Village of Arlington Heights Board of Trustees met March 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Hayes and the following Trustees responded to roll: Rosenberg, Tinaglia, Sidor, Padovani, Scaletta, Baldino, Blackwood, and LaBedz.
Also present were: Randy Recklaus, Diana Mikula, Tom Kuehne, Scott Shirley, Robin Ward, Charles Perkins and Becky Hume.
A. Presentation of the Colors by Cub Scout Pack # 269 from Patton Elementary School
III. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Village Board 03/04/2019 Approved
Trustee Carol Blackwood moved to approve. Trustee Bert Rosenberg Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
V. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
A. Warrant Register 03/15/2019 Approved
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to approve the Warrant Register in the amount of $1,145,018.20. Trustee John Scaletta Seconded the Motion. The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
VI. RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Swearing-in of Sergeant Charles Buczynski as Police Commander
Hayes administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Buczynski.
Swearing-in of Officer Timothy Jasper as Police Sergeant
Hayes administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Jasper.
Swearing-in of Officer Brandi Romag as Police Sergeant
Hayes administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Romag.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS VIII. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Resident Laurie Taylor, Northgate Homeowners Association President, said their neighborhood had a meeting with the local Postmaster, Union President and Mail Carrier’s representative. She said there are over 100 carriers in Arlington Heights, 97 have routes so there only 3 floaters. She enumerated the challenges carriers face like unplowed driveways and sidewalks. The postmaster can be contacted at Emanual.j.thomas@usps.gov.
Trustee LaBedz said it was eye opening to hear the challenges of the carriers. The meeting opened up a two way street of communication. If someone is absent, they have to cover half of someone’s route and all of their own route.
Mr. Recklaus said the Postmaster is the appropriate individual to contact if there are issues with mail service.
Nester Reina, attorney for Lisa and Charlie Trout of 900 S. Walnut, said there is a flood situation in their backyard. They believe it is partly the result of the work on Kirchhoff Road and the new construction home to the south of them. He started working with Engineering and the solution is to construct a French drain, but the Village has to provide a connection. According to Mr. Pagones, this process may take two years. He is worried that the owners are suffering and would like the Boards assistance in getting the priority moved up. Two years is too long for them.
President Hayes said priority goes to those who have water in their houses versus in their yards. There are many residents who are suffering.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. Report of the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting of March 11, 2019 Approved
Proposed Transfer to Police Pension, Firefighters' Pension, and Municipal Parking Funds
Trustee Tinaglia moved, seconded by Trustee Padovani, that the Committee-of-the-Whole recommend that the Village Board approve the transfer of the 2018 year-end general fund surplus of $3.475 million to the following funds:
Police Pension Fund $1,500,000
Firefighters' Pension Fund $1,500,000
Municipal Parking Fund $475,000
TOTAL $3,475,000
The motion passed unanimously.
As there was a $3,475,000 surplus of funding in the General Fund in 2018, it was recommended that the excess be put toward the Police Pension, the Fire Pension and the Parking funds after much discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 11th. There is work being done on the downtown parking lots so this influx will allow that fund to keep adequate reserves. The pension funds had a down year with the market, so these dollars pay down an unfunded liability, saving the Village $6.2 million which equates to approximately $8 for each property tax bill. It was noted how challenging it is to lower the tax bill.
Resident Melissa Cayer said that the social security tax is 6.2% on income up to $132,900.
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Greg Padovani Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
B. Report of the Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Approved of March 11, 2019 Approved
Proposed Revisions to Vehicle Sticker Enforcement and Collection
Trustee Rosenberg motioned, seconded by Trustee LaBedz that the Committee-of-the- Whole direct staff to implement the proposed revisions to vehicle sticker enforcement and collection program.
The motion passed unanimously.
Vehicle stickers go on sale October 1st and are due December 31st each year. Currently, there is 77% compliance, which is unfair to those who pay. In an attempt to improve compliance, increased penalty fees are being added. If a sticker is not purchased by March 1st, a Code Enforcement Ticket will be issued to the vehicle owner. The Village will use the Secretary of State’s database to compare license plates registered to the Village and the vehicles which have stickers. It was mentioned that some residents think the time of year made compliance challenging and staff was asked to consider a different date range in the future.
Resident Mark Sporcich asked how new residents are notified. Mr. Recklaus said when new residents sign up for water service, they are given information that a vehicle sticker is required.
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
C. Report of Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting of March 18, 2019 Approved
Interview of Brian Harrison for Appointment to the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities - term ending 4/30/2021
President Hayes administered the Oath of office to Mr. Harrison.
Trustee John Scaletta moved to concur with the Mayor's appointment of Brian Harrison. Trustee Richard Baldino Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
X. CONSENT AGENDA
CONSENT OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT APPROVAL OF BIDS
A. Roadway Maintenance Materials 2019 Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
B. Concrete Flatwork 2019 - Contract Award Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
C. Pavement Crack Sealing Program 2019 Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
CONSENT LEGAL
A. A Resolution Approving a Final Plat of Resubdivision Approved
(Kurzynski Resubdivision, 608-614 N Haddow Ave)
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve R19-009. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
B. An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit and Approved Variations from Chapter 28 of the Arlington Heights Municipal Code (7-11 Gas Station and Convenience Store, 1650 W Algonquin Rd) Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve 19-009. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
C. A Resolution Accepting a Plat of Easement and Plat of Abrogation for Public Storm Sewer (Olympic Park redevelopment, 660 N Ridge Ave) Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve R19-010. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
D. A Resolution Approving an Employee Lease Agreement with GOVTEMPUSA, LLC (Temporary employment - Interim Engineer) Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve R19-014/A19-012. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
E. A Resolution Approving a Consultant Agreement with Mac Strategies Group Inc. (Legislative consulting and lobbying services with State) Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve R19-012/A19-013. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
CONSENT REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
A. Settlement - Workers' Compensation Claim - Tamosaitis Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve a worker's compensation settlement in the amount of $151,044 for Victor Tamosaitis. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
CONSENT PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Bond Waiver - Transitional Living Services (TLS Veterans) Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
XI. APPROVAL OF BIDS
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Goddard School - 1316 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Approved - PC#18-023 Approved
Rezoning, PUD, Variations
Trustee Sidor recused himself because of a business relationship with the owner of the property.
Petitioner Erin Witt gave an overview of the proposed Goddard School operations. It’s a daycare company that has been operating 30 years. The owners are onsite as each school is a franchise. The security and safety measures were explained. They plan on hosting 165 students. Based on their research, there is a need in the community for additional day care choices. A second turn lane was added to the original plan to assist in traffic flow leaving the site during pick up and drop off times. They have vehicle protection when a vehicle can come within 30 feet of a child. This means additional barriers at Arlington Heights Road and in their parking lot. Landscaping of evergreens and a 6’ fence will screen the playground from Arlington Heights Road. Water detention is underground. Ms. Witt said it is not uncommon to be next door to another day care facility as is the case here.
The Plan Commission and Staff gave the project a positive recommendation.Variations to reduce the required side yard setback, allow accessory structures, and to allow six foot fencing are necessary. A change in zoning also needs to occur from Residential to Office Transitional. As the property is on Arlington Heights Road, staff believes this site would no longer be suitable for a single family home. There is an existing daycare north of the site and homes to the south and west. The parking ratio for employees is of the most concern. If they have more than 27 employees, they will have to demonstrate they have enough parking.
The Board was supportive of the zoning changes noting that this is a great location. The re-purposing of the building was appreciated as was the addition of more day care spaces in the community.
Jackie Pergosi, Daycare Director at the center north of the Goddard School, said she was concerned with the traffic flow. Her drivers have a hard time turning left onto Arlington Heights Road. The addition of another day care will double or triple the traffic during pick up/drop off times. She said no one builds right next door to their competitors. Without a turn lane at Olive Street, this will be hard.
Mr. Perkins said part of the traffic analysis was at the ingress/egress. The existing traffic counts were taken into account which is why the third lane was added in the parking lot. This additional lane will allow better access to and from the site as those turning left will not block those turning right. The northern drive is an exit only. He agreed it was unusual to have a daycare next to another daycare, but countered that any use going in would have similar traffic challenges.
It was explained that IDOT’s standards dictated that a left turn signal at the light was not warranted or recommended. IDOT’s criteria must be met to change a signal. There may be 100 more cars, but that is a small percentage on Arlington Heights Road. This development by itself doesn’t trigger a need. All schools drop off/pickups are difficult during those time periods. This site has better internal circulation than any other school site in the village. The backups will be occurring within the site. Any use going into this site would add traffic to the area. It was asked if the Village could provide traffic assistance during peak times, but the Village does not have the resources to put a police officer in a situation like this.
Trustee John Scaletta moved to approve. Trustee Carol Blackwood Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Tinaglia
Abstain: Sidor
B. Verizon Wireless Cell Tower - 1122 W. Rand Rd. Approved - PC#18-024 Approved
LUV for Commercial Antennas, Variations
Doug Dolan of Verizon said they identified a weak area in their cell service in the area. To fill it, they propose a 75 foot antenna at Cross and Crown Church to improve coverage along Rand Road. They are in the process of transitioning to 5g service. This antenna will provide reliable coverage for the many home offices in the area. The carriers will be required to operate within safety limits set by the FCC. Its placement gives the greatest separation from the homes.
The ComEd transmission lines run behind the church and near where the pole will go. ComEd would not allow the antenna on its towers. It is half the height of the transmission towers currently there. It will be a stealth pole meaning the cables, antennas and lines are hidden inside the pole. It is also a multi-carrier pole so another tower won’t be needed in the area. The antenna is at a different frequency than the power lines, so there is no interference.
The coverage range of the antenna is up to one mile. The coverage demands are less intense the further away you are from a major thoroughfare. The existing cell towers are carrying more than they are designed for, and users are experiencing dropped calls and busy signals. It isn’t so bad now, but will become more problematic, so they are trying to get ahead of the problem. This antenna will improve service for both businesses and residents. It will help those in the 1/2 mile ring around it and the existing antennas will work better, which are currently maxed out. There are canisters inside the antenna so if new equipment is needed, it will not be seen. Unfortunately, the antenna could not be placed inside an existing structure, like a steeple, as this church does not have that option.
Mr. Dolan said they will take the antenna down if this became obsolete. The small cells cannot duplicate this capacity and are not a reasonable replacement. The NCH development on Rand Road did not have an impact on this antenna placement.
Resident Laurie Taylor asked questions regarding kid’s safety and the height. Mr. Dolan said the antenna operates at less than 1% of the FCC guidelines. It is half the height of the ComEd towers, does not need a strobe, and has FAA approval.
Bob Ehlert, of Cross and Crown Church said the population on Rand Road is growing. Within the church, they have the Ministry of Hope, which works with the homeless community. The lease money will help them to help the homeless.
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve. Trustee Bert Rosenberg Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
XIII. LEGAL
XIV. REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
A. Arlington Beer Company - 19 N. Hickory Ave. - Early Review
The Village Board adopted new rules to allow microbreweries and tap rooms in 2018. The petitioner is seeking Early Review to gauge the acceptability a proposed brewery and taproom at 19 North Hickory.
Under the current proposal, variations would be needed for: the size of the taproom, the beer drinking area square footage and parking. Currently there is no parking on the site. 52-58 spaces are required by Code. Staff asked the Board to consider the following:
If a brewery is allowed in a separate building from the tap room/bar area
If it was appropriate to have a brewery area at 29% of the floor area and a bar/tap room 42%
Outdoor alcohol consumption area at 40% of the total indoor floor area size
Classification of the proposal in relation to the new Liquor Code classifications
Parking issues
Kathleen Egan presented the proposal along with Michael Valente and Zachary Philips. There are two buildings on the site. Brewing will be in the rear building and the tap room will be in the front building. There is a second floor for overflow/event space. An outdoor area is proposed for tables and outdoor games. It was explained that the marketplace has evolved and most taprooms have space for 50 or more people. A 10% Code limitation on the retail sales would render the project infeasible.
The hours are 3-10 p.m. on weekdays 3-11 p.m. Friday/Saturday and 3-7 p.m. on Sunday. They will have 1-2 servers at peak time as the service is only from the bar, there is no wait staff. When the outdoor area is open, they will have a few more people. There are two brewers who work when the bar is not open. If they had an event, there would be extra staff, but no more than 5. If there is music it would typically be acoustic.
There were many residents in attendance who supported the proposal. No one present objected.
Board Feedback
President Hayes opened the comment period by saying it was a great use, and a great concept. His only concern is if it was appropriate for this location.
Each Trustee indicated parking was an issue. Solely depending on street parking was not an acceptable solution as summer activities near and around Recreation Park will eat into the spaces.The concerns included: no street parking during Frontier Days, parking spillover from Mariano’s and Heller Lumber, Park District events, Knights of Columbus events, and American Legion events. In the future, the area will become more developed so limitations on the length of time cars can be street parked may occur.
Ms. Eagan responded that their destination customers would check the website, a common practice for breweries as many are in industrial areas, and the business will recommend parking on Douglas. She believes there are 100 street parking spaces on Douglas and 73 on Hickory. They will have a bike rack in front and they will suggest strongly alternative transportation. She said they would coordinate their schedule with the Knights of Columbus to ensure they are not competing for parking on the street. She anticipates their core patrons will be neighbors.
Suggestions for solving the parking problem included using a neighboring business' lot, valet parking, and replacing the outdoor area with parking. A general discussion of parking options and sites in the area occurred. Ms. Egan agreed to vet the local businesses for parking options. She said for this presentation, she was more focused on the 10%, if the Board is willing to consider that, she will work on the parking.
Generally, the Board was enthusiastic and excited about the concept and renderings. The Trustees expressed their desire to see this work.
A few Trustees asked about accommodations for the neighbors in regards to noise and screening of the outdoor area. Ms. Egan said they have two places in Itasca and one is next to residential and having unhappy neighbors doesn’t work. Their landscape architect has worked on the plans for the development behind them, so is familiar with the area. There is landscaping planned.
It was expressed that the Village has been behind the curve on this for so long, the marketplace has already moved forward. The Board's numbers and theories are already obsolete. Trustee Sidor said he was okay with higher than 10% and wants to see the project work. Trustee Baldino said he was willing to talk about exceptions to the Ordinance. Trustee LaBedz said she did not have a problem with the location. Trustee Padovani wanted to ensure accommodations were made for the neighbors. Trustee Rosenberg wants to accommodate them, but asked if the floor ratio could be smaller. Trustee Blackwood said she had no trouble with the square feet and was all for it. Trustee Scaletta said it was an exciting opportunity and he was trying to get to a yes, but had parking concerns. Trustee Tinaglia said he was not afraid of the size or location and if they could figure out the parking, he would want them to start tomorrow. President Hayes said 42% is a large variation over 10%. He said if the percentage went under 42%, it would make him feel better.
Ms. Egan explained if they are limited by consumption and by square footage, the business model doesn’t work. If they are held to a 48 oz. consumption they need more space, if they are held to the square footage, then they need relief on the consumption. Elk Grove just moved up to 60 ounces. The Arlington Beer Company proposes a 42% square footage for the consumption area, the Ordinance is 10%.
Mr. Recklaus said there were four categories when this was set up. The logic behind it was that a tasting room in a brewery is ancillary to the primary business. Brewers are allowed to have a tap room with a limit on the number of ounces served per patron and a limit to the size of the service area. These restrictions were created because there is no food service in tap rooms. If the space goes over the 35% it essentially becomes a brew pub without a food requirement in a district that is zoned residential. Also, if you had a lot of brew pubs pop up without parking that would not be sustainable.
President Hayes summarized the Board is in favor of the concept but has issues with the parking and would prefer a reduced tap room space percentage.
Ms. Egan acknowledged that originally they only wanted to brew, now everyone is expanding tap rooms. This is what the business has evolved to. Mikerphone (a brewery in Elk Grove) had a size limit and then had to go back after two years for more space. She said she didn’t want to keep coming back.
XV. APPOINTMENTS
XVI. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee John Scaletta moved to adjourn at 10:46. Trustee Greg Padovani Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Blackwood, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Sidor, Tinaglia
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