Village of Arlington Heights President and Board of Trustees met June 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
I. CALL TO ORDER
President Hayes opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Firefighter Phillip Palczynski who passed away suddenly on June 4th.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
President Hayes and the following Trustees responded to roll: Grasse, LaBedz, Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Shirley, and Tinaglia. Trustee Schwingbeck was absent.
Also present were: Randy Recklaus, Charles Perkins, Rob Horne, Hart Passman, Michael Mertes and Becky Hume.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Committee of the Whole 05/08/2023 Approved
Trustee Nicolle Grasse moved to approve. Trustee Richard Baldino
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
B. Committee of the Whole 05/15/2023 Approved Trustee Robin LaBedz moved to approve. Trustee Wendy Dunnington
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Abstain: Baldino
Absent: Schwingbeck
C. Village Board 05/15/2023 Approved
Trustee Nicolle Grasse moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Abstain: Baldino
Absent: Schwingbeck
V. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
A. Warrant Register 05/30/2023 Approved
Melissa Cayer asked for the Health Insurance Fund payment to be explained.
Mr. Recklaus said it is the fund which pays for employee healthcare. The monies are either for claims or part of an umbrella fund payment.
Trustee James Bertucci moved to approve in the amount of $4,649,626.99. Trustee Jim Tinaglia
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
VI. RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
President Hayes announced the Annual Frontier Days Festival is coming up on June 30-July 4th. Frontier Days is an all-volunteer organization, not put on by the Village. This year, they need volunteers. Please contact the organization at frontierdays.org.
Trustee LaBedz added it’s fun to volunteer there, you see neighbors and friends, and it is a happy place to be.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
VIII. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Residents Roxana Mayer, Katarzyna Kowalczyk, Daniel Mayer, Earl Hagland, Sylvan Popovich, and Gale O’Kelly spoke regarding a home on 647 Chicago Ave. The former owner is deceased and a person has been appearing there daily and removing items from the home. The residents fear this person is stealing and squatting in the vacant home. The residents reported there may be chemicals being used on the site that are unsafe. They are concerned for their safety and for their former neighbors’ possessions. They would like the site to be deemed uninhabitable as the gas is turned off. Mr. Popovich said he had the contact information of the property owner and will share it with the Village. They asked for the Village to remedy the situation.
Mr. Recklaus said the situation was brought to the Village’s attention 3 weeks ago. Staff has spoken to the son of the last owner of record. It appears the mortgage is controlled by HUD. We have looked at the complaints and have been able to take pictures of the site. There are reports of someone living on the site illegally. Staff is in the process of identifying the right person at HUD, it is not possible for us to proceed any further until we have permission from the property owner. Staff cannot deem the situation trespassing until there is confirmation from HUD on the ownership. We are taking the situation seriously and all relevant departments are engaged.
Melissa Cayer asked why the State of Illinois has a Foreign Fire Insurance tax. Mr. Recklaus said she should ask the State of Illinois, the Village can’t answer to the motivation of State legislatures. Ms. Cayer asked for the Village to give people the ability to opt out of paper water bills. In regards to taxing streaming services, she said the Village should charge the hourly rate for staff time to the utility companies.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
X. CONSENT AGENDA
CONSENT APPROVAL OF BIDS
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
A. Water Meter Testing & Repair 2023 - Award Approved
B. Municipal Parking Garages Maintenance 2023 - Award Approved
C. Water Meter Installation Contract 2023 Approved
D. Uptown Beautification - Engineering Services Approved
CONSENT LEGAL
A. Speed Limit Ordinance, Various Streets Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve 2023-37. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
B. Sanitary Sewer Easement Indemnification / HTG ComEd Easement; Crescent Place 310 W Rand Road
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve R2023-18. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
C. No Parking - East Miner Street Ordinance Approved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve 2023-38. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
D. Intersection Control Improvements-W. Olive
Street Corridor OrdinanceApproved
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve 2023-39. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
E. Ordinance - Betty Haag Academy of Music - 3255 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve 2023-40. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
F. Ordinance - Metropolis PUD Amendment #2 - 11 S. Highland Ave. (to allow medical use)
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve 2023-41. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
G. Resolution Further Extending the Term of Sign Variations for an Electronic Billboard sign (2200 W. Euclid Avenue).
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve R2023-19. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
CONSENT REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER CONSENT PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Trustee Jim Tinaglia moved to approve. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
A. Bond Waiver - St Edna Church Approved B. Bond Waiver - Our Lady of the Wayside Parish
XI. APPROVAL OF BIDS
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Walter E. Smithe Furniture - 1775 W. Rand Rd / Sign Variation - DC#22-097
Rob Whitehead, representing Walter E. Smithe, said the company has a new logo. They would like to replace the existing signs and put up 4 signs at each elevation. The Drexel Heritage sign will be removed. The goal is for uniformity. The signs are reverse halo lit letters. This new sign package lowers the existing signage square footage and the light will be more toned down than before. It’s classy and cleaner.
Mr. Perkins said the request is for 4 wall signs where 3 are allowed. The Design Commission concurred with 4 signs, but agreed with staff on the staff recommended locations.
President Hayes asked Mr. Smithe if they were agreement with the Design Commission recommendation. The answer was yes.
Trustee Tinaglia noted the signs are not offensive to anyone. Trustee LaBedz agreed, noting the odd road configuration of the site. The signs do not add clutter, as it is a stand-alone store. In fact, the extra signage is helpful. Trustee Grasse said going from 6 signs to 4 makes sense.
Trustee James Bertucci moved to approve variations from Chapter 30, section 30-402 to allow four wall signs, where only three wall signs are allowed and section to allow a 37.9 sf wall sign on the south wall of the building. The location of the signs is per the staff recommendation. Trustee Nicolle Grasse
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
B. Massa Spa - 918 W. Algonquin Rd. - PC#23-004
Land Use Variation for Massage Establishment in B-2 District
Travis & Sara Alberhasky said this would be there second location. It is a veteran owned business and they have been operating in Schaumburg since 2019. The location will have 3 massage spaces, facial rooms, and manicure/pedicure stations. The hours are 10-8 Monday-Saturday and Sundays by appointment.
Mr. Perkins said the business needs a Land Use Variation for massage therapy in a B-2 district. They provided parking counts to ensure there is adequate parking and based on these, there is sufficient parking for the uses in the center. Traditionally massage therapy is not allowed. Staff checked with Cook County and their business is in good standing. The Sherriff’s Department said they have not had any issues with the business. Staff and the Plan Commission recommended approval subject to the conditions that all therapists must be licensed by the State, and that this variation applies only to this business and is not transferrable.
Trustee Tinaglia said he liked the added conditions. He told the Alberhaskys there would be a procedure if they sell the business.
Trustee Nicolle Grasse moved to approve a Land Use Variation to allow a Massage Establishment in the B-2 District with the following conditions: All massage therapists must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation as per applicable regulations and the land use variation shall be limited to the Petitioners and cannot be transferred or assigned to any other user. Trustee Richard Baldino
Seconded the Motion. The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
C. Modification to Zero Interest Loan Program Approved
Mr. Perkins explained the Zero Interest Loan program was established to encourage economic development. The current program offers small businesses a loan of up to one-half of eligible project costs, not to exceed $20,000. This number was increased in 2015 in order to generate more interest in the program.
The program is funded through application fees and rebates from recipients of the Cook County Class 6b and 7c property tax abatement incentives, as well as repayments of existing loans. The fund currently holds over $1.3 million.
Over the past two years, two Zero Interest Loans have been approved. The Village also approved COVID-relief loans in 2020, and 16 forgivable loans through CDBG funding in 2021. The goal is to make the loan program more enticing to new and existing businesses. Staff and the Arlington Economic Alliance are proposing modifications to the current program.
The changes proposed would:
Increase the maximum loan amount from $20,000 to $25,000 Cover up to 75% of project costs (an increase from 50%) Enable a forgivable provision for existing businesses that have operated in Arlington Heights for at least three years
Requests for greater than $25,000 could be considered on an individual basis by Staff and would require Village Board approval. There is a committee which reviews the applications.
Trustee Bertucci said he asked for this item to be removed from the Consent Agenda in order to promote the program. He complimented staff and the Arlington Economic Alliance for their collaboration. He asked how the program would be promoted.
Michael Mertes, Business Development Manager, said he plans to promote the program, and the application can be sent out tomorrow to local businesses. There will be posts on social media and regular e-blasts to community. As interest rates are increasing, he believes interest in the program will grow.
Trustee LaBedz asked about the forgivable portion. Mr. Mertes said the goal is for business who have already invested to continue to do so, therefore the forgivable provision is not available to new businesses. The applicant must have occupied the space for three years prior to submitting an application.
Resident Melissa Cayer said to abolish the zero-interest loan program to free up staff for other projects and give the residents the tax money.
Trustee James Bertucci moved to approve the proposed changes to the Zero Interest Loan program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $20,000 to $25,000, covering up to 75% of project costs (an increase from 50%), and enabling a forgivable provision for existing businesses that have operated in Arlington Heights for at least three years. Language shall be added to the application stating that requests greater than $25,000 could be considered on an individual basis by Staff and would ultimately require Village Board approval. Trustee Richard Baldino
Seconded the Motion. The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
XIII. LEGAL
XIV. REPORT OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
XV. APPOINTMENTS
XVI. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Trustee Grasse said the Village motto is the City of Good Neighbors, when in fact, we are a village. This slogan appears on the Village’s flag and logo. She asked if the Board might consider changing the motto from “City” to “Village” of Good Neighbors.
Mr. Recklaus said a change would need to be on an Agenda. Staff needs to do its due diligence to see if this language is in the Code. This change might be addressed within the rebranding discussion.
XVII. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Richard Baldino moved to adjourn at 8:17 p.m. Trustee Robin LaBedz
Seconded the Motion.
The Motion: Passed
Ayes: Baldino, Bertucci, Dunnington, Grasse, Hayes, LaBedz, Shirley, Tinaglia
Absent: Schwingbeck
https://www.vah.com/government/agendas___minutes.php
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