments: Would like a deeper discussion regarding the marketing and branding for the business center; feels "Business" does not accurately identify the center's other uses and noted the survey only returned 13 responses. Mr. Shallcross responded, stating that several businesses feel the identity of the business park is tied to its current name and has strong name recognition. Likes the look and design of the sign Public Comment: Jeannie Lee -Mac Mount Prospect resident • Asked about the cost of the signs Mr. Shallcross provided total construction cost estimates. The gateway entrance sign's estimated cost is $345,000, and the two Kensington Business Center signs' estimated cost is $332,000. The project also includes design fees estimated at $111,000 and a $10,000 allowance for lighting design, for a total project cost of $788,000. The budget for this project is $800,000. In response to a question from the Board, Mr. Shallcross stated that the Kensington Business Center is 95% occupied and covers over 300 acres and 60 buildings. He stated the project is projected to be completed by Spring 2026. No further discussion. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT 7.1. As submitted Village Manager Michael Cassady requested a closed session immediately following this meeting to discuss potential LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (11). ANY OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Hoefert reminded everyone that Coffee with Council is Saturday, April 12, 2025 in the Farley Community Room. Trustee Grossi acknowledged the VFW s Centennial Celebration, which took place on April 5, noting that it was a wonderful celebration. ADJOURNMENT Trustee Dante, seconded by Trustee Gens, motioned to convene in closed session at 8:25 (in the Executive Conference Room) Upon roll call: Ayes: Dante, Gens, Grossi, Matuszak, Saccotelli Nays: None Mayor Hoefert noted that the Board will not take final action on any issue and will, therefore, return to open session solely to adjourn. Trustee Grossi, seconded by Trustee Dante, moved to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the April 8, 2025, adjourned at 8:47p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk