Village of Arlington Heights President and Board of Trustees met Sept. 8.
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: Baldino, Canty, Rosenberg, LaBedz, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia and Scaletta. Trustee Padovani was absent.
Also present were: Randy Recklaus, Nick Pecora, Charles Perkins, Robin Ward and Becky Hume.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Village Board 08/17/2020
Approved
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
V. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
A. Warrant Register 08/30/2020
Approved
Trustee Bert Rosenberg moved to approve in the amount of $3,748,133.90.
Trustee John Scaletta Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
VI. RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of Good Samaritan Kyla M. Davis
President Hayes described Ms. Davis’ intervention in a domestic violence disturbance. She called 911 when the victim was forced into an SUV at knife point. The victim was able to escape and Ms. Davis gave her safety in her car. She then drove until she found a police officer while being chased by the offender. Most likely the victim would not have survived without Ms. Davis’ actions. Chief Pecora presented her with the Good Samaritan Award.
Mayor Hayes gave her an Arlington Heights Coin. Ms. Davis thanked the 911 and police officer who responded.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
VIII. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
My family and I have been residents on Dryden Avenue (1147 North Dryden) for over 18 years. We have lived several places and have found Arlington Heights to be the most community-oriented place we have lived.
This section of Dryden embodies what I love about Arlington Heights. It is very walkable and neighborly, with a great deal of people outside enjoying our area. This includes families, children, the cross-country teams from the local schools out running, pet-owners walking their dogs, and people of all ages. People walk, run, ride bikes, rollerblade, ride scooters, stop and chat with neighbors, and play in their front yards.The speed limit on our residential street is 25 mph, which is very appropriate. Unfortunately, many drivers do not abide by this limit. I appreciate the village’s efforts to enforce this law, including the flashing sign indicating cars’ actual speed and the patrol officers policing and ticketing. And hope these efforts continue. However, they are not adequate. Cars continue to speed down our street. It is not uncommon for me to hear a car accelerate quickly (“gunning it”) as it leaves the stop sign at Dryden and Olive and heads south. From time to time, I am appalled to see cars PASS slower cars right in front of my house. (These cases are always south-bound cars.) And while I appreciate the extra police effort to try to catch these offenders, the time they can spend on the street is limited. And I am sure this is an expensive solution. I suggest we pursue more permanent and less expensive solutions. I am requesting the Board, and the relevant Village Staff, research the installation of “speed reminder signs” that are placed in the middle of the road. Not only will this be a greater reminder of the speed limit, but it will in effect “narrow” the road, which naturally causes drivers to slow down. Or another related option would be to place rubber dividers (chicanes) down the center line (like those used for construction) to create an artificial “narrowing” of the street and create a natural cause for drivers to slow down. These options will be relatively inexpensive and permanent. It is worth trying to see if this reduces the speeding on this residential street. I appreciate your consideration and effort to try to make this street safe and another example of the walkability and neighborhood focus of Arlington Heights. Thank you! Joan Dubnicka
From Melissa Cayer: 1. Why did you vote to forego 23 years worth of property tax revenue from the TIF district around Arl. Hts. Rd. and Algonquin Road? 2. How can you vote to have all the other taxing bodies forego 23 years worth of property tax revenue?
President Hayes said the TIF district means the tax level is frozen for taxing bodies, they still receive annual taxes at the frozen amount. The incremental tax amount over and above that amount is what is dedicated to the TIF. The tax bodies then receive the tax benefit as the tax rate is much improved when the TIF is ended.
Mr. Recklaus said Dryden is one of the areas where there is selective enforcement. Since 2014 there has been a significant drop in accidents in this area. The Village has experimented with signs in the street, without much success. They get hit, damaged and don’t have a noticeable impact on traffic. They also have to be removed in the winter because of snowfalls.
The Village will continue to work to improve traffic in this area.
Thomas Galla asked for a solution for speeding on Dryden. He often experiences people on his tail driving home and sometimes pass him. He also has to yield to motorists that are not stopping when they are supposed to. People race down the street late at night that wake him up. One accident recently jumped the curb. This is a top priority for more than 30 residents. He asked for a resolution.
Randy Ries said since Covid, there are more children at home and on the street. The traffic volume has increased. He expressed his concern and requested that the Village conduct a traffic study. The police support is not a permanent solution or a best use of their resources.
Kathryn Boudart said she has to teach her children how to avoid their own street because of the recklessness. She worries about them getting hit on their way to school and playing. There has to be something the Village can do to slow people down.
Eugene Boldt asked the Engineering Department to investigate what they can do. Perhaps crosswalks could help? He suggested adding larger stop signs and increasing fines.
Mr. Recklaus said he will speak to the Engineering Department about a speed study. The Police Department said there has been only 7 accidents this year, down from previous years. He provided statistics regarding the reduction in crashes on Dryden over the past four years. The Village is happy to study it further and see if there are different things that can help.
No timeline was committed to because staffing is slim right now, but it will be studied as fast as we can put it together. Mr. Recklaus provided his email address so residents can send him information directly. Dryden is a collector street. It is designed to carry more traffic than others. Carolyn Selke said she supports making Dryden safer for pedestrian and bicyclists.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. Report of Committee of the Whole Meeting of September 8, 2020
Interview of Lucy Neacy for Appointment to the Environmental Commission - term ending April 30, 2021
Approved
President Hayes administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Neacy.
Trustee Mary Beth Canty moved to concur in the Mayor's appointment of Lucy Neacy. Trustee Jim Tinaglia Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
B. Report of Committee of the Whole Meeting of September 8, 2020
Interview of Karen DeZellar for Appointment to the Special Events Commission - term ending April 30, 2024
Approved
Trustee Robin LaBedz moved to concur in the Mayor's appointment of Karen DeZeller. Trustee Tom Schwingbeck Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
X. CONSENT AGENDA
CONSENT OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT LEGAL
A. An Ordinance Dedicating a Portion of Public Right-of-Way and Accepting a Plat of Dedication for a Portion of Public Right-of-Way (portions of Commuter Drive with Rolling Meadows)
Approved
Trustee John Scaletta moved to approve 2020-029. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
CONSENT REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
XI. APPROVAL OF BIDS
Resident Melissa Cayer asked for these items to be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Recklaus said the Village Code requires the operator of a raffle to take out a bond to make sure they don’t take the proceeds and skip town with the money without holding the raffle. The Village has a long tradition of waiving the bond requirement for local institutions as we know where to find them.
Ms. Cayer asked what a bond is. A bond is like insurance, people have to purchase it. It is not a fee that goes to the Village. The bond amount is based on the value on the raffle. The bond purchaser gets their money back if the raffle is successfully executed.
Trustee John Scaletta moved to the Bond Waiver items from Consent of the Village Manager to Approval of Bids. Trustee Tom Schwingbeck Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
A. Bond Waiver - Arlington Heights Park
Foundation - Golf Outing
Approved
Trustee John Scaletta moved to approve. Trustee Jim Tinaglia Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
B. Bond Waiver - Metropolis Performing Arts
Approved
Trustee Richard Baldino moved to approve. Trustee Mary Beth Canty
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
C. Bond Waiver - St. James Church
Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Verizon Wireless - 375 E. Palatine Rd. / Sign
Variation - DC#20-041
Approved
Verizon Representative Tracey Deihl explained the request for an additional wall sign on the west side of the building. It helps people from that entrance to find the location within the parking lot.
Mr. Perkins said they are requesting for a sign on every façade, which is above Code. His information states their request is for the east side of the building. There is also a ground sign. Staff recommends denial, the Design Commission approved the request. Staff believes four signs is excessive.
Trustee Scaletta said this is a unique location. Traffic goes by quickly, but once you are inside the property, it’s not easy to find the location. AT&T had billboards in their windows which is against code. He concurs with the Design Commission.
Trustee Baldino said Verizon already has three signs. He understands their desire to maintain competitive, but doesn’t see a sign on the east making a difference. Traffic on Palatine can’t see it. Shoppers can’t see the east façade until they are in the parking lot. He agrees with staff.
Trustee Tinaglia asked if there were any other buildings that have four signs. Mr. Perkins said he didn’t think so. There was a concern about precedent. Having a standard is important. Variations are recommended for unique situations where there was a true hardship. Staff doesn’t believe that is the case here. There are other options to improve the building which would make it more visible.
Ms. Diehl said they have reduced the size of their signs. This was an existing retail structure with three street fronts, but has access from multiple points of entry in the parking lot and the traffic would flow better if drivers knew where the store was. They are asking for consistency with AT&T. From the east, the existing signs are not visible, so it would help people not familiar with the location to find the store.
Trustee Tinaglia asked if the AT&T windows were signs or displays. Mr. Perkins said originally they were window displays. Now, the logo is affixed to the window which is not compliant with Code. This is a Code enforcement issue and Building is addressing it with AT&T. Mr. Perkins said there is a logo over each entrance and these are classified as signs. In staff’s opinion, there are three signs on the AT&T building. Trustee Rosenberg said Verizon was reducing their signage footprint, so he is okay with it.
Trustee LaBedz questioned if this was really precedent setting. Mr. Perkins said technically yes. Others will point to it when evaluating sign variations.
The Board can speak to the uniqueness of this situation in its decision.
Trustee Canty asked if there was a reason Verizon couldn’t do awnings. Ms. Diehl said the Design Commission recommended against it. Bird residue would be an issue and awnings are difficult to maintain.
Trustee John Scaletta moved to concur with the Design Commission to allow four wall signs subject to the acceptance of the Design Commission's recommendations. Trustee Tom Schwingbeck Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Nays: Baldino
Absent: Padovani
B. Pet Suites - 1050 E. Rand Rd. - PC#20-010
Rezoning from the B-3 District to the B-2
District, Land Use Variation for Commercial
Kennel, Variations
Approved
Pet Suites’ attorney Mike Firsel presented the former Teddy’s Liquors space that this project will replace. The signage will be minimal. He said there is an outdoor activity area. Employees will always supervise it and clean it multiple times a day. There will be a seven foot solid fence. There will be no animals outside of the controlled supervised activity area. Noise from the interior is minimal. No odor comes from these facilities. The petitioner has agreed to additional landscaping as requested. They have requested an exterior shade over the outdoor activity area.
Mr. Perkins said the site is being re-zoned to B-2, which is what it should be. There was some concern about traffic from Dunkin Donuts backing up onto Jane Avenue. There is about a half hour during the peak morning rush when this occurs. A condition was added to provide a cross access agreement between Dunkin Donuts and Petsuites to accommodate westbound egress onto Rand Road and the possibility of other options if subsequent studies show that more relief is necessary.
Trustee Rosenberg asked if there was someone on duty all night. Derek Evans, Operating Officer of Petsuites, said no. Staff is there from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. An alarm system is set and motion detectors are in place.
They have staff on call to check on the site if necessary. There are cameras, but they are only accessed when needed. There are no veterinary services on site. The organization builds local relationships with veterinarians. It is over 100 feet to the nearest residential site. Dogs are let out first thing in the morning. Mr. Evans said they will monitor sound and take steps to mitigate it if needed.
Trustee Scaletta said residents don’t expect to hear truck noise or pet noise until after 7 a.m. If noise becomes a problem, they may have to change their procedure. Mr. Evans said they can accommodate that if it is necessary. Trustee Scaletta asked who would pay for the traffic study.
Answer: Dunkin Donuts because it is their issue that causes the backup and Dunkin’s Special Use spells that out. The building has a sprinkler system. Trustee LaBedz asked what kind of radius the business draws from. Mr. Frisel said they did their own study and there are often several dog businesses within in 5 miles. Petsuites often co-locates in dense suburban areas. They look at population and those that owns dogs. Arlington Heights has a lot of dog ownership and a large population. Customers look for convenient driving patterns within 15 minutes.
Trustee Richard Baldino moved to approve. Trustee Mary Beth Canty
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
XIII. LEGAL
XIV. REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
A. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Audit and Plan
Approved
Mr. Recklaus introduced the Kaleidoscope Group which is being hired to conduct a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) audit and plan. This project is driven by the Village Board’s strategic priority to find new ways to embrace diversity in the Village and its government. Kaleidoscope’s focus will be on Village government as an employer, however, they will be hosting some community engagement meetings in the fall as part of their scope of work. After these meetings, the consultant will review the Village’s current practices in critical areas and conduct a workforce assessment which includes employee focus groups and a survey. After all this is completed, the Board and Staff can consider which recommendations to pursue and develop a timeline.
President Hayes said he was glad to have Kaleidoscope on board and that they were a Chicago firm so they understand local government in Illinois.
Municipal government is a partnership between all the governmental bodies in the Village. The Board is anxious to do this, but wants to do it right, have all the issues addressed, and identify solutions.
Trustee Canty asked if three interviews are enough. Tanya Settles of Kaleidoscope said these meetings are to help understand the foundation. As the team moves into data collection and understanding where we are, the pool will be expanded. Trustee Canty said she was glad this is a minority owned business. She said getting it right is better than getting it fast.
Trustee Scaletta said the Village needs to have a diverse work force in our Police Department. We have made efforts, but they have not come to fruition. There is a lot of diversity in the Village, but not a lot of people of color.
Trustee Schwingbeck said a lot of residents want to be engaged. He asked what the cost was to having more meetings with residents. Answer: $3,600 for every two sessions.
Trustee LaBedz said this will be an ongoing process and we want to do this right. She asked what kind of differences are found in municipalities. Chris Georgas of Kaleidoscope said geography is one of the biggest differences. It dictates the starting point and what is trying to be achieved. The goal is to make sure leadership understands what success looks like and create impact. Dr. Lee said the expression of the Board wanting to get it right sets the tone. When differences occur is when people are open to change.
Trustee Baldino asked what the scope of work was. Mr. Recklaus said this contract is to make sure as an employer the Village is doing what we can to be welcoming our own staff and new people. The goal is to equip ourselves to serve the community in regards to these issues. Trustee Baldino clarified that the scope is to help ourselves as leaders to our community grow, not just village staff. Mr. Recklaus said it’s important to have a diagnosis before a prescription. This effort will look at the gaps, opportunities and have the consultants recommend what would help us moving forward.
Trustee Rosenberg asked if we are evaluating our staff. Ms. Settles said they will have focus groups and individual interviews too. Trustee
Rosenberg said the community is looking at this from different stand points and he's not sure the people will be satisfied. Ms. Settles said she didn't see a big separation between community and government. The objective is to bring them together. Dr. Lee said if you meet people where they are, you will find out what you need to know.
Trustee Tinaglia said this is a marathon, not a sprint. Any good fortune or policy is going to take time and effort. This will be done right and well.
John Allen Boryk of Bridging the Black/White divide is so pleased that this is being addressed seriously and with a good company. He is proud to see this Village taking this step.
Angie Hamada said this is important work. Hiring Kaleidoscope is a wonderful start. She supports a DEI declaration and petition. In reading the Village’s plan, a committee or declaration are not mentioned. Is the consulting firm going to work on them, and if not how do we move forward? Will there be community discussion? Some residents were hoping for a larger town hall type of meeting. Is that coming?
President Hayes said the scope is to help us form DEI statement with the help of the community. A commission is also on the table. Until there is discussion, we don’t know what will it be, who would be members, and what the goal is. The consultant will help us discern this items. Mr. Recklaus said this scope of work will not resolve on all the issues. This is a start. These community meetings will collect input on this phase. It doesn’t mean we can’t have other discussions over time. These are first steps and the hope is that recommendations about how to go about more conversations and next steps come forward. We are staying open minded.
Keith Moens asked if this study will look at zoning ordinances. Ms. Georgas said they are considered in the community focus groups. Anything and everything is important to include, nothing is off the table. They cannot say what is possible or not, but will bring back the voice of the people and what the community is looking for.
George Motto complimented the Board on the decision to hire Kaleidoscope and is looking forward to a community wide task force on DEI, housing, transportation and zoning. It’s a first step and we will hand the baton to the next group to handle some of these other questions.
Brian Larson wrote: I thank you for your support of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to improve our community and make it more inclusive of the variety of residents who call it home. I ask you to give this effort the utmost attention and funding. We can be a more inclusive community and owe it to future generations to undertake the difficult work to change the status quo. Please authorize the consulting agreement with Kaleidoscope, and do not shelve its recommendations, but implement them in rapid order once the conclusions are presented to the Village.
Trustee Canty moved to approve the consulting agreement with the Kaleidoscope Group to provide a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Audit and Plan. Trustee Scaletta seconded the motion.
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Rosenberg, LaBedz, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia, Scaletta, Hayes
The Motion: Passed
XV. APPOINTMENTS
XVI. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Robin LaBedz moved to adjourn. Trustee Jim Tinaglia Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Canty, Hayes, LaBedz, Rosenberg, Scaletta, Schwingbeck, Tinaglia
Absent: Padovani
https://www.vah.com/your_government/agendas___minutes_
Alerts Sign-up