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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.1 Minutes 08/19/2025Village of Mount Prospect Regular Meeting of the Village Board Tuesday, August 19, 2025 / 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefert called the Regular Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:08 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 Beth DiPrima, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi, Trustee John Matuszak, Trustee Colleen Saccotelli. None were absent. 2.1. Posting of Colors by the Mount Prospect Police and Fire Department Honor Guard with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Vincent Dante APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board -August 6, 2025 Motion by Vincent Dante, second by Bill Grossi, to approve the regular meeting minutes of the August 6, 2025 Village Board meeting: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed MAYORS REPORT 4.1. Mayor's Comment Mayor Hoefert noted an exciting evening ahead, particularly lookingforward to the upcoming promotions. 4.2. PROMOTIONS: Mount Prospect Police Department Oath of Office I Promotion of Commander Joseph Kanupke to Deputy Chief of Administration Oath of Office Promotion of Sergeant William Ryan to Commander Oath of Office Promotion of Officer Anthony Leitzowto Sergeant Oath of Office Promotion of Investigator Andrea Kane to Sergeant Police Chief Mike Eterno presented promotions within the Police Department following the retire me nts of Deputy Chief Anthony Add ante and Sergeant Jonathan JuhI, both who had served 26 years with the department. Commander Joseph Kanupke was promoted to Deputy Chief of Administration. Chief Eterno described Deputy Chief Kanupke as a 24-yearveteran of the department who has worked as a patrol officer, traffic unit officer, detective, patrol sergeant, patrol commander, and most recently as the department's investigative and operations commander. He also noted Kanupke's numerous commendations throughout his career. Village Clerk Agoranos administered the oath of office to Deputy Chief Kanupke. Sergeant William Ryan was promoted to Commander. Chief Eterno described Commander Ryan as a 17-yearveteran who has worked as a patrol officer, in the Special Investigations Unit, as a detective, patrol sergeant, and, most recently, as an investigative sergeant. He highlighted Ryan's decorated career thus far. Village Clerk Karen Agoranos administered the oath of office to Commander Ryan. Officer Anthony Leitzow was promoted to Sergeant. Sergeant Leitzow is a 20-yearveteran of the department. Chief Eterno highlighted Leitzow's career accomplishments, including 50 citizen letters of appreciation and numerous commendations, and noted that he was selected as Officer of the Year three times. Village ClerkAgoranos administered the oath of office to Sergeant Lietzow. Detective Andrea Kane was promoted to Sergeant. Chief Eterno described Sergeant Kane as a 17- yearveteran who had worked as a patrol officer and detective. Throughout her career, she has received 16 citizen letters of appreciation and various commendations, and was selected as Officer of the Year in 2019. Village Clerk Agoranos administered the oath of office to Sergeant Kane. MayorHoefert called fora brief recess at7.32 p.m. Mayor Hoefert resumed the meeting at 7.39 p.m. 4.4. PROCLAMATION: School's Open -Safety Week, August 15-22, 2025 Mayor Hoefert read a proclamation recognizing Schools Open Safety Week from August 18 through August 22, 2025. The proclamation emphasized the importance of motorist safety as students return to school. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS -CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Sonia Ivanov Executive Director of Northwest Compass • Expressed concern about the proposed bridge (Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge), stating that the current bridge route would destroy their community garden. Mayor Hoefert acknowledged her concerns and indicated that staff and the Board were aware of the issue and would work to find a suitable solution. Nancy Fritz Mount Prospect resident • Expressed concerns about the safety of the proposed bridge. Concerned that the bridge could become a dangerous attraction that might cause more problems than it would solve. Emphasized the importance of Northwest Compass and its work in helping vulnerable residents. Mariann Oliver Mount Prospect resident • Spoke about Northwest Compass and their garden • Proposed a solution that involves collaboration with civil engineers and bridge architects to preserve the garden. Paul Dombrowski Mount Prospect resident • Questioned the necessity of the bridge; suggested that children need to learn to navigate obstacles safely on their own as part of developing life skills. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Bill Grossi, second by Vincent Dante to approve the consent agenda as presented: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima,Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed 6.1. List of Bills -July 30, 2025 to August 12, 2025 - $3,392,396.77 6.2. Approval of Closed Session Minutes - August 6, 2025 6.3. Motion to approve a change order for the purchase of 26 Cradlepoint R1900 routers that increase the 5-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc, annual cost to $9,208.32, for a total of $46,041.60 over a 5-year period, and with anew total amount not to exceed of $1,764,804.40 OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS - None VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT No report. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE DISCUSSION ITEM 10.1. Presentation of the Mount Prospect Transit Study Julie Kane, Director of Human Services, introduced the Mount Prospect Transit Study, providing background on how transportation needs and transit barriers were previously identified to a 2009 transit study. She noted that many of the same issues persist today and were identified as high priorities in both the Community Connections Center (CCC) Needs Assessment and the Aging and Community Initiative. Ms. Kane explained that the Village hired Civiltech Engineering and their sub -consultant Nelson Nygard through an RFP process to conduct a transit study, which was funded through the American Rescue Act program. Lissa Sweeney and Josie Wohlman from Civiltech Engineering presented the findings of the Transit Study. Ms. Sweeney explained that the study was a planning -level analysis looking at options to fill gaps and address community needs, serving as a roadmap to prioritize future projects and support grant applications. The study goals included meeting the current and future needs of residents, accounting for changing demographics and commuting habits, and expanding transportation options. Ms. Wohlman reviewed the existing conditions analysis, explaining the differences between fixed - route transit (such as PACE buses) and demand -response services (like dial -a -ride). She noted thatwhile Mount Prospect offers multiple transit services, these services vary significantly in terms of service hours, eligibility requirements, and coverage areas, creating a fragmented system that can be confusing for residents. The study included analysis of community destinations, sidewalk gaps, active transportation networks, and safety considerations. The study's community engagement included an online surveywith over 600 responses, focus groups at senior living facilities, a pop-up event, and stakeholder meetings. Survey results showed that while 77% of respondents primarily drive their own vehicles, public transportation was the second most common mode of transportation. Respondents identified barriers including transit not goingwhere needed, infrequent service, stops beingtoo far from home, and uncertainty about available options. Top requested improvements included better connections to destinations, on -demand services, rideshare subsidies, and improved connectivity. Based on the analysis and feedback, the consultants presented several recommendations grouped into five categories: 1. Establishing newtransit service through either fixed route shuttles or microtransit hub systems 2. Exploring transit alternatives such as taxi/rideshare subsidy programs and collaboration with neighboring communities 3. Adjusting current PACE transit service to enhance north -south connections 4. Improving access to transit through sidewalk improvements and bus stop infrastructure 5. Increasing transit awareness through a mobility manager position and information campaigns Ms. Sweeney and Ms. Wohlman answered questions from the Board. Board Comments: • Supports the microtransit hub option, noting it would offer coverage for both north and south areas while collaborating with township services. • Emphasized the need to invest in residents and businesses by taking steps according to the priorities outlined in the study, suggesting that either the microtransit or fixed route shuttle would be a good starting point. • Suggested that the proposed pedestrian bridge could help address some of the safety concerns identified in the crash map. • Supports pursuing shorter -term solutions like the rideshare subsidy program and working with townships to cross boundaries. Public Comment: Louis Goodman 310 N. School St. • Asked if there will be opportunities for public input Mayor Hoefert stated there has been substantial public input throughout this process. Village Manager Cassady added that staff will continue to engage the public as this project moves forward. Village Manager Cassady stated that working with Village staff, leadership, and other government agencies will help identify short-term goals from the study and report back to the Board with more details on funding needs and responsibilities for implementation. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Village Manager Cassady recognized staff who responded to a devastating storm over the weekend that displaced several residents. He commended the first responders, the Village Human Services Department, including Director Julie Kane, Deputy Director Esther Salutillo, Bill Schroeder (Director of Building and Inspection Services), and Alex Bertolucci (Assistant Village Manager), who operated the Emergency Operations Center and provided support to affected residents. Trustees Dante and Gens also expressed appreciation for the staff's response and for the Village Manager's communication, keepingthe Board informed throughout the crisis. Trustee Matuszak added that he had witnessed the staff's organized response firsthand. Trustee Saccotelli announced the Celebration of Cultures event scheduled for Saturday (August 23rd) at 11 AM at Kopp Park, noting it would feature food vendors and cultural tables. Mayor Hoefert added that this was the seventh annual event, and attendance has grown each year. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Grossi seconded by Trustee Dante motioned to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the August 19, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M . Ago ra n os Village Clerk