Village of Wheeling President Board of Trustees met Dec. 1
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
1. Call to Order
President Horcher called the regular meeting to order at 6:37 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
N/A
3. Roll Call
Village Clerk Kathryn M. Brady called the roll.
Present: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
Absent:
4. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes of the Special Workshop Meeting of November 1, 2025
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve the minutes as presented.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Ray Lang.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
B. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 3, 2025
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve the minutes as presented.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Mary Krueger.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
C. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 17, 2025
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve the minutes as presented.
Motion by Mary Krueger, seconded by Jim Ruffatto.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
5. Changes to the Agenda
None
6. Proclamations
None
7. Appointments and Confirmations
None
8. Administration of Oaths
None
9. Citizen Concerns and Comments
Lynn Cruz discussed an upcoming Civic Engagement Fair that is currently in the planning stages.
Jennifer Abonce-Alcantar highlighted positive community partnerships with residents and social services related to immigration, as well as support for residents in need.
Tom Devitt requested that agenda item 11.B be removed from the consent agenda and moved to new business as item 13.L.
10. Staff Reports
Finance Director Brian Smith updated the public on the Special Census and announced that the extension to hiring for Special Census workers ends December 31st. As a result of that change, further discussions will take place to move the Special Census to Spring 2026.
11. Consent Agenda
All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Village Board and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered after all other Agenda items.
Clerk Brady read the consent agenda into the record.
A. Ordinance Amending Chapter 1.26 of the Wheeling Municipal Code Regarding Village Fees and Charges
Ordinance 5757
B. Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 4.96, of the Municipal Code of the Village of Wheeling Regarding a Streaming Amusement Tax
At a citizen’s request, item 11.B was moved to a new business and became item 13.L.
C. Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 and Final to the Contract with Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. for the Village Hall Parking Lot Improvements Project, Reducing the Final Contract Amount by $21,608.93 from $388,000 to $366,391.07
2025-173
D. Resolution Approving Change Order No. 1 and Final to the Contract with Martam Construction Inc. for the Dundee Road Water Main Project, Reducing the Final Contract Amount by $494,801.27 from $3,716,291.40 to $3,221,490.13
2025-174
E. Ordinance Amending Title 12, Chapter 12.08 “Tree Selection and Planting Requirements,” Chapter 12.16 “Barberry Bushes,” and Chapter 12.17 “Buckthorn Tree and Bushes” of the Village of Wheeling, IL Municipal Code
Ordinance 5758
F. Ordinance Declaring a Surplus and Authorizing the Donation of Unclaimed Bicycles Possessed by the Wheeling Police Department
Ordinance 5759
G. Ordinance Amending Chapter 4.32 of the Village of Wheeling’s Municipal Code, “Alcoholic Liquor Dealers,” Specifically Section 4.32.085, to Decrease the Authorized Number of Class B-V and D-4 Licenses and to Increase the Authorized Number of Class N-V Licenses
Ordinance 5760
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Ray Lang.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
12. Old Business
None
13. New Business
All Listed Items for Discussion and Possible Action
A. Public Hearing Re: 2026 Village of Wheeling Annual Budget
President Horcher read the title and Public Hearing Rules into the record. The Public Hearing opened at 6:54:10 PM.
President Horcher asked if any member of the public wished to be recognized. Seeing that no member of the public wished to be recognized, President Horcher asked for a motion to close the public hearing.
Motion by Jim Ruffatto, seconded by Dave Vogel.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved. The hearing closed at 6:54:20 PM.
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
B. Ordinance Amending Title 4, Taxes, Business Regulations, And Licenses, Chapter 4.13.020, of the Wheeling Municipal Code Regarding Emergency Medical Transportation Service
Finance Director Smith introduced the item and answered a question from the Board.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Dave Vogel, seconded by Mary Papantos.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5761
C. Ordinance Amending Various Sections of Title 13, Water and Sewers, of the Wheeling Municipal Code Director Smith reviewed the ordinance details. There were no questions from the Board.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Mary Krueger, seconded by Mary Papantos.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5762
D. Ordinance Granting Special Use Approval to Permit the Operation of a Snowplow Contractor Business (DGO Premium Services, Co., 952 Seton Court) [Docket No. PSU25-0021]
Community Development Director Ross Klicker reviewed the request, responded to a question from the Board, and outlined the following conditions for approval.All materials and equipment shall be located inside the building as shown on the Floor Plan, received 10/7/2025.
1. All vehicle parking, including employee vehicles and fleet vehicles, shall occur entirely on paved surfaces; parking on grass or unpaved areas anywhere on the subject site is prohibited.
2. Any repair shall be limited to the petitioner’s fleet vehicles or equipment, which all work shall be conducted indoors.
3. Outdoor storage of materials is not permitted.
4. Any trash bins and dumpsters shall be stored within the building at all times, except for a limited period for scheduled refuse collection.
5. Trailers are not permitted to be parked or stored within the parking lot or elsewhere on the property.
6. Vehicles are not permitted to be double-parked anywhere at the subject property.
7. The maximum number of company/fleet vehicles permitted to be parked and/or stored within the off-street parking areas of the subject property shall not exceed seven (7) at any given time, with a maximum of five (5) vehicles allowed to remain parked overnight.
The Petitioner was present and answered a question from the Board.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Ray Lang, seconded by Jim Ruffatto.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5763
E. Ordinance Granting Special Use Approval to Permit the Operation of a Gaming Establishment (Bonnie’s, 31 N. Elmhurst Road) [Docket No. PSU25-0023]
Director Klicker introduced the item and read the following conditions for approval:
1. The hours of operation shall be consistent with the associated Wheeling Liquor License.
2. The area on the Floor Plan labeled “Kitchen, Not In Use” shall not be used for any purpose, including but not limited to, the preparation, handling, or service of open food.
3. Pennants, streamers, banners, posters, ribbons, strings of light bulbs, spinners, inflatable objects, the outlining of windows with neon tubing or strings of lights, blinking or flashing, or other attention-getting devices are prohibited.
4. Food service shall be limited to pre-packaged food items only. The preparation, handling, or service of open food is prohibited.
5. A building permit shall be obtained from the Department of Community Development prior to any commencement of any interior and/or exterior construction.
6. A Wheeling Sign Permit shall be applied for and received prior to the installation of exterior signage, except for signage pursuant to Chapter 21.6 of the Wheeling Sign Code.
There were no questions from the Board. President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Mary Krueger.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Joe Vito, Pat Horcher
No: Jim Ruffatto, Dave Vogel
Ordinance 5764
F. Ordinance Granting a Variation to Permit an Increase in the Maximum Sign Area for a Blade Sign, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub & Moretti’s Unique Events, 373 W. Dundee Road [Docket No. PV25-0009]
Clerk Brady read items 13.F through 13.J into the record. Director Klicker reviewed the various requests, noted that all items received unanimous approval from the Plan Commission, and read the following condition of approval for all items:
• A Wheeling Sign Permit shall be applied for and received prior to the installation of all exterior signage.
Petitioner Mark Hofmann was present and spoke about the signage, special event space, and answered a question from the Board. President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Dave Vogel, seconded by Mary Papantos.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5765
G. Ordinance Granting a Variation from Title 21, Signs, to Permit a Wall Sign on a Façade without Street Frontage or Being Adjacent to an Off-Street Parking Area, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub & Moretti’s Unique Events, 373 W. Dundee Road [Docket No. PV25-0010]
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Jim Ruffatto, seconded by Mary Krueger.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5766
H. Ordinance Granting a Variation from Title 21, Signs, to Permit a Canopy Sign on a Façade Without Street Frontage or Being Adjacent to an Off-Street Parking Area, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub & Moretti’s Unique Events, 373 W. Dundee Road [Docket No. PV25-0011]
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Jim Ruffatto, seconded by Ray Lang.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5767
I. Ordinance Granting a Variation from Title 21, Signs, to Permit a Wall Sign to Project Above the Roofline, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub & Moretti’s Unique Events, 373 W. Dundee Road [Docket No. PV25-0012]
Director Klicker outlined the following conditions for approval:
1. This variation shall not be transferable to any future business, tenant, occupant or owner of the premises. Any subsequent signage for a new tenant shall be required to comply with the Village Sign Code.
2. The wall sign shall be mounted to the building façade and shall not have any structural supports or elements that extend above the roofline of the subject building.
3. A Wheeling Sign Permit shall be applied for and received prior to the installation of all exterior signage.
4. The back of the sign shall be finished in a single, solid color as determined by the owner.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Dave Vogel, seconded by Mary Krueger.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5768
J. Ordinance Granting a Variation from Title 21 Signs, to Permit a Cabinet Style Wall Sign on the North Facade, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub & Moretti’s Unique Events, 373 W. Dundee Road [Docket No. PV25-0013]
Director Klicker mentioned that this item has the following condition:
• This variation shall not be transferable to any future business, tenant, occupant, or owner of the premises. Any subsequent signage for a new tenant shall be required to comply with the Village Sign Code.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve. Petitioner Mark Hofmann expressed gratitude to the Board and staff for their support.
Motion by Ray Lang, seconded by Mary Papantos.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5769
K. Remandment to the Plan Commission to Consider Additional Evidence for a Variation to Reduce the Minimum Required Side Yard Setback on the North Property Line from 17 Feet to 0 Feet and Major Site Plan Approval for Gene’s Village Towing (1290 Peterson Drive) [Docket No. PV25-0007, PSPMAJ25-0004]
Clerk Brady read the title into the record. Director Klicker explained the remand request.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Joe Vito.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
13.L Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 4.96, of the Municipal Code of the Village of Wheeling Regarding a Streaming Amusement Tax (formerly Consent Agenda item 11.B)
Finance Director Smith reviewed the request and answered the Board’s questions.
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Jim Ruffatto.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
Ordinance 5770
14. Official Communications
Clerk Brady announced that Santa on Your Street will take place from December 8 to 12, between 6 PM and 8:30 PM each evening. Visit Santa on Your Street for detailed maps and routes. Please note that severe weather could disrupt the schedule; check the website and Wheeling’s social media channels for updates.
Trustee Papantos thanked Public Works for closely monitoring Village projects, which led to savings, and for timely snow removal.
Trustee Vogel thanked the residents, staff, and elected officials who attended and helped with the Community Breakfast, as well as the donors who contributed over 800 items to the food pantry.
Trustee Krueger echoed Trustee Papantos’s comments and mentioned that she often receives compliments on our beautiful holiday decorations. She also thanked Public Works staff for their efforts.
Trustee Ruffatto complimented Trustee Vogel for arranging a second Community Breakfast.
15. Approval of Bills
A. Approval of bills for November 12–November 26, 2025
President Horcher asked for a motion to approve the bills as presented.
Motion by Mary Krueger, seconded by Mary Papantos.
Final Resolution: Motion Approved
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
16. Executive Session
17. Action on Executive Session Items
None
18. Adjournment
President Horcher requested a motion to recess and enter an Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or employees of the Village.
Motion by Mary Papantos, seconded by Mary Krueger.
Final Resolution: Motion carried by roll call vote, all ayes; the open meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.
Yes: Mary Krueger, Ray Lang, Mary Papantos, Jim Ruffatto, Joe Vito, Dave Vogel, Pat Horcher
No: None
https://wheelingil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/56/files/agenda/4595
