Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/28/2025 VB MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Special Meeting of the Village Board Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefert called the Special Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:05 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 John Matuszak, Trustee Colleen Saccotelli Absent: Trustee Bill Grossi 2.1. Pledge of Allegiance- Led by Trustee John Matuszak APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board - October 7, 2025 Minutes of the Committee of the Whole - October 14, 2025 Motion by Terri Gens, second by Vincent Dante to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Village Board of October 7, 2025 and the Committee of the Whole of October 14, 2025: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Bill Grossi Final Resolution: Motion Passed MAYORS REPORT 4.1. Mayor's Comment Mayor Hoefert acknowledged the passing of his beloved wife, Linda Hoefert. Trustee Dante requested a moment of silence to honor her memory. Mayor Hoefert expressed his appreciation forth e community's support, condolences, thoughts, prayers, cards, and flowers duringthis difficulttime. Mayor Hoefert recognized National First Responders Day on October 28, 2025. He honored all first responders who run toward dangerous situations rather than away from them. The Mayor expressed gratitude for the skilled and dedicated first responders in the Village's Police, Fire, Public Works, and Human Services departments. 4.2. Appointments to Board and Commissions • Planning and Zoning Commission - Fay Cosa, Associate Member; term to expire October 2030 Motion by Terri Gens, second by Vincent Dante to approve the appointment of Fay Costa to the Planning &Zoning Commission with a term to expire in October 2030: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Bill Grossi Final Resolution: Motion Passed COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS -CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Multiple residents addressed the Village Board regarding immigration enforcement actions in Mount Prospect: Rick Porter Resident, George Street • Expressed concern about federal agents recently patrolling his neighborhood • Stated that agents had taken a gas station clerk from his workplace and had not contacted the Mount Prospect Police Department • Questioned what local law enforcement could do when federal actions are carried out illegally or when residents are put at risk. Robin Jennings, Louis Street resident • Cited the Fourteenth Amendment and emphasized that all people have fundamental rights. Dawn Ardito Mount Prospect resident • Asked the Village Board to take steps to protect the community from civil immigration enforcement actions on Village property • Urged Mount Prospect to align with Cook County and other communities that have enacted measures limiting immigration enforcement operations on government -owned property. Sue Stolzer Mount Prospect resident • Spoke about the value of diversity in Mount Prospect • Expressed concern about ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations in the Village Brian Demski Mount Prospect resident • Condemned recent incidents of violence and illegal abductions by federal agents in the community • Urged the Village to follow other municipalities that have put ordinances in place prohibiting federal agents from using local spaces for immigration enforcement. Maria Melesio Mount Prospect resident • Expressed anger about ICE operations in the community • Asked the Village to protect community members Pam Nelson Mount Prospect Resident • Urged the village to provide resources to prevent ICE's actions • Warned about potential vigilante responses if the Village did not act to protect residents Sam Dixon Mount Prospect resident • Spoke about constitutional protections for all people regardless of citizenship status • Referenced a recent Supreme Court decision that allowed ICE to stop people based on skin color, native language, and job choice Cathy Dunnington Mount Prospect resident • Spoke about threats to democracy and expressed concern about the intimidation tactics being used in immigration enforcement • Urged the Board to use laws as shields to protect citizens rather than as weapons. Ronak McFadden Mount Prospect resident • Asked about federal fundingfor the bridge project(Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge), given potential funding cuts. Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey responded. CONSENTAGENDA Trustee Dante noted that ado nation to the annual Lions Club Corned Beef Cabbage dinner from the Village was listed among the bills, and he was no longer a Lions Club board member, eliminating any potential conflict of interest. Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Terri Gens to approve the consent agenda as presented: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Bill Grossi Final Resolution: Motion Passed 6.1. List of Bills — October 1, 2025 to October 21, 2025 — $9,057,871.01 6.2. Approval of Closed Session minutes — October 7, 2025, and October 14, 2025 6.3. Motion to approve A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PLAT OF EASEMENT GRANT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 500 WEST CENTRAL ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056 Resolution No. 30-25 6.4. Motion to approve A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE JOINT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (JEMS), THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, AND PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES Resolution No. 31-25 6.5. Motion to approve Fire Department voluntary cancer screenings for an amount not to exceed $85,000. 6.6. Motion to renew the Village's subscription with Envisio Solutions Inc for Strategic Planning and Performance Management Software for four years for a total amount of $100,000. 6.7. Waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt AN ORDINANCE MAKING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNUAL BUDGETADOPTED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2025, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025. Ordinance No. 6810 6.8. Motion to accept a proposal from IMEG Group to provide design and construction engineering services for the 2026 Water Main Replacement Project for a fee not to exceed $183,700.00. 6.9. Motion to accept Suburban Purchasing Cooperative joint purchasing agreement pricing for the purchase of one new 2026 Ford Transit 350 Cutaway in an amount not to exceed $74,886. 6.10. Motion to approve a supplement to the contract award for the Rand/Central/Mount Prospect Road Intersection Improvements Phase III Construction Engineering for a cost not to exceed $69,627. 6.11. Motion to approve a change order to the 2025 Crack Filling Contract in an amount not to exceed $75,000. OLD BUSINESS— None NEW BUSINESS 8.1. Motion to waive the rule requiring two readings of an ordinance and adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.6634 GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND A FINAL PLAT OF SUBDIVISION FOR THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE MOUNT PROSPECT TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS LOCATED AT 1200 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD AND 1200 DEMPSTER STREET, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS (PZ-21- 25) Director of Community and Economic Development Jason Shallcross presented a major amendment request to the PUD (Planned Unit Development) for CloudHQ. Director Shallcross described the existing conditions at the former United Airlines site, which has been completely demolished with only stormwater ponds remaining. He noted that substation 1 on the east side of Linaman Road is nearing completion and should be fully operational next month. He presented the previous site plan with three identical buildings and compared it to the amended plan that consolidates the project into two buildings, with one substantially larger building running the length of Algonquin Road. The amended plan includes a proposed second substation on the property, a satellite antenna yard, and relocating mechanical equipment for ORD1 into a fully screened mechanical yard rather than storing it on the rooftop. Shallcross reviewed the proposed plat of subdivision, which would create several lots to accommodate the amended proposal. The project would maintain similar parking, with a slight increase from the 2022 proposal. The building height would increase from 52 feet to 85 feet due to adding a third story, with equipment penthouses increasing from 81 feet to 109 feet. The mechanical yard screening behind ORD1 would be 55 feet tall, while rooftop mechanicals on ORD2 could reach nearly 140 feet. Lot coverage would increase from 68% to 82%, with stormwater design redesigned to accommodate the change. Shallcross highlighted significant environmental improvements in the new proposal. Water use would be reduced by 84% (from 40 million gallons per year to under 6 million), and emissions per megawatt would decrease dramatically: nitrous oxide by 15%, carbon monoxide by almost 90%, volatile organic compounds by almost 98%, and particulate matter by 84%. The project represents a $2.5 billion private investment, the largest in Village history. It is projected to generate more than $100 million in TIF increment over the remaining life of the South Mount Prospect TIF and more than $7 million in annual utility taxes once fully operational. It would create 900-1,000 temporary construction jobs annually for five years and up to 450 full-time jobs with average salaries of $78,000. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request subject to conditions including generator restrictions, signing a public improvement agreement that includes a $2 million donation for the RecPlex, environmental testing, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Several trustees asked questions and expressed support. Director Shallcross provided the following in response to auestions from the Board: • Confirmed both buildings were being designed to LEED Gold certification standards • Explained the generators would only power up when needed due to power loss or grid unreliability, with testing limited to three generators at a time. • Brett Burnett from CloudHQ confirmed that the generators would be in penthouses on the building roof, fully enclosed with hospital -grade silencers. He also stated that they had not found electromagnetic field issues at any of their facilities. Board comments: • Commended the project's sustainability improvements and expressed hope that both buildings would be completed as planned to secure the full $800,000 for the splash pads at RecPlex. • Thanked staff for their oversight and expressed excitement about the project revitalizing an inactive site • Expressed appreciation for CloudHQ's sustainability commitments • Expressed concerns about the resources used by data centers but was impressed with the company's presentations and their handling of environmental concerns. • Raised questions about the 90-day testing period and the financial aspects of the project, including TIF increment generation. • Noted that the data center would use more than ten times the electricity of all Mount Prospect households combined and expressed concern about future electricity rates and supply. Public Comment: Jennifer Sterling, Resident and retired utility executive and registered professional engineer • Suggested that the 90-day testing timeframe might be insufficient, as data centers typically ramp up operations gradually • Concerned about rising electricity rates due to data center demand. Cathy Dunnington Mount Prospect resident • Asked about bird strike mitigation with the tall buildings. Brett Burnett responded that the office portion would be at 60 feet, significantly lower than the top of the building, and the glazing would be designed to minimize impact on wildlife. Steve Polit 601 N. Wilshire Drive • Expressed concern about how this development will affect the migration of wild fowl. Motion by Colleen Saccotelli, second by Terri Gens to approve the ordinance amending Ordinance No. 6634 as presented: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Bill Grossi Final Resolution: Motion Passed Ordinance No. 6811 8.2 1st reading of AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AN ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2026, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2026, IN LIEU OF PASSAGE OF AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE. 8.3 1st reading of AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF TAXES FOR THE CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL PURPOSES OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025. 8.4 1 st reading of AN ORDINANCE TO ABATE APART OF THE TAXES LEVIED FOR CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL PURPOSES OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2025, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025. Director of Finance Amit Thakkar presented a summary of the budget, levy, and abatements for all three ordinances. He explained that the budget process began with the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in August, followed bythe operating budget in September, meetings with the Finance Commission, and a presentation to the Village Board on October 14. The current meeting represented the first reading of these ordinances, with the second reading and public hearing scheduled for November 18, 2025. Director Thakkar reported that the proposed budget is balanced with total revenues of $187.8 million and expenditures of $192.6 million, with a planned use of $4.8 million from previously earned revenues. The propertytax levywould remain unchanged from the previous year, making it the lowest levy in the past 11 years. Key features of the budget include: • 0% increase in the property tax levy • Full funding of police and fire pensions at a level that will allow 100% funding by 2040 • A$51.1 million Capital Improvement Plan • Collection of grocery tax (not a new tax, but a reclassification) that will generate $925,000 earmarked for pension abatements • Addition of three newfirefighter paramedics to reduce overtime and provide more capacity for training, sick time, and vacation coverage • Addition of two new patrol officers to reinstate the traffic unit • A 7.1% increase in employee health insurance, which is better than the industry trend of 7.3% • Reduction in transfers from the general fund from $12.7 million in 2025 to $7.7 million in 2026 The total property tax levy for the Village would remain at $18,235,179, while the library was seeking a 2% increase. Combined, the Village and Library levy would increase by $225,829 or 0.76%. Thakkar explained that abatements would reduce taxes by $7.3 million, without which taxes on a $400,000 home would increase from $1,003 to $1,415 annually (a 41% increase). The Finance Commission reviewed and recommended the budget, levy, and abatement as presented. Director Thakkar answered questions from the Board. Mayor Hoefert announced that all three ordinances will stand as a first reading. The public hearing for the 2026 budget and 2025 levy will precede the second readings and adoption and will take place at the Village Board's regular meeting on November 18, 2025. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT 9.1. Motion to approve a traffic -calming project on William Street between Prospect Avenue and Golf Road. Luke Foresman, Public Works Project Engineer, presented the Williams Street traffic calming project. He noted that this is the first project to come before the Board as part of the revised Traffic Calming Program approved by the Board in May 2025. The study was initiated by a petition from residents on the 600-700 blocks of South Williams Street, but staff expanded the study to include all of Williams Street between Prospect Avenue and Golf Road. Williams Street is a 28-foot wide collector street with all -way stop control at most intersections, a 25 mph speed limit, and parking allowed on both sides (with some restrictions). Traffic counts showed the 85th percentile speed exceeded 35 mph, well above the program's minimum criteria of 32 mph. Staff developed an initial plan that included median islands, intersection bump -outs, pavement markings, and speed feedback signs. After receiving resident feedback, they modified the plan and conducted a traffic calming trial. The trial resulted in a 70% reduction in vehicles traveling over 35 mph and a 2 mph reduction in average speed, without diverting traffic to other streets. Based on resident balloting and Transportation Safety Commission recommendations, the final plan includes: • Between Prospect Avenue and Shabonee Trail: Parking changes and pavement markings • Between Council Trail and Berkshire Lane: Speed feedback signs but no median island • At the Berkshire Lane and Weller Creek area: A pedestrian median island at the Dixon crosswalk • Between Weller Creek and Golf Road: "No parking here to corner" signs at the intersection with Sunset Road The median island at the crosswalk would be concrete, while all yellow markings shown in the plans would be paint only. Construction would take place in 2026 if approved. In response to a Board concern about bicyclists' safety on the median island, Mr. Forsman clarified that the yellow markings would be paint -only, not raised features. Mr. Forsman also noted that the 900 blocks would receive minimal improvements, explaining that residents had stronglyvoted against the proposed changes for those blocks. Public Comment: B.L. Pellicore Mount Prospect resident and commissioner on the Transportation Safety Commission • Emphasized the extensive public input process thatwent into developing the plan, with multiple opportunities for resident feedback that led to revisions based on their concerns. No further discussion. Motion by Trustee Saccotelli, second by Trustee Gens to approve a traffic -calming project on William Street between Prospect Avenue and Golf Road: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Bill Grossi Final Resolution: Motion Passed 9.2 Motion to accept lowest -cost, responsive bid for the 2025 Burning Bush Lane Street Lighting Improvements for a cost not to exceed $240,991. Director of Public Works Sean Dorsey presented the bid results for the 2025 Burning Bush Lane Street Lighting Improvements project. This annual street lighting project would focus on residential streets, specifically Burning Bush Lane between Euclid and Kensington Road. The project involves installing 13 poles with a 25-foot mounting height, using soft white LED lights (2700K color temperature) with 5000 lumens at mid -block areas and 7200 lumens at intersections. The bases and underground electricity would be installed this fall, with poles expected to be installed in the spring when they arrive. The lowest cost bid was submitted by Utility Dynamics for $219,083, below the estimate of $246,040. Director Dorsey noted that Utility Dynamics has performed similarwork for the Village in the pasta nd is well -qualified. Staff recommended including a 10% contingency, bringing the total award to $240,991: Motion by Trustee Dante seconded by Trustee Gens to accept lowest -cost, responsive bid forth e 2025 Burning Bush Lane Street Lighting Improvements for a cost not to exceed $240,991: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Absent: Bill Grossi Final Resolution: Motion Passed 9.3. As submitted Nothing additional was discussed. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Hoefert expressed concerns about LED streetlights, noting that although they are marketed as full cut-off, they seem to cause light pollution and glare, especially in winter. He advised comparing the old full cut-off lights with the new technology. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Saccotelli, seconded by Trustee Dante, motioned to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the October 28, 2025 Special Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk