Village of Arlington Heights President and Board of Trustees met May 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
President Hayes and the following Trustees responded to roll: Scaletta, Padovani, Rosenberg, Canty, Tinaglia, Baldino, Schwingbeck and LaBedz.
Also present were: Randy Recklaus, Robin Ward, Charles Perkins, Scott Shirley, Tom Kuehne, Diana Mikula and Becky Hume.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Village Board 04/27/2020 Approved
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to passed. Trustee Richard Baldino Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
V. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
A. Warrant Register 04/30/2020 Approved
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to approve in the amount of $2,264,527.20. Trustee John Scaletta Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
B. Warrant Register 05/15/2020 Approved
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to approve in the amount of $1,234,431.14. Trustee John Scaletta Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
VI. RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Covid19 Update
President Hayes said there are and will continue to be messages on the website and through social media. He said he is hopeful the State will continue to move forward in the Governor's Restore Illinois Plan. He thanked the residents and businesses for their compliance with the stay at home order. A COVID-19 testing location will open at Rolling Meadows High School on May 22nd. A new rule was passed as an enforcement tool for non compliant businesses whereby the Department of Health has the authority to issue tickets. These violations are a Class A Misdemeanor and come with fines from $75-$2,500.
Mr. Recklaus said the Village is fully operable. All employees are working. The Village Hall is closed to walk in traffic, but appointments are available. The Village is expecting an $8 million Budget deficit. The strong General Fund surplus of $28 million will be used to cover some of the budget, but there will also be reductions and deferrals of projects. The 2021 Budget will prove to be challenging and there will be difficult decisions ahead. More details will be forthcoming in June.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS VIII. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Resident Melissa Cayer asked the Board to consider setting up email addresses for every US Postal address in Arlington Heights to facilitate communication. Local government is starting to depend on people having an email address. The email address could be available for electronic versions of property tax bills, utility bills, handbills, flyers, as well as door step/driveway information.
Mr. Recklaus said the Village does not have a way to be aware of people moving in and out of the Village so it would be difficult to manage. He agreed that electronic communication is becoming more important, but it is incumbent on residents to opt in to it.
Resident Tobey Black said she moved to the 700 Block of South Highland in 2019. She flooded on Thursday and Sunday. She learned about the overhead sewer program, but thinks it is still costly even with the 75% Village stipend. She said flooding is not a new problem and asked how the Village is dealing with the issue.
President Hayes said flooding has been a problem for many years. Plans based on consultant studies and resident feedback have been completed and two of the projects have been completed. More are planned in the upcoming months and years.
Mr. Recklaus said flooding has been a major focus since 2011. Two years ago a storm water fee was added to the water bills. Last year $5 million was spent to improve systems in the Downtown and the Cypress Basin, both of which performed well in this storm. In 2021, $8 million of projects are scheduled and $5-6 million in the years after that. The Overhead Sewer Program pays residents back for 75% of their cost. Grants have been obtained in the amount of $3.4 million from the Federal Government and much of that money is going to storm water improvements.
Every neighborhood is different, thus different answers for flooding issues have been recommended depending on the neighborhood's situation. Mr. Recklaus recommended Ms. Black contact the Village's Public Works/Engineering Department to learn about her block and the recommended solution for her neighborhood. Installing an overhead sewer in one home will not negatively affect a neighbor.
Mr. Recklaus said the storm over the weekend was unique and brought eight inches of rain. The sewer response team worked through the night answering street flooding and other calls. Many streets are designed to hold water so it does not go into people's basements. The Village is continuing to collect data and comments. The rain came so fast that the system could not convey it to the Deep Tunnel fast enough. At one point there was 1/2" of rain in 15 minutes. The Village does not have any indication that the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District did not open things up.
Resident George Metropolis asked if there was anything on the Website for residents regarding flooding issues. Mr. Recklaus said the storm water projects are listed at vah.com.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
X. CONSENT AGENDA
CONSENT OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT APPROVAL OF BIDS
A. 2020 MFT Street Reconstruction/Rehabilitation Approved Project - Change Order No. 1
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
B. Municipal Parking Garage Maintenance 2020 Approved
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
C. Thermoplastic Lane Marking 2020 - Approved Contract Extension
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
CONSENT LEGAL
A. An Ordinance Approving a Preliminary Plat of Approved Subdivision (710 N Dunton Ave)
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve 2020-011. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
B. An Ordinance Granting a Land Use Variation and Approved Variations from Chapter 28 of the Arlington Heights Municipal Code
(Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, 3215 N Wilke Rd)
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve 2020-012. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
C. A Resolution Approving a Final Plat of Approved Subdivision (Mastercraft Builders Subdivision, 710 N Dunton Ave)
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve R2020-010. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
D. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 of the Approved Arlington Heights Municipal Code (Surrender of a Class "E" liquor license)
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve 2020-013. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
E. A Resolution Approving a Local Public Agency Approved Agreement for Federal Participation between the Village of Arlington Heights and the Illinois
Department of Transportation
(Buffalo Creek Multi-Use Extension Project, intersection of Wilke and Lake Cook Roads)
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve R2020-011/A2020-021. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
F. A Resolution Approving a Short Term Permit Agreement with the Lake County Forest Preserve District (Buffalo Grove Multi-Use Extension Project, intersection of Lake Cook and Wilke Roads)
Approved
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve R2020-012/A2020-022. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
CONSENT REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
CONSENT APPOINTMENTS
A. Approved
Trustee Greg Padovani moved to approve. Trustee Mary Beth Canty Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
XI. APPROVAL OF BIDS
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. DPS Automotive - 855 W. University Dr. - Approved PC#20-007
Land Use Variation
Mr. Perkins said this business performs after market improvements on vehicles. It needs a Land Use Variation as auto repair is not allowed in an M-1 District. Most of the equipment is not noise intensive, so the noise impact is minimal. The air compressor will be placed in an interior room in the building. Staff determined that there is sufficient parking. The Plan Commission approved the project unanimously.
Mr. Waitzman, business owner, said they have no interest in disrupting the neighborhood and any issues would be handled by him personally and immediately.
Trustee Rosenberg asked about the compressor room. Mr. Waitzman said residents won't hear the compressor at all, it's new technology compressor which produces less noise that its predecessors. It's in a 5'x8' interior room closer to the front of the building.
Trustee Schwingbeck asked if there is any future work the company might do that would create more noise. Mr. Waitzman said if they add anything it would be commercial bin packages for construction vans which would not increase their noise levels. Their core business is stable and they are at capacity now.
Trustee Scaletta noted this is not typical repair, and less intensive than other potential uses. He asked if there were noise protections for residents. Mr. Perkins said noise complaints are difficult to enforce, but the standards are there. Trustee Scaletta said he would hold Mr. Waitzman to his word of being a good neighbor.
Trustee LaBedz asked about the hours. They will be open Monday - Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. In the winter they are also open for 1/2 day on Saturdays. They never open on Sunday.
Trustee Schwingbeck asked about the screening issues with the building owner. Mr. Perkins said they have had discussions regarding the screening and will continue to work toward a solution with the owner.
Trustee John Scaletta moved to approve. Trustee Bert Rosenberg Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
XIII. LEGAL
A. A Resolution Seeking Immediate Modifications Approved to the Restore Illinois Plan to Reopen Businesses and Resume Civic Activity
President Hayes said he is seeking to provide reasonable encouragement to the Governor so Arlington Heights can open more aggressively. This Resolution is unique to Arlington Heights, does not threaten litigation, and praises the actions which flattened the curve. It asks for reasonable accommodation for the Village businesses. President Hayes asked for "immediate" to be removed from the title. The goal was for it to be simple.
Trustee Scaletta said the Resolution does not rail against or insult the Governor. Knowing our local operators, most of the owners are on site and will be responsible.
Trustee Tinaglia thanked President Hayes for the politeness of the resolution, while also taking care of business.
Trustee LaBedz agreed removing "immediate" from the title is in line with the tone of the Resolution.
Trustee Baldino clarified the difference between the State guidelines which are 14 days as opposed to the Federal guidelines which are 28 days. These days and their respective decrease or increase in cases are used to determine when the next stage of opening should occur. Trustee Baldino continued that the State is using science and an epidemiological plan. State Representative Walker said breaking the State into 11 versus the current 4 districts won't make a substantial difference based on the way the metrics are calculated. He said most of #3 on the Resolution is being done. Trustee Baldino said he is supportive of helping businesses, but thinks there are better ways and he will not support the Resolution.
Trustee Canty agreed that businesses have done a tremendous amount of work and that this Resolution made sense last week. Today, she believes the State team is doing the right things. She thinks the Village is doing some of the right things and that those initiatives are the right role for the Village to play.
Resident Peg Lane said restaurants and bars need to keep to the rules. There should not be a reward for doing what they are supposed to do. She is against opening too soon.
President Hayes said the Resolution asks the Governor to consider modifications. The Village does not have the power to open earlier than the Governor allows.
Resident Jim Bertucci asked the Board to do what they can to support businesses many of which are on the brink. He supported continuing to pressure the State to help.
Resident Roger Hichings said he supported the Resolution. All of the actions up until now are an experiment. He asked for the Board to ask the Governor to accelerate opening the State. Several small manufacturers which are not essential need to get back to work as they would serve a common need.
Trustee John Scaletta moved to approve with the removal of "immediate" from the title. Trustee Jim Tinaglia Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Nays: Baldino, Canty
XIV. REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
A. Coronavirus Relief Initiatives
Mr. Recklaus said the Village is looking to address the needs of businesses in the community. The options presented are out of the box and not fully formed. It would be impossible to present these items completely outlined. Changes will have to be made as we go along. The perfect cannot be the enemy of the good. Staff is looking for direction from the Board. These recommendations would be in effect while the Governor's Orders remain in place for social distancing.
Mr. Perkins outlined two initiatives recommended by staff:
1. Modify the Zero Interest Loan Program to provide emergency zero interest loans up to $10,000 for operating costs. Priority would be given to businesses which have not received financial support from other governmental agencies.
2. Reduce the annual liquor license fee for all classifications other than B and BB by 25%, with all liquor license fees due by September 30th. Any business whose liquor license consists of a Class B or Class BB in addition to another liquor license classification (other than Class T) will have the total amount of their liquor license fees reduced by 25%, including the Class B or Class BB fees. This would not reduce fees for package liquor stores.
Mr. Recklaus said the Village has an Emergency Assistance program in place. It is not a permanent supplement but a stop gap for residents in need. It is funded by Village funds and the not for profit organization Arlington Cares. Since March the Village has awarded $47,000 in Emergency monies for residents. These funds help people stay in their homes or apartments in a financial emergency. An additional $165,000 in grant monies has been received from HUD for this program through the CDBG program to support the Emergency Assistance Fund and Social Services.
In addition, the Village has allocated $197,000 to refund unused parking permits and $37,000 has been allocated in lieu of enforcing penalties on water bills through June of 2020.
Mr. Perkins said many restaurants are individually owned and are not large establishments. Staff proposes allowing Downtown Business District restaurants to use space in the streets and public sidewalks in front of their locations to increase capacity. Street closures would occur at the intersection of Vail and Campbell. Vehicular traffic and parking spaces on the blocks at the intersection would be eliminated. An 18 foot wide pedestrian zone would be created. Loading and deliveries and hours have to be worked out in conjunction with the business community and the Downtown residents. There would be curbside pick up zones. Staff would also like to allow restaurants to use private parking areas for outdoor dining. This element might be used for non food related businesses too.
Mr. Recklaus restated the Liquor License payment reduction proposal and also noted restaurant owners had asked for the ability to close their kitchens after 9:00 p.m. if they are slow as opposed the Village requirement of staying open and after 11:00 p.m. offering of a reduced menu. There is no staff recommendation on this request.
Zero Interest Loan
Trustee Scaletta said he appreciated priority being given to those who haven't received a grant or loan from another governmental body. He also agreed tenants should ask for rent abatement prior to receiving help from the Village. It's important that they show they have made the request. Mr. Perkins said the Village is not requiring collateral or credit checks, but instead, a signed compliance agreement is required. A statement could be added if the Board wishes. Ms. Ward and Mr. Recklaus said the language and documents are still being fine tuned. Trustee Scaletta said a personal guarantee should be asked for. Mr. Recklaus said this language can be added. Any suggestions made by the Board tonight will be incorporated. The loan agreement will require a Notary.
Trustee Baldino agreed with the increase and noted the money would still need to be repaid. He asked about expanding the period for repayment as the amount is larger, perhaps to three years. The current proposal offers 24 months.
Mr. Perkins said there have been 12 loans in the program's existence.
Trustee Tinaglia said he trusted staff's judgement and would like to keep this as simple as possible and not over regulate it in order to expedite this and support to businesses.
Trustee LaBedz concurred with adding an additional year for the payback period.
Trustee Canty liked the three year payback period too. She noted that the loan could be used for rent or other operational expenses. She asked if anything was excluded. Mr. Perkins explained the program was originally designed as a mortgage relief reduction. That language will probably be modified to allow for other uses.
Trustee Rosenberg asked if there were limitations on how the funds were used. Mr. Perkins said no, the goal is to make sure businesses are pursuing every avenue. As rent is their #1 cost, it makes sense for them to seek relief prior to asking the Village for a loan. Mr. Recklaus said asking for relief from the landlords was a lesson learned from the Emergency Assistance Program experience where landlords were directing renters to seek Village assistance. The Village does not want the program to be a subsidy for the landlords.
Trustee Rosenberg noted that the Better Business Bureau loans require 25% to be used toward rent and utilities. He did not want businesses to be penalized if they had received one of these loans. Mr. Recklaus said priority will be given to those who haven't received loans, but it doesn't mean those businesses are not eligible. Trustee Rosenberg suggested a loan repayment of 24 months, making payments due by January of 2022. He agreed that using a promissory note or some kind of oversight document.
Trustee Schwingbeck believes helping the businesses is a wonderful idea. He would like there to be some oversight, and some question and answer with the businesses.The $450,000 in the fund came from the Village's policy which takes 10% of the savings for the first 5 years from the businesses who received 6b property tax breaks. The money is then used to help other businesses.
After discussion the Board agreed to extend the loan repayment of three years, beginning in 2021 or the end of the lease, whichever comes first.
Trustee Baldino moved to authorize Staff to expand the current Zero Interest Loan program to provide emergency zero interest loans up to $10,000 in accordance with the terms outlined in the memo dated April 22, 2020 with repayment beginning in January of 2021. Repayment must be made prior to the end of the businesses lease or at the conclusion of 36 months, whichever comes first. Trustee Canty seconded the motion.
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Padovani, Scaletta, Tinaglia, Rosenberg, Schwingbeck, LaBedz, Hayes
The motion: Passed
Liquor License Fees
President Hayes said he did not want the streets to become a big bar, so was in favor of having food available after 9:00 p.m. However, he wanted to provide restaurants some relief so believes that allowing them to close their kitchens at 9:00 p.m. is a reasonable compromise.
Trustee Rosenberg said he agreed that food should still be served while the restaurants are open. Having only beverage service might negatively affect the residents in town. He recommended some additional police supervision or controls.
Trustee Tinaglia said he agreed with Trustee Rosenberg and wanted the kitchens to remain open.
Trustee Padovani asked if the liquor fee abatement should be a percentage during the period they are closed. Mr. Recklaus said the Village is trying to keep it simple. If additional relief is needed, then the issue can be revisited. Mr. Kuehne said the 25% would be effective May 1, so it is effectively a May/June/July adjustment.
Trustee Schwingbeck said many people going to restaurants after 9:00 p.m. are going to have a drink without food anyway. There is not a lot of food sold those last couple of hours. Restaurant owners said they would like to be able to shut their kitchens down for the last few hours. This would not be a big change in how people use those restaurants.
Trustee Baldino agreed with Trustee Schwingbeck. He thinks decoupling the requirement of having food after 9:00 and keeping the kitchen open is reasonable. President Hayes said he was open to different food options after 9:00 p.m., but not no food.
Trustee Scaletta said if they open until 2:00 am they would not be serving food for 5 hours. That's not what he wants or is the Village's best interest. Trustee Tinaglia agreed, saying maybe the answer is in the middle. Trustee Canty agreed with compromising.
Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks said restaurants make their money serving food. Every night is different. They keep their kitchens open as long as people are buying food. They are asking for the ability to make the judgement on their own. There are many nights where the kitchens have full staff, and they are not serving anyone. It's puts their operation at risk.
Cortland's Garage owner Brian Roganski agreed with Mr. Brooks. This reduction in hours would help them save money in their kitchens. After a certain hour, 90% of the time the cooks have nothing to do. They would offer food that does not require a cook. Currently after 11:00 they cut their staff down to 1 or 2 people, but that person often sits there with nothing to do.
Larry Rebodos of Big Shot Piano Bar concurred. He has no intention of stopping the food service. The demand for food decreases as the evening goes on. It would help them out from a cost standpoint.
Trustee Baldino noted this change would be temporary. This action would allow restaurants to do what they need to in order to recover.
President Hayes reiterated his desire to have the restaurants have food available, it doesn't have to be hot, but has to be more than pretzels and peanuts. Ms. Mikula said the current guidelines require a modified menu of hot and cold items after 11:00 p.m. They cannot say the kitchen is closed while they are selling alcohol.
After discussion the Board agreed that 9:00 p.m. was a reasonable time to allow kitchens to close during the corona-virus restrictions. They also agreed there must be some food available (could be cold) at each restaurant that is more than popcorn and peanuts. Staff will confirm with the restaurants the definition of "food available" to capture the spirit of this conversation. The Village President will issue a special liquor order to expire August 31st. It can be extended if necessary and be tied to the Governor's orders limiting restaurant capacity.
Trustee Scaletta moved to abate the annual liquor license fee for all classifications other than Class B and BB by 25% with all liquor license fees due by September 30th. Any business whose liquor license consists of a Class B or Class BB in addition to another liquor license classification (other than Class T) will have the total amount of the liquor license fees reduced by 25%, including the Class B or Class BB fees. Trustee Canty seconded the motion.
Ayes: Scaletta, Canty, Schwingbeck, Baldino, Rosenberg, LaBedz, Scaletta, Tinaglia, Padovani, Hayes.
The Motion: Passed.
Outdoor Seating
Trustee Tinaglia said the Arlington Alfresco idea was a wonderful way to solve a big problem. He asked the following questions:
1. Is this only for when the State restrictions are in place? Mr. Recklaus said it is until the end of August, but could be extended if needed.
2. Will there always be an 18' wide aisle for emergency vehicles? The answer was yes.
3. What are the hours? Outdoor dining must end at 11:00 p.m.
4. Will there be police oversight? The answer was yes.
5. For restaurants that are interior to the closed streets, will there be remote curbside pick up? The answer was yes.
6. Is there buy in from the restaurants? Mr. Recklaus said yes, the retailers are a little less enthusiastic. Staff is trying to make it beneficial for retailers too. There is more work to be done.
Trustee Baldino said he loved the plan and asked about communication. Mr. Recklaus said the communications team is involved and aware of the plans.
Trustee LaBedz asked if the existing benches are factored in. Mr. Recklaus said some will be removed to accommodate the restaurant space.Trustee LaBedz expressed concern about people loitering in Harmony Park if there are tables there. Mr. Recklaus said staff is concerned as well as it will be difficult to enforce distancing. Trustee LaBedz noted that as there are fewer commuters, those parking spaces in garages could be used to make up for the lost street parking. Mr. Perkins said staff was looking at the lots to increase customer parking.
Trustee Canty said she would like to revisit the tables in Harmony Park idea, thinking it was a challenge to enforce distancing.
Trustee Scaletta said this will assist the tax payers as sales tax and food and beverage taxes will improve with this action. He expressed concern about the Village being responsible for setting up tables and chairs anywhere. He worried about the liability and sanitation. A food court area would be hard to safely maintain. He liked the curbside pickup stations as not everyone will embrace opening up. He is anxious to see the parking and delivery solutions that come about.
Trustee Schwingbeck agreed with the food court concern expressed by Trustee Scaletta. He appreciated how quickly staff put the plan together. Having it ready for when things open up is really important.
Trustee Padovani thanked the restaurants and business owners who contributed.
Trustee Rosenberg said he liked the plan, but wants to hold off on the Harmony Park piece.
Trustee Scaletta asked for language added ensuring the chairs and tables would be secured in the evenings and for liability issues to be addressed. He wants to make sure the Village is covered. Ms. Ward said the public property area is expanded for this project, so the liability expands too. There will be indemnification and proof of insurance requirements. Trustee Scaletta asked staff to work through all of the potential risks.
President Hayes noted that tents cannot have 4 sides down as there needs to be open air. Flaps down would make this counterproductive.
Peter Sarantopoulos, owner of La Tasca, wrote that La Tasca favors the streets closure. The reason is very simple. The restaurants will not be able to survive with limited capacity. Also the patrons will feel better by being outdoors. On top of that, Arlington Heights will be festive. We need all the help we can get.
Residents Joe and Diane Mulheim wrote that after looking over the nicely thought out plans for the downtown restaurants, my husband and I just wanted to tell you we think it looks like a great plan for our great town!
Resident Mary Webber wrote that she supports the Arlington Alfresco idea. She was recently in Hilton Head and they had only outdoor seating. In order to provide more tables, the restaurants used part of their parking lots for seating. She said she felt very comfortable and safe. the tables were far apart and people were social distancing. The waiters were happy to be working and all wore masks. The mood was inviting and relaxing. She hopes the Board approves the plan.
Business owner Barb Hoffman said she will be impacted on Vail as she has a hair salon. She hopes there is more parking in the garage for customers. She suggested a private lot could be used for guests and asked for staff to consider people who need help as some customers need assistance.
Mr. Recklaus said there is still work to do. Staff is planning to install ramps in some places to help people get up the curbs. Parking nearby will be a challenge.
Ms. Hoffman said she understood and noted that the foot traffic helps her too. She said she would be nervous if the plan extended past three months.
Resident Janet Manganaro expressed concern about how the outdoor tables will be wiped down and if tables outside were better than tables inside. She asked if there would be hand washing stations. She asked if the Village had consulted with public health officials.
President Hayes there are very strict guidelines from the Illinois Department of Health and the Cook County Health Department. Mr. Recklaus said these controls will exist for indoor and outdoor seating. People will need to go inside to use washrooms. Employees must follow all the health guidelines. The Village's Health Department will be inspecting to ensure residents are safe and the protocols are being maintained. New rules will be issued once restaurants open. No restaurant will want to use a cleaner that will hurt a customers clothes. Mr. Perkins said the Village is not going to install hand washing stations. Each restaurant will need to abide by the rules. The Village's jurisdiction is on hours, upkeep, how clean they keep the street and the table/chair maintenance. The restaurants themselves will have responsibilities too.
Mr. Brooks thanked the Village for their responsiveness.
Resident Brian Larsen supported the measure. He suggested the Village control traffic speed near the closed streets. Mr. Recklaus said there will be signage and communications to motorists. Public Works and the Police Department will be working on the appropriate actions.
Business Owner Mark Rouse said the loss of parking at Highland and Campbell is a concern. On the open side of his business, there is a station for carry-out pick ups. He worried about congestion at that corner. He asked for a deeper look at these issues. President Hayes said right now, restaurants can't open until phase 4. The plan is evolving and no one is looking to negatively impact any business. Mr. Recklaus said the assumption is that curb side pick up will diminish as outdoor dinning is available.
Resident Keith Moens asked for the Board to provide relief for all residents by keeping the tax levy at a zero percent increase.
Trustee Canty moved to approve Arlington Al Fresco with the removal of tables in Harmony Park This idea will be revisited at a later date. Trustee Tinaglia seconded the motion.
Trustee Scaletta asked about fencing. Mr. Recklaus said staff is looking at pricing. At the minimum, the Village would provide fencing along the pedestrian walkway. The Village will not be responsible for the tables and chairs in the restaurant space.
Ayes: Canty, Tinaglia, Rosenberg, LaBedz, Scaletta, Padovani, Baldino, Schwingbeck, Hayes.
The Motion: Passed
Trustee Baldino moved authorize the Village Manager to approve a waiver of minimum parking requirements to create outdoor dining areas for restaurants on private property for the sole purpose of permitting increased capacity while the capacity inside their restaurants is limited in accordance with applicable Executive Orders. Trustee Canty seconded the motion.
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Schwingbeck, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Tinaglia, LaBedz, Hayes.
The Motion: Passed
XV. APPOINTMENTS
XVI. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Trustee Padovani said the Memorial Day presentation was recorded and will be available for viewing at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Richard Baldino moved to adjourn at 10:34. Trustee Bert Rosenberg Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Padovani, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
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