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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/18/2026 VB/COW MinutesVillage of Mount Prospect Committee of the Whole/ Village Board Meeting Tuesday, August 18, 2026 / 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hoefert called the Regular Meeting of the Village Board/Committee of the Whole to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Board Room at Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson Street. 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 Absent: None A quorum was present. 2.1. Pledge of Allegiance -Led by Trustee Vincent Dante COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE I JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE FINANCE COMMISSION 3.1. 2nd Quarter 2026 -Financial Review The Finance Commission members present were introduced by Finance Commission Chair Ken Arndt: Commissioners Vince (Grochocinski), Don (Ocwieja), Sihan (Khamo), Mary (Rath), and Sam (Cannizzaro). Commissioner Ed Derfler was absent. Director of Finance AmitThakkar presented the Second Quarter 2026 Financial Review. Key highlights included the completion of the Village's strategic plan and annual audit, which received a clean, unqualified opinion and a Triple -A award. Revenues: Year-to-date revenues totaled $64.6 million, a $2.8 million decrease from the prior year, primarily due to delayed property tax collections. Property tax collections year-to-date totaled $7.1 million, compared with $12.9 million at the same point in 2025. Full collection of the $25 million levy (including $18.2 million in property taxes and $7 million in TIF revenues) was expected by December. Notably, state sales tax collections were up 16 percent, and income tax revenues were up 8.4 percent over the prior year. The increase in local taxes (up 32.6 percent) was largely attributed to the new grocery tax ordinance, which generated approximately $565,000 that had previously been counted within sales tax. Investment income reached $2.6 million, benefiting from the continued high -interest -rate environment. Sales Tax: The Village was on track to collect approximately $46.3 million in total sales taxes for the year, substantially exceeding the budgeted $39.9 million. Home rule sales tax was similarly projected to exceed budget, with an estimated $9.49 million versus a budget of $8.1 million. Income Tax: Based on IML (Illinois Municipal League) forecasts and a per -capita distribution of approximately $181 per person for a population of 56,852, income tax was projected at $10.29 million, compared with a budget of $9.9 million. Real Estate Transfer Tax: Year-to-date collections of $1.018 million were already nearthe full -year budget of$1.1 million, driven by several high -value multifamily and commercial transactions. Full - year collections were projected at approximately $1.518 million. Interest Income: The Village was on track to collect approximately $5.3 million in interest income for the year, well above the $3.3 million budget, as anticipated rate reductions did not materialize. Fund Balance: The unassigned fund balance at the end of June stood at $53.7 million, representing 59.1 percent of the annual budget, above the Village's policy range of 30 to 50 percent. Expenditures: Second-quarter expenditures totaled $33.7 million, described as on track and expected. DirectorThakkar answered questions from the Board and the Finance Commission. Mayor Hoefert delivered closing comments. 3.2. Community Investment Plan— FY 2027 to FY 2031 Director Thakkar introduced the five-year Community Investment Plan (CIP), with Public Works Director Sean Dorsey presenting most of the project -level details. CIP Overview: The proposed five-year CIP totals $184.2 million. The largest category is street resurfacing, curbs, gutters, and sidewalk projects, at $111.63 million (31 percent), followed by water system improvements at $91.87 million (25 percent) and improvements to public buildings at $6.1 million. The CIP is divided between $124.4 million in recurring projects and $59.8 million in one-time projects. By department, Public Works accounts for $164.5 million (the lion's share), with Police at $8.3 million, Fire at $6.8 million, Economic Development at $3 million, the Village Manager's Office (IT) at $987,000, and Finance at $625,000. FY 2027 Funding Sources: The $36.27 million FY 2027 CIP is funded primarily by the Water/Sewer Fund ($10.35 million, 29 percent), the Street Improvement Construction Fund ($7.37 million, 20 percent), bond proceeds ($5.5 million), the Small Capital Improvement Fund ($3.25 million), the Motor Fuel Tax Fund ($3 million), and the Vehicle Replacement Fund ($2.02 million), with additional funding from other sources. Totaling $22.7 million, recurring projects include water main replacement ($6.51 million), lead service line replacement ($250,000), booster pump replacement ($225,000), sanitary sewer rehabilitation ($1 million), storm and combined sewer improvements ($800,000), flood control ($100,000), traffic signal replacement ($100,000), the annual street improvement/resurfacing program ($7.83 million), sidewalk and streetlight programs, HVAC and public building improvements ($447,000), computer hardware and software ($306,000), and vehicle replacements ($1.79 million). Director Dorsey outlined several significant recurring programs. For lead service line replacement, the Village has approximately 600 lead service lines remaining and faces federal and state mandates to eliminate them within about 10 years. The Village is the sole payer for these replacements, at no cost to residents, and will pursue both standalone, grant -funded projects and replacements in conjunction with water main work. Notable One -Time and Significant Projects: Rand/Kensington/83 (RKE) Intersection Improvement: The largest project in the near - term CIP has an estimated total cost of approximately $19 million. The Village has secured approximately $15 million in federal grants. The FY 2027 CIP includes $2.5 million for project initiation ($1.3 million from the Village and $1.2 million in federal grants). A November bid letting is planned, with final construction completion anticipated at the end of 2028. Director Dorsey noted that the project concept is similar to the successful Rand/Central/Mt. Prospect Road improvement. • Corridor Street Lighting (FY 2027): A project running from Wedgewood Lane to Camp McDonald, budgeted at $640,000 ($40,000 for construction engineering, $600,000 for construction), is funded by the Capital Improvement Fund. Director Dorsey noted that it took 18 months to obtain an IDOT permit and said that, combined with the RKE improvements, this would result in a fully lit Rand Road across the width of Mount Prospect. Mr. Dorsey briefly discussed future projects: Busse Road —Algonquin Road to 1-90; Oakton Street-1-90 to Elmhurst Road; and Golf Road — Elmhurst Road to Mount Prospect Road. • Melas Park Parking Lot: As the primary lessee from the MWRD, the Village is responsible for the Melas Park drive, the north and south parking lots, and the stormwater reservoir. The south lot will be improved in FY 2027, with the north lot addressed later in FY 2026. Discussion confirmed that the Village's lease responsibilities and the arrangements with the Mt. Prospect Park District (east half) and the Arlington Heights Park District (west half) predate the current staff's tenure. Kensington Business Center Pond Dredging: The last of a multi -year, 15-year effort to dredge all KBC ponds. Estimated cost is $385,000 from the flood control construction fund. • KBC Shared Use Path Connection: An informal pedestrian path connecting the Westgate/Wildwood intersection to the KBC jogging and bike path will be formalized as a permanent shared -use path. Comcast has granted an easement for the portion crossing the former Comcast property at 1201 Fayetteville. The project will be funded from the Capital Improvement Fund. Downtown Elevated Water Tank Recoating: Originally scheduled for2029-2030, the projectwas accelerated to potentially accommodate relocation of cell tower antennas from 111 East Busse Avenue. The estimated cost is $1.2 million, funded by the Prospect and Main TIF. Director Dorsey confirmed the tank is evaluated by a professional engineering firm every five years, and that it previously accommodated three wireless carriers simultaneously. Village Resource Center (Human Services): A placeholder of $5.5 million is included for FY 2027, to be funded by bond proceeds. Property acquisition was completed in FY 2026 for $2.1 million from TIF funds. Gateway Signage: $600,000 is budgeted for FY 2027. Economic Development Director Jason confirmed that two of the originally planned three gateway signs are under construction (near Busse Road and at the Kensington Business Center entrance). The third sign, on Wolf Road, has a completed design but lacks construction funding; the FY 2027 budget will fund its construction and provide capacity for the design of future gateway signs at additional locations. The cost per location and the number of future signs will depend on partnership and easement opportunities with private property owners. • Vehicle Replacements: FY 2027 includes 16 Public Works vehicle replacements totaling just under $1.2 million. Director Dorsey proposed a pilot program to purchase three Ford Maverick compact pickup trucks (approximately $32,000 each) as pool/inspector vehicles for Community Development and Public Works. The pilot would involve minimal vehicle modifications, a three-year ownership period (keeping vehicles underwarranty), and resale at a higher value, with the goal of minimizing total cost of ownership. The recommendation was to forgo the hybrid Maverick engine at this time, based on advice from the Village's Ford maintenance contact, who cited reliability concerns with that powertrain. Regarding all -electric pool vehicles, Director Dorsey noted that low mileage (approximately 5,000-6,000 miles per year) limits fuel -cost savings, and that required charging infrastructure would cost approximately $40,000. The option remains a future possibility. Mayor Hoefert noted that electric vehicles are not zero -emission in absolute terms but acknowledged that viable applications should be pursued at a reasonable cost. Police vehicle replacements in FY 2027 include patrol cars, a staff car, an investigator car, and two new units added to support the new traffic enforcement unit. Director Dorsey answered questions from the Board. Public Comment: Steve Polit 601 N. Wilshire Drive. o Provided historical context on railroad signal systems and crossings, noting that Mount Prospect has fewer grade crossings than any other community on the Northwest Metra line and that the gates previously did briefly rise between the approach and departure of trains at the station. Tim Gaynor 5 N. Pine Street. o Asked about the $1.185 million in storm sewer improvements listed in the CIP, noting that it appeared insufficient relative to the estimated 80-plus properties with backyard flooding issues. Director Dorsey clarified that the CIP line item covers main storm sewer work in the right-of-way, not backyard remediation on private property. He stated that the stormwater master plan, being conducted by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, is expected to be completed byyear- end, with a first-quarter 2027 presentation to the Board on findings, including the question of the Village's appropriate role in addressing private property flooding. Director Thakkar closed by noting that the CIP is a planning document; the FY2027 budget, incorporating both the operating budget and the CIP, will be presented for formal Board approval later in the year, and any interim changes will be communicated to the Board and the Finance Commission. No further discussion or presentation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1. Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board -Special Meeting of the Village Board -August 11, 2026 Motion by Vincent Dante, second by Colleen Saccotelli, to approve the regular meeting of the Village Board - July 21, 2026: Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed MAYORS REPORT 5.1. Mayor's Comment Mayor Hoefert had no comments. 5.2. Swearing -in of the Mount Prospect Police Department Bloodhound, Nova Deputy Chief of Police Bart Tweedie formally introduced Nova, the Police Department's first bloodhound, adopted in October 2024 and handled by Officer Alex Roe. Nova is trained in human -scent -specific tracking and has approximately 300 million scent receptors, enabling her to track a single individual using a scent article. Her applications include missing children, missing special -needs adults, wandering elderly individuals, and criminal suspects. Nova was ceremoniously sworn in at the meeting, with Officer Roe reciting the oath on her behalf. The Board and audience welcomed Nova to the force. 5.3. PROCLAMATION: School's Open -Safety Week August 17-21, 2026 Mayor Hoefert read a proclamation declaring August 17-21, 2026, Schools Open Safety Week in the Village of Mount Prospect. The proclamation urged motorists to drive carefully near school zones, obey all traffic control devices, refrain from using cell phones, and respect school safety monitors. Officer Greg Sill accepted the proclamation, thanked the Mayor and Board, and echoed the call for caution among all road users, including those on e-scooters and e-bikes. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS -CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Connor Parks 1007 S. Beechwood Dr. o Spoke in opposition to the Village's use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. o Requested that the matter be added to a future agenda for discussion after citing instances of perceived misuse of data collected by the cameras. Tim Gaynor 5 N. Pine St. o Addressed backyard flooding affecting a block of approximately 22 homes bound by Central, Willie, Pine, and Henry Streets, which sits below street grade. o Referenced the Village's financial strength and asked the Board to ensure the south basin is addressed in the stormwater master plan response expected byyear-end. Barbara Laz 802 S. Hi Lusi Ave. • Expressed concern about illegal fireworks, particularly near Sunset Park on the south end of the Village, occurring at late -night hours from Memorial Dayweekend through the current date. • Asked whether the Village could impose fines on violators or hold parents responsible for minors. Mayor Hoefert acknowledged the longstanding problem and indicated the Police Department would be asked to look further into available enforcement measures. Carole Delahunty Mount Prospect resident Expressed agreementwith Mr. Parks' concerns about Flock Safety cameras. Inquired about two unresolved matters she had previously raised: (1) the status of any updates to the Village's noise ordinance to address low -frequency noise issues associated with data centers; and (2) the status of any actions beyond a proclamation to recognize Pride Month, referencing prior discussions about banner programs. Mayor Hoefert acknowledged both items and indicated theyremain underadvisement. CONSENTAGENDA Prior to the motion, Trustee Grossi noted for the record that no current Board members serve on the Lions Club board, and that a $5, 000 payment included in the bills for Lions Club fireworks relates to the Village's officially sanctioned fireworks display. Motion by Bill Grossi, seconded by Terri Gens, 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 7.1. List of Bills - July 29, 2026 to August 11, 2026 - $3,316,289.42 7.2. Motion to accept the proposal from Comcast Business for fiber services for an amount not to exceed $159,420.00 for a 48-month service term 7.3. Motion to approve a Traffic Calming Project in the Lake Briarwood Subdivision. OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS - None VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT 10.1. Motion to approve the Transit Study Pilot Program proposal for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. Community Development Planner Antonia Lalagos and Director of Human Services Julie Kane jointly presented a proposed rideshare subsidy pilot program, the result of a transit study and internal committee review that began with the Village's age -friendly strategic planning in 2019. Background and Study Recommendations: The Village partnered with Civil Tech Engineering, which completed a comprehensive transit assessment in August 2025. The study offered several options, including a fixed -route shuttle (estimated launch cost of $870,000), a micro -transit zone (estimated $1.2 million annually for 4 vans), taxi/rideshare subsidies, collaboration with neighboring townships, PACE fixed -route enhancements, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and a mobility management program. An internal committee representing Community Development, Human Services, Public Works, and the Village Manager's Office evaluated these options against criteria including cost, ease of implementation, and impact on transit -dependent populations. The taxi/rideshare subsidy option ranked highest. The committee concluded that committing to shuttle or micro -transit programs without usage data would be premature given the upfront capital requirements. Proposed Pilot Program: Staff proposed a one-year rideshare subsidy pilot targeting Mt. Prospect residents at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level who face transportation barriers (e.g., lack of a vehicle or other means of transit). Eligible residents would receive a $40 monthly subsidy applied to their account with a partnered rideshare platform (Uber or Lyft). The subsidy would not roll over month to month, and any ride costs exceeding the monthly amount would be billed directly to residents. An alternative taxi voucher would be available for residents unable to use smartphone applications. Financial eligibility would be assessed annually, with proof of residency required every six months. The $100,000 budget is estimated to support approximately 200 participants. The Village would be billed only for rides actually taken, and the rideshare companywould not charge administrative or platform fees. Staff noted that, if approved in the FY 2027 budget, a new caseworker position at the Village Resource Centerwould carry mobility management responsibilities, including administering this program. Board Comments: • Emphasized the connection to the loneliness epidemic among seniors, and staff noted the subsidy could help meet social transportation needs where other programs (such as township medical transportation) cannot. • Requested that a review be brought back to the Board before the one-year mark, ideally during the budget process, so the program could be evaluated and modified, expanded, or continued before it expires. • Reflected on a previous taxi voucher program for seniors and noted that fixed -route transit models have historically struggled with ridership in communities like Mount Prospect, affirming support for this more targeted approach. Staff provided the following in response to questions from the Board: • Staff acknowledged that Social Security recipients who might fall above the income threshold and risk exclusion, indicating the program would be designed to track unmet demand, ensuring seniors slightly above the threshold are not overlooked. • The funding source for the program will be the General Fund; staff will continue to explore grant opportunities, including AARP Community Challenge grants and the Invest in Cook program. • Income verification methods will come from tax returns, Social Security verification Letters, and bank statements • Confirmed that the liability framework, waivers, and contract terms with the ride share companywould be carefully reviewed with the Village Attorney prior to implementation. Motion by Bill Grossi, seconded by Vincent Dante, to concur with the staff recommendation to approve the Transit Study Pilot Program for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00. Yea: Vincent Dante, Beth DiPrima, Terri Gens, Bill Grossi, John Matuszak, Colleen Saccotelli Nay: None Final Resolution: Motion Passed ANY OTHER BUSINESS No other business was brought before the Board. ADJOURNMENT With no additional business to conduct, Mayor Hoefert asked for a motion to adjourn. Trustee Grossi seconded the motion by Trustee Dante to adjourn the meeting. By unanimous voice vote, the August 18, 2026 Committee of the Whole/Village Board meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Agoranos Village Clerk