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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/03/2026 VB MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Regular Meeting of the Village Board Tuesday, March 3, 202617:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefort called the Regular Meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:16 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 Hoefort, Trustee Vincent Dante, Trustee Beth Di Pri ma, Trustee Terri Gens, Trustee Bill Grossi, Trustee John Matusza k, a nd Trustee Colleen Saccotelli Absent: None A quorum was present. 2.1. Pledge of Allegiance -Trustee Beth D i Prima APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3.1. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board -February 17, 2026 Motion by Vincent Dante, second by Colleen Saccotelli to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board - February 17, 2026: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Firm[ Resolution: Motion MAYORS REPORT 4. 1 . Mayor's Comment Mayor Hoefort indicated he had no comments for the evening and moved directly to the next item. 4.2. PROCLAMATION: Women's History Month Mayor Hoefort read the proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Women's History Month. The proclamation highlighted women's historic contributions across all sectors and emphasized the 2026 theme "Leading Change, Women Shaping a Sustainable Future." The theme expands sustainability beyond environmental Concerns to include financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Representatives from the Sustainability Committee, Arlene Juracek and Tina DeAragon, attended to accept the proclamation. They thanked the Village for supporting their efforts to enhance sustainability. They also expressed appreciation for staff guidance, especiallyfrom Josh Attain (staff liaison on the Sustainability Committee), in guiding their sustainability initiatives. Trustee Dante and Mayor Hoefert shared thoughts and memories from personal experiences. 4.3. PROCLAMATION: Spread Goodness Day- March 13, 2026 Mayor Hoefort read the proclamation declaring March 13, 2026, as Spread Goodness Day in Mount Prospect. Sam Funovits, the Illinois ambassadorfor Spread Goodness Day, was present to accept the proclamation. Ms. Fu novits addressed the Board, explaining that 2026 marks the ninth yea r of the mission to spread goodness on the second Friday in March. The initiative promotes kindness and charity through both large acts like Volunteerism and simple gestures like holding doors, buying coffee for someone, or offering thanks and smiles. She emphasized that these simple acts, when multiplied, can positively impact many lives and create a better community. 4.4. AP POI NTM E NT To BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Transportation Safety Commission: Mark Lattner Mayor Hoefert introduced Mark Lattner, a retired Village engineer, who would bring his skills and experience to the Transportation Safety Commission. His appointment would expire in March 2030. Motion by Vincent Dante, seconded by Terri Gens, to ratify the appointment of Mark Lattner to the Transportation and Safety Commission. Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS - CITIZENS To BE HEARD No citizens registered to speak during this portion of the meeting. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Terri Gens, second by Bill Grossi 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 for Feb ru a ry 11, 2026 to Feb ru a ry 24, 2026 $2, 355, 392.63 6.2. A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A DIRECTOR AND ALTERNATE DIRECTORS To THE SOLID WASTE AGENCY OF NORTHERN COOK COUNTY Resolution No. 3-26 6.3. A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING INTENTTO PARTICIPATE IN THE SUBURBAN TREE CONSORTIUM FIVE-YEAR CONTRACTUAL PROGRAM. Resolution No. 4-26 6.4. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTALAGREEMENTWITH THE VILLAGE OF ARLI NGTON HEIGHTS FOR THE "2026 WATERMAN AVENUE RESURFACING PROJECT" AND THE "2026 WILLOW LANE/ E. FALCON DRIVE RESURFACING PROJECT" Resolution No. 5-26 OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS 8.1. 1 st reading of AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PURCHASE AND SALES CONTRACT (1601 E. ALGONQUIN ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS) Assistant Village ManagerAlex Bertolucci and Deputy Director of Human Services Esther Salutillo presented the proposal to purchase 1601 East Algonquin Road as the future location of the Community Connection Center (CCC). The CCC is a partnership between the Human Services Department and the Mount Prospect Public Library, serving as the south branch library and an extension of human services, with social services, a public health nurse, a senior social worker, and a police community service officer. The cu rrent 3,600 squa re foot leased location has been extended th rough May 2027, but the center has been a strategic plan item since 2021 focusing on expansion, improved services, and addressing space constraints. A Community Needs Assessment Study conducted with I n iti u m Health recommended expanding physical space, enhancing service delivery, and improving multilingual outreach. The proposed 1.2-acre property features a 21,000 square foot industrial building with light industrial zoning. The preliminary plan allocates 10,000 square feet for the CCC and library south branch, with consideration for a food pantry, police substation with meeting room, and remaining space for Public Works/Village storage. Staff confirmed adequate parking for intended use. The purchase will use South Mount Prospect TIF funds, with $1.8 million currently available. Staff will present a budget amendment on March 17 and are reviewing renovation funding options including possible bond issuance, general fund surplus, or community investment plan dollars. The renovation will followthe same process used for Station 11, with guaranteed maximum price and mixed in-house/contract labor. Board Comments: ■ Supports the proposal, Viewing it as exactlywhat TIF funds should support ■ Expressed interest in seeking state grants for renovation funding similar to Station 11 is initial support ■ Expressing excitement about growth opportunities in the new facilitywith more accessible nursing and police services plus expanded library technology support ■ This project demonstrates a strong commitment to human services and community care. Acknowledged space constraints at the current location and expressed confidence the Village would use additional space effectively. ■ Confirmed with staff that sidewalk installation would occur this year, providing walkable access by the building's completion. n response to a question from the Board regarding the new Shared Use Bike Path along Algonquin Road, Public Works Director Sean added that installation of a path from western Village limits to Route 83 on the north side, with sidewalk infill on the south side, and street light additions, making the location very accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians. Public Comment: Debbie Geavaras Mount Prospect resident ■ Expressed excitement about the project, viewing it as giving back to community members who may not have benefited from other developments, praising the team's work. Deputy Director Sautillo thanked the Village Board and staff for supporting the Human Services Department and services that increase community well-being, expressing excitement about this next phase. Motion by Terri Gens, seconded by Vincent Dante, to waive the rules for a second reading and adopt the purchase and sale agreement. Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed Ordinance No. 6833 VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT 9.1. Motion to accept the lowest -cost, responsive bid for the 2026 Water Main Replacement Project including the two alternate bid items for an amount not to exceed $6,117,294.70. Public Works Director Sean Dorsey presented the annual water main replacement project designed to replace i nfrastructure before reach i ng the end of its useful life. The cu rrent replacement rate extends the water ma i n's fifes pa n to about 130 years, compared to the previously excessive 600-year rate. The project includes over 15,000 linearfeet of replacement: 1 1,500 feet of 6-inch main replaced with 8-inch, and 2,700 feet of 1 2-inch main replaced in kind. Locations include South School Street, Wa Pella Ave, Tower Lane, Willow Lane, Catalpa Lane, Tamarack Drive, and Cottonwood Lane. Two alternates were included: 874 feet of 8-inch main replacement on Redwood Drive and dirt/seed option instead of sod for summer completion timing. Five bids were received, with DiMeo Brothers of Elk Grove submitting the lowest cost bid of $5,561,177 against the engineer's estimate of under $6.5 million total. DiMeo has successfully completed Village projects, including Oakton water main replacement and the Burning Bush Trails stormwater project. They have extensive experience with similar projects in Libertyville, Niles, and Glenview. Staff recommends 10% contingency for unexpected underground conditions. Motion by Vincent Dante, second by Bill Grossi to concur with staff recommendation: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed 9.2. Motion to accept bid from Schaefges Brothers, Inc. of Wheeling, Illinois for the Monument Signage Project for an amount not to exceed $709,365.00. Director Dorsey presented the monument sign project, a 2026 goal identified in the Village's Strategic Plan, developed with Farr Associates. The project includes two signs: one at I- 901Busse Road (installed on easement from Builder's Asphalt Company} and another at Kensington Business Center entrance at Business Center Drive and Rand Road. Director Dorssy displayed renderings showing both signs with the Village's standardized infrastructure appearance: beige masonrywith black metal accents, consistent with existing Village signage. The scope includes all materials, stonework, electrical work, landscaping, lighting, and irrigation. Three bids were received, with Schaefges Brothers submitting the lowest at $644,877 (2.2% above the engineer's estimate of $630,700). The company is IDOT-prequalified for monument sign construction, completed the existing Central/Rand Road entrance marker in 2003, and recently worked successfully for Elk Grove Village. Staff recommends 10% contingency for unexpected Costs. Mr. Dorsey and Director of Community and Economic Development Jason Shallcross provided the following in response to questions from the Village Board: ■ New ComEd service installation will provide electrical service to the Busse Road location. Previous Board design comments and recommendations were included. ■ Potential third entry sign locations were identified (Kensington and Wolf Roads or Wheeling and Kensington Roads) Public Comment: Steve Polit 601 Wilshire Drive ■ Suggested selling advertising space to business center companies on the electronic board to generate revenue and help businesses promote their presence. Motion by Vincent Dante, second by Bill Grossi to accept bid from Schaefges Brothers, Inc. of Wheeling, Illinois for the Monument Signage Project for an amount not to exceed $709,365.00. Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed 9.3. Approval of the Agreement for Provision of Valet Parking Services between the Village of Mount Prospect and FiveStar Valet for the provision of valet parking services to restaurants located in the downtown area of the Village. Community Development Director Jason Shallcross presented both the Prospect Avenue Alfresco update and valet parking service proposal. Prospect Avenue Alfresco: The program converts six parking stalls into dining space for approximately 50 guests, modeled after Elmhurst's successful program. For 2025, Deba Sushi will replace Patina Wine Bar in the former space, expressing interest in continuing alfresco participation. The 2025 season generated approximately 18,000 unique visits, nearly double pre - alfresco traffic. The Village pays $1,250 annually for barrier installation/removal, while restaurants fund all beautification costs, including banners, seating, umbrellas, and catenary lighting. The season runs May through September/early October based on merchant feedback. Valet Service Analysis: The Triangle area has six operating businesses, including three restaurants that would individually require 50-50 parking stalls outside downtown requirements. The Village has tracked valet usage for 2.5 years, showing consistent demand averaging over 100 vehicles per weekend, comparable to Downtown Art Institute of Chicago usage levels. Proposed Changes: Staff proposed eliminating Thursday night Triangle valet (averaging 20-30 vehicles, serving 50-100 patrons) due to board direction for cost -sharing that restaurants haven't accepted. The estimated $1 5,000 annual cost for Thursday service could be restaurant- funded at $3251n i ght. Prospect Avenue Expansion: Due to parking study findings showing 90%+ utilization on FridaylSaturday nights in restaurant blocks, staff proposed expandingvalet to Prospect Avenue for FridaylSaturday only using approximately three on -street staging stalls. Potential parking locations include west commuter lot or Prospect Avenue west of Pine. Cost Analysis: Current Triangle service (3 nights) costs approximately $48,000. The proposal reduces Triangle service to 2 nights while adding Prospect Avenue for 2 nights, totaling 4 nights weekly at $67,000 annually. Board Comments: ■ Trustee Grossi opposed continuing the Village -funded valet, noting the program was intended as a pilot and arguing restaurants should fund their own operational expenses. He pointed to installed crosswalks, parking structure Signage, and improved visibility, available train station parking after 5 PM, and recent Saint Mark parking lot for south of the tracks parking. ■ Trustee Saccotelli appreciated having this "good problem" of needing parking solutions but was disappointed that restaurants hadn't contributed to the costs. She suggested exploring participation from the Downtown Merchants Association and expressed concern that ongoing Valet subsidies hinder the encouragement of parking garage use. She asked for more details about Prospect Avenue and Saint Mark's setup. ■ Trustee Gens supported business assistance while agreeing this was no longer a pilot program after several years. She suggested cost -sharing arrangements and questioned tracking individual restaurant usage. Director Shallcross noted the difficulty and pointed to Prospect's two -week closure in December 2025 that reduced valet usage by 50%. ■ Trustee Matuszak questioned whether other communities charge restaurants for alfresco programs Director Shallcross explained various approaches including SSAs and participation requirements. He noted Mount Prospect restaurants have invested significant funds in program beautification. ■ Trustee DiPrima questioned promoting west lot parking over free valet, suggesting better west lot promotion and sign age changes from 5 PM to 5 PM availability. She timed walking from Prospect to Emerson Parki ng Deck at 1 mi nute 50 seconds, noti ng the new crosswalk's accessibility. She opposed continuing operational business subsidies after two pilot years, suggesting restaurants fund Valet themselves or charge patrons. For the southwest quadrant, she preferred maximizing Saint Mark's surface parking and directing patrons to the west Metro lot rather than expandingvalet services. Trustee Dante supported continuing alfresco dining as seasonal outdoor dining. He agreed with colleagues about ending the pilot phase after two years, expressing concern about excluding south side restaurants while north side receives valet services. He noted south side establishments' access to west commuter lot and Emerson deckvia new 83 crosswalk, making disparity difficult to justify. He suggested cost -sharing models and seasonal valet operations might better serve patron preferences during warmer months. Public Comment: Steve Po l i t 501 Wilshire Dr. ■ Noted that the valet creates different restaurant tiers with varying Village advantages, calculating approximately $310 weekly cost per restaurant for the service that should generate sufficient business profit to self -fund. Joe I rick Station 34 owner ■ Feels that valet service is a necessity rather than a luxury, noting the dramatic parking reduction from sufficient capacity in 2019 to an inadequate supply with three restaurants sharing the same parking area. ■ Emphasized customer resistance to parking garage usage despite employee utilization ■ As a small business owner, he couldn't absorb significant monthly Valet costs beyond existing overhead. Dimitri Lykouretzos Lady Dahlia owner ■ Acknowledged Board concerns about full cost absorption while noting his $15,000 i nvestment i n alfresco i mprove ments aver two yea rs. ■ Interested in meeting with other restaurant owners to explore compromise solutions. Dawn Fletcher Collins The Prospect representative and resident ■ Emphasized restaurants' responsibilityfor downtown transformation and increased foot traffic over recent years. ■ Views the program as a necessity far businesses to survive and considers it a cast of doing business for the Village. ■ She stressed education efforts haven't succeeded in encouraging parking garage usage and requested reconsideration of the full three-day Triangle service. Michael Manea 5 Star Valet owner and resident ■ Highlighted Mount Prospect's significance as his company's largest local account after 44 years of Village residency and 22 years of business operation. ■ Emphasized safety concerns about Northwest Highway crossing and parking garage usage, noting Mount Prospect's destination status generating high valet volume. ■ Stressed safety priority and visitor convenience over complex parking lot navigation. Mayor Hoefert suggested tabling the decision for two weeks to allow staff additional time to gather additional information and explore potential compromises, noting restaurant business challenges and the importance of maintaining customer flow. The Board agreed to defer action with direction for staff to return with further developments. Director Shallcross noted the current contract expires March 21. 9.4. As submitted — No additional report. No other business was presented. ANY OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Gens seconded by Trustee Dante motioned to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the March 3, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M . Ago ra n os Village Clerk