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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/07/2025 VB MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Regular Meeting of the Village Board Tuesday, October 7, 2025 / 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefert called the Regular Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:07 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 Beth DiPrima, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi, Trustee John Matuszak, and Trustee Colleen Saccotelli Absent: Trustee Vincent Dante 2.1. The Mount Prospect Fire Department Honor Guard posted the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Grossi. 2.2 Invocation - Police and Fire Chaplain Mark Bechtold delivered the invocation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board - September 16, 2025 Motion by Bill Grossii, second by Terri Gens to approve the regular meeting minutes of the September 16, 2025 Village Board meeting: Yea: Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Vincent Dante Final Resolution: Motion Passed MAYORS REPORT 4.1. Mayor's Comment Mayor Hoefert welcomed everyone to the meeting. 4.2. Proclamation: Diwali —The Festival of Lights Mayor Hoefert read a proclamation recognizing Diwali, the festival of lights, as an important holiday celebrated by millions of people worldwide. The proclamation acknowledged the five-day festival's celebration Yash Desai accepted the proclamation on behalf of the community. She thanked the Village for recognizing Diwali and introduced her group representing SEWA International. Ms. Desai closed with a prayer focused on peace at the individual, community, and global levels. 4.3 PROCLAMATION: Italian -American Heritage Month - October 2025 Mayor Hoefert read a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Italian -American Heritage Month in the Village of Mount Prospect. Resident Debbie Geavaras accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Italian -American community. 4.4 PROCLAMATION: Fire Prevention Week - October 5 - 11, 2025 Mayor Hoefert read a proclamation designating October 5-11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week in Mount Prospect. The 2025 theme is "Charging into Fire Safety, Lithium -Ion Batteries in Your Home." Monika Korzun, Public Education Officer, accepted the proclamation and provided additional information about Fire Prevention Week. 4.5 PROMOTIONS: Mount Prospect Fire Department Oath of Office Promotion of Deputy Chief Thomas Wang to Fire Chief Oath of Office Promotion of Battalion Chief Joseph Vena to Deputy Chief Oath of Office Promotion of Lieutenant Bradley Bocox to Battalion Chief Oath of Office I Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Hayes to Lieutenant Village Manager Cassady addressed the audience, noting that this was a special moment for the Mount Prospect Fire Departmentwith the promotion of four exceptional fire service professionals. He acknowledged the retirement of Fire Chief John Dolan on his 30 years of service to Mount Prospect. Manager Cassady commended Chief Dolan for his leadership and numerous career achievements. Mayor Hoefert read a proclamation honoring Fire Chief John F. Dolan, recognizing his nearly 30- year career with the Village of Mount Prospect. The proclamation detailed Chief Dolan's progression through the ranks —from paid on -call firefighter in 1993 to Fire Chief in 2021 —and his many accomplishments in leadership and service. Chief Dolan addressed the board, expressing gratitude and emphasizing that the department's accomplishments were the result of teamwork. He congratulated the incoming leadership team and expressed confidence in the department's future. Village Clerk administered the oath of office to Fire Chief Thomas Wang. Chief Wang expressed gratitude to his family and to Village leadership. Chief Wang introduced Battalion Chief Joseph Vena, highlighting his accomplishments since being hired in 2006. Clerk Agoranos administered the oath of office to Deputy Chief Joseph Vena. Chief Wang introduced Lieutenant Brad Bocox, noting his academic and career achievements. Clerk Agoranos administered the oath of office to Battalion Chief Brad Bocox. Chief Wang introduced Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Hayes and highlighted his key roles and accomplishments since he was hired in 2003. Firefighter/Paramedic Hayes was sworn in as Lieutenant by Jim Powers, chairperson of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. Mayor Hoefert called fora briefrecess at 8:03 pm. Mayor Hoefert resumed the meeting at 8:08 pm. 4.6 REAPPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Mayor Hoefert presented the following reappointments for ratification: Finance Commission - Sam Cannizzaro: term to expire October 2029 Planning & Zoning Commission - Michael Fricano; term to expire August 2029 Motion by Beth DiPrima, second by Terri Gens to ratify the reappointment of Sam Cannizzaro to the Finance Commission and Michael Fricano to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Yea: Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Vincent Dante Final Resolution: Motion Passed COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS -CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Nancy Para Resident, Burning Bush Lane • Expressed concern about brown, sticky residue appearing on outdoor surfaces including cars • Indicated that residents had never experienced this in previous decades and questioned whether it might be affecting air quality • Requested that the Village consider conducting random air quality tests. Village Manager Cassady said the Village had received similar complaints and was looking into the issue. Mayor Hoefert added that they would update the community once they had more information. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Bill Grossi, second by Terri Gens, to approve the consent agenda as presented: Yea: Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Vincent Dante Final Resolution: Motion Passed 6.1. List of Bills -September 10, 2025 to September 30, 2025 - $6,577,210.86 6.2. Approval of Closed Session Minutes - September 16, 2025 6.3. Motion to accept the lowest -cost, responsive bid for the Emerson Street Parking Deck Maintenance & Repair Project in an amount not to exceed $97, 652.50 6.4. Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.6691 (AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A VARIATION FOR A PARKING LOT SETBACK FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 555 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE). An ordinance extending the effective date of a variation to reduce the parking lot setback from ten feet (10'-0") to two feet (2'-0") for the property located at 555 Business Center Drive for an additional two-year period. Ordinance No. 6806 6.5. Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE XX ENTITLED'FIRE LANES' OF CHAPTER 18 (TRAFFIC CODE) OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT" Ordinance No. 6807 6.6. Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE XX ENTITLED'FIRE LANES' OF CHAPTER 18 (TRAFFIC CODE) OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT" Ordinance No. 6808 OLD BUSINESS 7.1 2nd reading of AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER23, "OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS" WITH REGARD TO MICROMOBILITY DEVICES (ELECTRIC BIKES AND LOW SPEED ELECTRIC SCOOTERS) AND E-MOTOS" Police Chief Mike Eterno presented the second reading of the micromobility devices ordinance, noting that it had been modified based on feedback from the September 16 Village Board meeting. Key changes and clarifications included: 1. E-Bikes (Class 1, 2, and 3): • Expanded definition of "reckless operation" • Added age restriction requiring operators of Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes to be 16 years or older unless accompanied by a parent/guardian • Maintained that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on roadways, bike lanes, and shared -use paths, but prohibited on sidewalks • Class 3 e-bikes are permitted only on roadways and bike lanes, not on shared -use paths or sidewalks 2. Low -Speed E-Scooters (maximum speed 10 mph): • Prohibited use while carrying items that prevent keeping at least one hand on handlebars • Prohibited operation while under the influence • No passengers allowed • Added prohibition of cell phone use while operating • Permitted on roadways, bike lanes, shared -use paths, and sidewalks except in the downtown "Walk Your Wheel Zone" • Prohibited on roadways with speed limits exceeding 30 mph 3. E-Scooters (10-20 mph): • Added this new classification to accommodate residents who use faster e-scooters to commute • Same regulations as low -speed e-scooters • Still limited to roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less 4. E-Motos: • These devices (with engines larger than 750 watts) would be classified as motor vehicles or motorcycles • Would require licensing, registration, insurance, and proper equipment • Most e-motos currently in use would be prohibited as they cannot meet these requirements 5. "Walk Your Wheel Zone": • Defined two specific zones in downtown Mount Prospect • South of tracks: sidewalk on south side of Prospect from Pine to Emerson • North of tracks: triangular area bounded by Northwest Highway, Maple Street, Busse, and 20 West Northwest Highway 6. Enforcement and Penalties: • Increased minimum fine to $75 • Parents who allow minors to violate the ordinance face a minimum fine of $200 • Provisions for impoundment in cases of DUI, reckless operation, or repeated violations • $150 administrative fee plus towing costs to retrieve impounded devices • Focus on education for the remainder of 2025, with enforcement beginning in 2026 • Police department to offer safety classes and free helmets Chief Eterno answered questions from the Board. Board Comments: • Suggested expanding education efforts to include Police Beat meetings, school board meetings, and high schools; education and training will be important • Expressed desire to include traditional bicycles in future "Walk Your Wheel Zone" regulations • Supported mandatory helmet requirements for riders aged 16-18 • Questioned whether a helmet requirement would be enforceable • Clarified that Class 2 and 3 e-bike operators need to be 16 but don't need a driver's license • Expressed concern about enforcing regulations for gas -powered minibikes • Expressed concerns about mandatory helmet requirements Public Comment: Louis Goodman 310 N. School St. • Asked how the rules would be applied and who would be responsible for sharing the new rules with the community. Chief Eterno responded. Steve Polit 601 N. Wilshire Drive • Thanked the Police Chief for addressing bicycle and micromobility device regulations • Suggested that the Village post signs indicating the "Walk Your Wheels" zone in the downtown area and other ways to educate residents • Expressed support for the helmet requirement Bill Collins Resident and e-scooter user • Expressed support forthe walk zone but suggested that the Village should maintain consistencywith state law regarding age restrictions for Class 2 bikes to avoid confusion Dave Grant • Suggested that first-time violators should be required to take the education course Mayor Hoefert noted that there might be an inconsistency in requiring helmets for e-scooter riders aged 16-18, given that 16-year-olds can legally drive motorcycles without helmets under state law. The Board ultimately decided not to include a mandatory helmet provision, though helmets remain strongly encouraged in the ordinance. Motion by Terri Gens second by Bill Grossi, to approve the ordinance amending Chapter 23, "Offenses and Miscellaneous Regulations" with regard to micromobility devices (electric bikes and low speed electric scooters) and e-motos as presented: Yea: Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Vincent Dante Final Resolution: Motion Passed Ordinance No. 6809 NEW BUSINESS - None VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Cassady reported that the Board would continue the review of the 2026 budget next week, beginning at6:00 p.m. He proposed canceling the October 21st meeting and scheduling a special meeting on October 28th to review the Cloud HQ zoning amendment proposal. Trustee Matuszak recommended that the Board hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the formation of a traffic unit within the police department. The Board expressed consensus in support of this discussion. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Hoefert announced that Coffee with Council would be held on Saturday at 9 a.m. on the first floor of the Village Hall. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Saccotelli, seconded by Trustee Gens, motioned to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the October 7, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees adjourned at 9:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk