HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/12/2025 COW MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect
Committee of the Whole
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 / 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hoefert called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Board Room
at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St.
ROLL CALL
Members present upon a 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
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1. Minutes of the Special Village Board/Committee of the Whole on the Road - July 8, 2025
Motion by Trustee Gens, second by Dante, to approve the minutes:
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 stated he had no comments other than that he was looking forward to the
presentations.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS-CITIZENSTO BE HEARD
Pam Nelson
Mount Prospect resident
• Expressed concern regarding the presentation on community needs and what would
happen in 2026 for low-income people on the north and south sides of the Village.
Mayor Hoefert noted that this was the topic of the upcoming presentation.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
6.1 Presentation of the Community Needs Assessment Final Report
Esther Salutillo, Deputy Director of Human Services and oversees the Community Connection
Center operations, introduced the agenda item. She provided a brief history of the Community
Connection Center (CCC), noting that the last formal assessment was done in 2007, which led to
the opening of the Center in 2009. The Center is located in South Mount Prospect, housing the
Human Services Department and sharing space with the South Branch Mount Prospect Public
Library.
Ms. Salutillo explained that the goal has always been to increase access to social services, public
health nursing, and library services for residents in South Mount Prospect, though the Center is
open to all Village residents. She noted that as part of the Village's strategic plan, the needs
assessment was completed to identify needs and barriers residents face in accessing services, as
well as challenges with transportation and housing. Another goal was to identify potential
partnerships with local agencies.
Ms. Salutillo explained that Initium Health was selected through an RFP process that involved six
proposals, three interviews, and final approval bythe Village Board in September 2024. The
assessment was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
James Corbett, Principal of Initium Health, presented the findings of the needs assessment. He
explained that his firm conducts similar assessments across the country. Mr. Corbett outlined
their mixed -method approach, which included 703 surveys (about double what would be
statistically significant for a community of Mount Prospect's size), five focus groups, and 27
stakeholder interviews with diverse groups across the Village.
Key findings from the assessment included:
• The CCC is viewed as a safe space by residents
• There is strong community interest in expanded CCC services, with almost half of
respondents likely to use an expanded facility
• South Mount Prospect residents showed strong enthusiasm for expanded services
• Services most requested for expansion included youth and senior programs, and
library services
• English speakers most strongly preferred senior programs while Spanish speakers
prioritized youth programs
• Nearly one-third of residents were unaware of the South Library services
The assessment identified four priorities:
• Physical space expansion - The current facility is too small to support multiple
programs simultaneously and lacks private consultation areas. An expanded space
should include dedicated areas for different age groups, telehealth capabilities, and
culturally inclusive design.
• Enhanced service delivery- Maintain community trust and current strengths
(bilingual staff, extended hours, no wait list) while expanding multilingual services,
extending weekend and evening hours, addingyouth programs, enhancing senior
services, and integrating physical and mental health services.
• Strategic partnership implementation - Improve awareness of CCC services,
maintain visibility at cultural events, implement a "no wrong door" approach for
referrals, and explore transportation assistance.
• Access and outreach enhancement - Develop formal partnerships to reduce service
fragmentation, potentially partner with Northwest Community Hospital and other
clinics for mental health and chronic care, and address long wait times for services,
especially for Spanish speakers and uninsured residents.
Ms. Salutillo and Mr. Corbett answered questions from the Board.
Village Manager Cassady clarified that this presentation was intended to share the assessment
findings, not to make specific requests or proposals yet. The next steps would involve working on
prioritization.
Public Comment:
Pam Nelson
Mount Prospect resident
• Referenced the community models in Elgin and Bensenville that integrated multiple
services in one facility.
• Expressed concern about potential cuts to federal programs like Medicaid in 2026 and the
impact on vulnerable residents.
JOINTVILLAGE BOARD AND FINANCE COMMISSION WORKSHOP
7.1 Quarterly Financial Review -Second Quarter 2025
Director of Finance AmitThakkar presented the second quarter financial review, noting that
despite market volatility, the Village's finances remained strong. Key highlights included:
• Total revenue collected during the second quarter was $36.1 million, bringing year-
to-date collections to $67.4 million, an increase of $4.9 million compared to last
year
• Investment income for the yearwas $2.6 million
• State sales tax showed 8.1% growth and income tax showed 8.4% growth, while
used tax decreased by 45.6% due to a change in law
• Second-quarter expenditures totaled $38 million and were on track as expected
• Unassigned fund balance at the end of the quarter was $47.1 million or 51.8% of the
annual budget
Director Thakkar detailed revenue sources, expenditures by department and category, and
provided updates on pension funds. Both pension funds reported positive investment income and
positive change in net position for the first six months. The Police Pension Fund was 64% funded
and the Fire Pension Fund was 64.6% funded.
The Economic Emergency Fund had reached nearly $14 million, including interest income of
$982,643 since its inception.
Director Thakkar concluded that the Village was fiscally strong, with growth opportunities evident
in the financials. Sales tax revenue was projected to reach $39 million, home rule sales tax $8.2
million, and income tax $10.1 million for the year, likely resulting in a year-end surplus. He also
noted that the Village's strategy to achieve an AAA credit rating was underway.
In response to questions from the Board, Director Thakkar explained that achieving an AAA rating
would lower interest costs on debt, potentially saving $250,000 per year on $100 million in debt, or
$5-6 million over 20 years. He also noted that a higher credit rating attracts quality investors and
could make the Village more attractive to businesses.
7.2 Community Investment Plan -Fiscal Year 2026 — 2030
Director Thakkar introduced the Finance Commission, and upon roll call, the following were
present:
Chairman Ken Arndt, Commissioner Mary Rath, Commissioner Don Ocwieja, and Commissioner
Cannizzaro.
DirectorThakkar presented the Community Investment Plan (CIP) for fiscalyears 2026-2030,
noting that this marked the start of the budget season. He explained that the capital budget
accounts for major expenditures where the benefit extends beyond one year.
The five-year CIP totaled $194.7 million, with key components including:
• $74.9 million for resurfacing, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters (39% of CIP)
• $26.6 million for street construction (14% of CIP)
• $44.3 million for water system improvements (23% of CIP)
• $10.4 million for sanitary sewer improvements (5% of CIP)
• $15.9 million for public buildings (8% of CIP)
The 2026 CIP budget was $58.5 million, with $21.2 million for recurring projects and $37.3 million
for one-time projects. The majority (94%) of the CIP was allocated to Public Works.
Director Thakkar and Public Works Director Sean Dorsey highlighted several specific projects:
• Finance Department - ERP upgrade to Munis software at no acquisition cost, with
project management services costing approximately $125,000
• Village -wide Green Building Program - $100,000 initial funding for matching grants
for commercial properties
• Fire Department - Power cots and load stretchers replacement at $142,500 in the
current year and $142,500 in the next year
• Human Services - $4.7 million placeholder for a new Community Connection
Center, potentially requiring bond funding and partnership with the Mount Prospect
Library
• Public Works projects including:
o Water system improvements ($6.5 million for 2026)
o Sanitary sewer system improvements ($1 million for 2026)
o Rand/Kensington/Elmhurst intersection improvements ($4 million Village share,
with total Phase 3 cost of nearly $15 million)
o Algonquin Road bike path improvements ($900,000 Village share, with
substantial grant funding)
o Pedestrian Railroad Crossing Improvement- Kensington Road stair elimination
and path creation ($450,000 Village share)
o Rand Road corridor street lighting ($780,000)
o Busse Road reconstruction ($650,000 Village share, total project cost over $10
million)
o Wolf Road improvements ($1.7 million Village share, with substantial grant
funding)
o Meadows/Melas Bridge project ($1.7 million Village share, total Phase 3 cost
over $8.8 million)
Significant discussion occurred regarding the Meadows/Melas Bridge project. Trustee DiPrima
expressed concern about the timing of a final vote on the project, noting that at a previous meeting,
it was stated the vote would occur in February 2026 when bids would be available. Village Manager
Cassady clarified that there had been multiple votes throughout the project's development process
and that the Board would have another opportunity to vote when bids are received.
After the discussion, it was determined that the Board would hold a meeting the following week to
discuss the bridge project. A final vote on funding will come when bids are received in February.
No additional report.
VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Trustee Grossi reminded everyone about the Family Health Fair scheduled for Wednesday, 6:00 to
7:30 PM at the Pocket Park (across from Village Hall). He noted that the Lions Club hearing and
vision trailer would be there to provide free screenings.
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 12 , 2025 Committee of the Whole adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen M. Agoranos
Village Clerk