[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:00] All right,
[0:06] good evening, everyone. I'd like to call this village board meeting to order
[0:10] on Monday, August 21st, 2023, and ask if you would all please rise and join the village
[0:16] board in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
[0:21] of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible
[0:28] with liberty and justice for all.
[0:36] All
[0:42] right, would the clerk please call the roll?
[0:45] Trustee Shirley?
[0:46] Here.
[0:47] Trustee LaBette?
[0:48] Here.
[0:49] Trustee Grassey?
[0:50] Here.
[0:51] Trustee Schwingback?
[0:52] Here.
[0:52] Trustee Dunnington?
[0:53] Here.
[0:54] Trustee Tonalia?
[0:55] Here.
[0:55] Trustee Bertucci?
[0:56] Here.
[1:00] President Hayes?
[1:01] Here.
[1:03] Next item on the agenda is the approval of minutes.
[1:05] and we have two sets to approve tonight.
[1:08] The first is from the committee,
[1:09] the hall meeting from August 7, 2023.
[1:12] Any changes or passes?
[1:15] Their motion to approve.
[1:16] I move to approve the committee of the whole minutes
[1:18] for August 7th, 2023.
[1:20] Second.
[1:21] Motion by Trustee Grassey, second by Trustee Lebedz.
[1:24] Any questions or comments from the board or the audience?
[1:27] I have to pass, I wasn't.
[1:28] Or passed by Trustee Bertucci.
[1:31] Anything else from the board or the audience?
[1:33] Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.
[1:35] Aye.
[1:35] Any opposed? Next are the Village Board meeting minutes from the same evening, August 7, 2023,
[1:42] passed by Trustee Bertucci. Right. Any other changes or passes? Move approval of the Village
[1:47] Board minutes from August 7, 2023. Second. Motion by Trustee Schringbeck, seconded by
[1:54] Trustee Grassi. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? And next we move on to the
[2:01] approval of the accounts payable and I call on Trustee Bertucci. I move approval
[2:06] for the warrant register check date dated August 15th, 2023 in the amount of
[2:14] two million twenty four thousand three hundred sixty seven dollars and ninety
[2:18] cents. Second. Motion by Trustee Bertucci. Seconded by Trustee Schringbeck.
[2:24] Any questions or comments from the board? Anything from the audience? Seeing
[2:28] Seeing none, roll call.
[2:29] Trustee Bertucci.
[2:30] Yes.
[2:31] Trustee Schwingback.
[2:31] Yes.
[2:32] Trustee Tenalia.
[2:33] Yes.
[2:33] Trustee Grassi.
[2:34] Yes.
[2:35] Trustee Shirley.
[2:36] Yes.
[2:36] Trustee Dunnington.
[2:37] Yes.
[2:38] Trustee Lebedz.
[2:38] Yes.
[2:39] President Hayes.
[2:40] Yes.
[2:41] There are no recognitions or presentations, so I'll move on to citizens to be heard.
[2:46] These are for items not on the agenda, and I do have one blue card submitted tonight.
[2:51] That's by Don Duffy.
[2:53] And Don, if you just reminded of our three-minute time limit, if you would, so please
[2:56] come forward.
[2:59] Thank you very much. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak today. My name
[3:03] is Don Duffy. My family and I have lived in Arlington Heights for 22 plus years. And
[3:08] today I want to talk to you about a very important organization in our community, the
[3:11] Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest Cook County, which I've been a board member
[3:15] of since February. This organization is a healing place for children who have survived
[3:20] child abuse. They provide free healing services to children who have experienced
[3:24] abuse, allowing them to process trauma and reclaim their childhoods. They also
[3:29] offer forensic interviews, family support services, and a Safe from the Start
[3:33] program for children ages from birth to five years who have experienced
[3:37] violence in their households. They serve 38 communities in North and Northwest
[3:42] Good County and have three locations, including one here in Arlington Heights.
[3:47] They were established in 1989 and they help on average more than 1,000
[3:51] children and their families each year. Child abuse is a serious problem that
[3:56] affects many children in our society. It can have long lasting physical emotional
[4:01] mental consequences for the victims and their families. That's why we need to
[4:04] show organizations like the CAC to help them heal and recover from their trauma.
[4:09] They are a leading resource to empower and heal children and families who have
[4:13] experienced abuse and also prevent violence against children. The CAC has
[4:18] demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the village of Arlington Heights by
[4:22] assisting 93 cases and providing over 480 hours of support to village residents
[4:27] during the fiscal year of 2023. I'd like to extend a warm thank you to Mayor Hayes
[4:32] as well for his recent public proclamation of this to the CAC in
[4:36] recognition of their 34th anniversary. Thank you. And if anybody wants to learn
[4:41] more about the CAC or support their work you can visit their website at
[4:45] cachelps.org. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Duffy, for coming this evening and bringing
[4:52] to the public's attention the great work that the Children's Advocacy Center of Northwest
[5:00] Cook County does. And as you said, I will be recognizing the organization in my office
[5:07] next Tuesday at four o'clock. So that's August 29th at four o'clock if anybody would
[5:12] like to attend. Again, recognizing the 34th anniversary of the CAC. So I thank you again
[5:18] for coming and thanks for all the great work that you do on behalf of children in need.
[5:23] All right. Is there anyone else in the audience who wish to address the board on items not
[5:27] on the agenda? Seeing none, I will close then the Citizens to Be Heard portion of the
[5:33] agenda and move on to Old Business. And we do have three items to report out tonight
[5:38] from our committee the whole meeting from earlier this evening and the first
[5:42] is to be reported out by Trustee Schwingbeck. Thank you Mayor. I would move as
[5:47] I did earlier this evening to concur in the Mayor's appointment of Damian
[5:51] Gil-Lara for appointment to the Environmental Commission with youth
[5:55] member with a term ending April 30th, 2024. Seconded by Trustee Dunnington.
[6:04] motion by Trustee Schringbeck, seconded by Trustee Dunnington. Any questions or comments
[6:09] from the board? Anything from the audience? Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.
[6:13] Aye. Any opposed? Damian, if you come forward to the podium, and we'll make it official.
[6:22] So if you just raise your right hand and repeat after me, aye and states your full name.
[6:29] Having been appointed to the Youth Commission, I should say, having been appointed as the
[6:36] Youth Member of the Environmental Commission, in the Village of Arlington Heights, in the
[6:46] County of Cook, do solemnly swear and affirm that I will support the Constitution of the
[6:55] United States, that I'll support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution
[6:59] of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office
[7:08] according to the best of my ability.
[7:13] Congratulations Damien, we know you will.
[7:19] And, Becky, I don't
[7:20] know if we need to get this corrected. I'll take care of it. Okay, so come forward
[7:23] if you would. And I'm going to, you're going to have to eventually sign Ann Oath, not this
[7:30] one with our Village Clerk, but we'll take care of that at some point. But in the interim,
[7:34] I'm going to present you with a Village Logo Pen, which all of the elected and appointed
[7:38] board members were as a representative of this community. So please accept that. And
[7:43] thank you for your willingness to serve. We look forward to working with you. So
[7:47] should I just hold on to this, Becky?
[7:49] That would be fine, Mayor.
[7:50] Okay, all right, thanks again, Damien.
[7:57] All right, we do have two other emotions
[7:58] to report out tonight regarding liquor licenses
[8:03] that were recommended for approval,
[8:05] and so I would call in Trustee Lebeds.
[8:07] Thank you, Mayor Hayes.
[8:08] I move now, as I did earlier this evening,
[8:11] to recommend that the Village Board of Trustees
[8:13] recommend to the liquor commissioner
[8:15] the issuance of a class double-aid liquor license
[8:18] to High Bar Services Inc.
[8:21] doing business as Bird's Nest Arlington Heights,
[8:23] located at 11 West Davis Street.
[8:26] Second.
[8:27] Motion by Trustee Lebed, second by Trustee Grassi.
[8:31] Any questions or comments from the board
[8:32] or from the audience?
[8:34] Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.
[8:36] Aye.
[8:36] Opposed.
[8:37] Well, congratulations to Bird Nest.
[8:40] We thank you for choosing our tonight
[8:42] as your second location in the Chicago land area.
[8:45] And we wish you many, many years of success
[8:47] at your new location,
[8:49] which was the former location of Dunton House.
[8:51] And so we very much appreciate you coming down tonight.
[8:55] And again, good luck to you.
[8:57] And we have one other motion to report out tonight.
[9:00] That was by Trustee Grassi.
[9:02] I moved now, as I did earlier this evening,
[9:05] to recommend that the Village Board of Trustees
[9:07] recommend to the Liquor Commissioner
[9:09] the issuance of a Class E Liquor License
[9:11] to Big Angus Eatery,
[9:13] Incorporated, doing business as Big Angus Eatery,
[9:16] located at 640 West Northwest Highway.
[9:19] Second.
[9:19] Motion by Trustee Grassi.
[9:21] seconded by Trustee LeBeds. Any questions or comments from the board or the audience?
[9:25] Seeing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Pass. I'm sorry. Passed by
[9:31] Trustee Tenalia because he's recusing himself. So why don't you just state that
[9:37] for the record, Jim, if you would. Okay. I'm recusing myself tonight because the
[9:42] owners of Big Anges are clients and friends of mine, so we're just avoiding
[9:46] any appearance of impropriety.
[9:49] All right, thank you.
[9:51] All right, we have voted congratulations to Big Anges
[9:54] and continued success in the Village of Iketon Heights
[9:58] and keep up the great work.
[10:00] Everyone very much appreciates your food
[10:03] and now you've got an expanded service menu
[10:06] and so congratulations, good luck to you.
[10:11] There's no other new business or old business
[10:14] and so we'll move on then to the Consent Agenda.
[10:19] Any members of the Board wish to remove an item
[10:21] on the Consent Agenda?
[10:23] Any members of the audience wish to remove an item
[10:25] on the Consent Agenda?
[10:27] All right, any members of the Board wish to vote no
[10:30] or pass on any items on the Consent Agenda?
[10:34] Seeing none, I'd entertain a motion to approve.
[10:37] Move approval.
[10:38] Second.
[10:38] Motion by Trustee Tanalia, seconded by Trustee Lebedz.
[10:42] Roll call.
[10:43] Yes.
[10:44] Trustee Tanalia?
[10:44] Yes.
[10:45] Trustee Lebedz?
[10:46] Yes.
[10:46] Trustee Schwingbeck?
[10:47] Yes.
[10:47] Trustee Dunnington?
[10:48] Yes.
[10:49] Trustee Grassi?
[10:50] Yes.
[10:50] Trustee Pertucci?
[10:51] Yes.
[10:52] Trustee Shirley?
[10:52] Yes.
[10:53] President Hayes?
[10:54] Yes.
[10:55] So move on then to new business and we do have two items to report out tonight.
[10:59] The first is a proposed ordinance for the removal of amendments on adapting the appendices
[11:05] to the basic building, plumbing, and fire code.
[11:09] Mr. Recklaus?
[11:10] Can I start there?
[11:10] Thank you, Mayor.
[11:12] As you all know, we've been in the process
[11:13] of updating our building code to streamline it,
[11:17] make it more consistent with the international building code
[11:19] while we do still have a couple of local amendments tonight.
[11:23] We're recommending approval of an ordinance
[11:25] that would eliminate a couple more of those amendments.
[11:29] It's relatively straightforward.
[11:31] All of the items have been discussed
[11:32] and were approved unanimously at the July 24th, 2023
[11:36] building code review board.
[11:38] and I have our Director of Building and Life Safety,
[11:41] George Torres and Assistant Building
[11:43] Visual, Elliot Eldridge here to answer any questions
[11:45] that the board may have.
[11:46] All right.
[11:47] Questions or comments from the board?
[11:51] George, you wanna make any comments?
[11:54] Come forward if you would.
[11:59] Yeah, just saying this is very consistent
[12:01] to the base code that not only for the ICC
[12:03] but also the state plumbing code.
[12:05] Okay, thanks.
[12:07] Anything from the audience on this agenda item?
[12:11] Seeing none, then can we make the motion now?
[12:15] It's in ordinance.
[12:17] Correct.
[12:18] We can go ahead and make the motion now.
[12:19] Correct.
[12:20] OK.
[12:20] Is there a motion to approve?
[12:23] I move to approve.
[12:25] Second.
[12:26] Motion by Trustee Grassi, seconded by Trustee Bertucci.
[12:30] Any further questions or comments from the board?
[12:32] Trustee Tanalia.
[12:34] Thanks, Mary Hayes.
[12:35] Again, this is George and his staff
[12:38] are doing an excellent job with Bill's Manager of Red Clause's leadership on this and they
[12:46] are turning this building department around in a lot of good ways. And this is just housekeeping
[12:52] and updating and, you know, we spent a little bit of time talking about it but it wasn't
[12:56] really difficult at the Building Code Review Board meeting. Everybody agreed right away.
[13:00] So these are two pretty cut and dried details that we can clean up tonight.
[13:05] All right. Thank you, Trustee Tonalia. Any further questions or comments from the board or the audience seeing none?
[13:10] We have a motion and a second. It's an ordinance. So roll call.
[13:14] Trustee Grassi. Yes. Trustee Bertucci. Yes. Trustee the Beds. Yes. Trustee Shirley. Yes. Trustee Schwingbeck. Yes. Trustee Dunnington.
[13:22] Yes. Trustee Tonalia. Yes. President Hayes. Yes.
[13:25] Thank you George and team for bringing this forward and getting that done.
[13:31] We have one other item of new business that's a request for a plan unit development amendment
[13:38] for Arlington Town Square located at 15 through 189 West Gulf Road.
[13:45] The petitioner is present.
[13:47] Why don't you come forward if you would and just introduce yourself and tell us what
[13:51] you're looking to do here.
[13:52] Hi, my name is Jason Park.
[13:53] I'm the property manager for Arlington Town Square.
[13:55] I'd like to discuss the proposed variations that we are requesting.
[14:03] Esteemed board members, fellow citizens, and respected attendees, I stand before you today
[14:09] as a member of the board meeting, an opportunity for us to collectively deliberate on crucial
[14:15] matters that have a profound impact on our community.
[14:18] The proposals we discussed today span a range of topics, each embodying our commitment
[14:22] to thoughtful growth and adaptability.
[14:25] As we delve into these issues,
[14:27] I wish to provide you my insights and reasonings
[14:29] for bringing these matters to the forefront.
[14:31] Let us begin by addressing the proposed variation
[14:33] for Chapter 28, Section 10.4-2,
[14:37] an amendment that seeks the permission
[14:39] to provide 308 parking spaces
[14:41] instead of the mandated 386,
[14:43] resulting in a calculated deficit of 78 spaces.
[14:47] I firmly advocate for this modification
[14:50] as it aligns with our community's commitment
[14:51] to sustain urban planning, the building has ample parking and has not seen a
[14:55] parking overfill, as supported by the parking survey, by acknowledge
[15:00] Waving and access of parking can stifle growth and promote inefficiency. We demonstrate our
[15:04] forward-thinking approach to fostering a well-balanced urban environment. I also wish to draw your
[15:10] attention to the variation to Chapter 28, Section 6.12-1. This proposal suggests waiving the
[15:16] requirements to provide a traffic study and a parking analysis. This waiver acknowledges
[15:22] that while technical assessments are vital, there are instances where cost and time
[15:26] associated with such studies outweigh their benefits which we believe applies to the situation.
[15:34] In addition, I would like to discuss the matters related to the variation from Chapter 28,
[15:38] Section 10.8, a proposal that would allow for six bicycle parking spaces instead of the
[15:44] required 41, resulting in a calculated deficit of 35.
[15:49] The variation underscores a community's recognition of the importance of bicycle
[15:53] infrastructure while considering our unique circumstances with the property being
[15:57] located on two major streets, Gulf and Arlington Heights Road. It demonstrates our commitment
[16:03] to providing alternatives to traditional transportation while being practical in our approach. Equally
[16:10] significant is our advocacy for three special use permits that have the potential to enrich
[16:14] our community's culinary landscape and cultural diversity. The proposed permits seek to
[16:21] pave the way for marbling a Korean barbecue restaurant that would offer an authentic
[16:25] and unique dining experience operated by a seasoned veteran with over 20 years of experience
[16:30] in the field. Next would be Hello Boba, a bubble tea, a unique bubble tea dining experience
[16:37] operated by another seasoned veteran with over 20 years of experience. This would be their
[16:41] second location in Arlington Heights. They already operate a Korean pub. They see that
[16:46] much benefit and potential in the Arlington Heights district. Lastly would be Too Less
[16:51] Jew, a national bakery, which has over 100 locations nationwide and over 1,000 globally.
[17:01] As this bakery has over 100 locations in the U.S., we feel their expertise in this respective
[17:07] field would bring an even greater draw to our community's vibrant atmosphere by granting
[17:12] these special use permits.
[17:13] It demonstrates your commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting local businesses,
[17:17] and embracing a vibrant mix of flavors and cultures.
[17:21] In conclusion, I believe that these proposals embody our collective dedication to shaping
[17:26] our community that is both dynamic and pragmatic, our willingness to adapt to regulations to
[17:30] align with the changes needed for our residents, businesses, and visitors as a testament to
[17:36] our community spirit of innovation and cooperation.
[17:39] By discussing and embracing these amendments, we pave the way for the future that strikes
[17:44] a harmonious balance between tradition and progress.
[17:47] I express my heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed board members for providing this platform
[17:52] for my dialogue and my fellow citizens for the engagement in this crucial discourse.
[17:57] Together we hold the power to shape our community's journey towards an inclusive future.
[18:01] Thank you for your time and your consideration.
[18:03] All right.
[18:04] Thank you.
[18:04] Mr. Perkins.
[18:09] Thank you.
[18:10] Good evening.
[18:10] I'll just walk through some of the zoning requests that are being asked for on this
[18:14] property.
[18:15] They're seeking a variation in parking, so for up to 78 spaces less than what is required
[18:23] by code.
[18:24] In 2009, the shopping center did receive a parking variation for 59 spaces, so they're
[18:31] looking to increase that to 78.
[18:33] And the reason for that is that they're proposing three new restaurants in the shopping
[18:37] center that increase the parking demand.
[18:40] They're also requesting a variation from the Trafficon Parking Study that staff
[18:45] supported and then they're requesting a variation on the bicycle parking that I'll
[18:51] talk about in a moment. So the three restaurants you've heard about, they're
[18:56] proposed in the shopping center as I mentioned it is at the southwest corner
[18:59] of Gulf and Alton Heights Roads. There are no real great bicycle access points
[19:05] to this property at this point in time.
[19:09] We're not recommending a variation approval of the variation, but just a deferral
[19:13] and to provide some bicycle parking spaces,
[19:17] primarily the six that were referenced.
[19:20] Golf Road is illustrated on the village's bicycle plan for a regional bike path extension.
[19:26] We don't have a timing of that. It crosses multiple communities.
[19:30] As the board is aware, we've also got other potential development in the area with TIF-4
[19:36] at the northeast corner of Galphen Allenton Heights Road, potential mixed use with residential
[19:41] development and then also some residential development potentially on South Allenton
[19:46] Heights Road.
[19:47] So the characteristics of the development in this corridor could change and hopefully
[19:50] some of the bicycle and pedestrian access points can improve and hence the recommendation
[19:57] for the condition that while they only install six bike parking spaces now, if
[20:03] deemed necessary in the future, they would add to that based on demand and the
[20:09] ability to better access the property. We also took a look at the parking. We
[20:15] did ask the petitioner to provide some parking camps. They provided these back
[20:21] in, I believe, May and June in three or four days over a two-week period and
[20:27] And the peak demand was between 11 and 1 to 2, ranged in occupancy around 95 to 97 spaces.
[20:35] We also looked at the surveys that were done in 2009 and the peak occupancy around the
[20:41] same time periods, but a little higher demand at that time, around 110 to 120.
[20:48] And then staff did our own observation, both some initial counts this year as well
[20:53] I was looking at past aerials and the peak that was seen was in April of this year with
[21:00] around 118 spaces occupied out of the 308 that are on site.
[21:05] So there would be one vacancy in addition to the three restaurants.
[21:10] So we did project that if there's a occupancy of around 120 spaces, you add in the demand
[21:17] from the three restaurants in the vacant space.
[21:19] space. You could expect a parking occupancy of around 180 to 200 spaces still well within
[21:26] the village code requirements. We looked at the uses and the property. There are some
[21:31] medical uses that are driving that variation. There's a dialysis facility that occupies
[21:36] about 10,000 square feet. Probably has a lower demand given the equipment they have
[21:40] in that space. And then the auto supply, O'Reilly's probably has a different parking
[21:51] demand to typical retail. So we felt that the request was appropriate and would help
[21:59] reoccupy the property. So staff recommended and the plan commission recommended approval
[22:04] of the request with the conditions that are stipulated here and I'd be happy to answer
[22:09] any questions.
[22:09] All right.
[22:10] Thanks, Mr. Perkins.
[22:11] Questions or comments from Board?
[22:13] Trustee Bertucci.
[22:15] So I just wanted to, I'm sorry, I just want to confirm with you that you have read and
[22:23] understand all the conditions.
[22:24] Yes, I have.
[22:25] And do you agree to them?
[22:26] Yes, we do.
[22:26] Okay.
[22:28] Anybody else?
[22:29] Trustee Dunnington.
[22:30] Thanks, Mayor.
[22:33] Charles, this is probably more for you, but for the parking requirement, I understand
[22:39] and that 47 is a really large amount of parking spaces,
[22:44] but why did we decide that?
[22:46] Why is the recommendation for a six?
[22:49] We felt six kind of matched the requirement
[22:53] for the three restaurants,
[22:54] so the new parking code has a requirement for each use,
[22:59] and so you add the sum of all the uses
[23:01] in this shopping center, it comes to 47.
[23:04] There's no magic to that number,
[23:06] so the board certainly could add to that,
[23:08] or it can be added at any time if there was a demand and primarily we would think initially
[23:15] it would be employees that are perhaps working in these facilities that would be riding the
[23:20] bikes and then hopefully later customers and that's why we added the condition number
[23:26] three here that we can require additional parking to be added in the future for the
[23:32] bicycles that is.
[23:33] So, in the future, if there was needed space, how would we determine that we needed more
[23:40] bicycle space?
[23:41] I think it would be either on a complaint basis or, you know, casual observation.
[23:46] If, you know, anybody went by and noticed and saw there were, you know, bicycles and
[23:50] non-in-racks and things like that, or we got requests for additional bike racks from
[23:56] customers or even, you know, businesses, you know, that had employees that were
[24:00] looking to bike there, then we would follow up and request the property owner to install
[24:06] additional bike racks at the appropriate locations.
[24:09] Is it something that we could review after some development started in the area?
[24:15] Like if there was a timetable for it?
[24:18] We certainly could.
[24:20] I mean, if there was a bicycle connection, for example, the Gulf Road one, which is,
[24:25] I don't know, there's a time frame and it crosses multiple jurisdictions, but it
[24:29] would provide access to the bike path to go to Busy Woods,
[24:34] so it would be an important link.
[24:36] If and when that would occur, we certainly
[24:38] can revisit that.
[24:40] And the same with additional development,
[24:42] like the TIF 4 with Urban Street, once that gets occupied,
[24:47] I think there could be a demand and a reason
[24:50] for people who live in that new development
[24:53] would be looking to ride their bike instead of getting
[24:56] in the car to go to a business or something
[24:58] like that.
[24:58] I agree. I think right now it's probably not, you know, as it currently is a huge, there's
[25:07] a huge demand for a bicycle rack, but hopefully in the future that's the goal of the whole
[25:13] area that there will be a need for that. I could definitely see teenagers going to
[25:21] the Boba Tea and I know there's a nail salon there. That seems like it would be really
[25:25] popular, and I could see families riding their bikes to the bakery that's going to be on
[25:31] the corner, and if there's only six spots in a family of four, that's filling up the
[25:36] bike rack pretty quickly.
[25:39] So I'm just wondering if we're a little short-sided and only six spots, and that if we need
[25:46] a little bit more, or if we need a plan for when we would review when more space
[25:53] needed possibly. I mean the other thing we could do is either the board could
[25:57] increase that number now or you know once the businesses are open and stabilize
[26:02] say after 12 months then you know we can go and kind of you know just observe and
[26:07] and see if there's a need to increase at that time. Yeah I could definitely see
[26:13] people from the Urban Street area working in that area, the Urban Street
[26:17] development and then hopefully the new development right on the corner as well.
[26:24] So, okay thank you. Also I wanted to ask about the Storo Ryleys. I know that they
[26:31] have a lot of vehicles in the parking lot. Well, are they only parked there
[26:37] like after hours? Yeah, typically those vehicles are used for out of
[26:42] delivery services and things like that. We've already begun discussion with
[26:46] that because of the randomness that all those service vehicles have been parked
[26:50] at. We've already allocated around 18 spots for them to use that's in the
[26:54] parking space so that it'll be more uniform and create a more smooth
[26:58] traffic environment in the center. Okay great. Anything further from the board?
[27:04] Thanks so much. All right. Trustee Bertucci. Well just so we have it on the
[27:08] I'll move approval of the PC number 23-006 and amendment to plan unit
[27:17] development ordinance 09-019 to allow modified parking variation especially
[27:24] use permits for three restaurants and the listed variations along with the
[27:30] listed recommended conditions.
[27:37] Manager Recklaus, do you feel that I need to
[27:41] read all those variations and conditions?
[27:47] Would you recommend it? No, trust me, if
[27:52] you just simply incorporate the staff, the conditions as stated in the staff
[27:56] memorandum in your motion, I think that suffices. Okay, so that's what
[27:59] exactly what I'm moving. Okay, we have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Motion by
[28:04] Trustee Bertucci, second by Trustee Lebede. Further questions or comments from
[28:07] the board? Anything from the audience? Seeing none, we have a motion and a
[28:12] second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Well congratulations. Good
[28:17] luck to you as the new owners and operators and we wish you much success
[28:22] with your new tenants and with the shopping center in general. So good
[28:26] Good luck to you.
[28:26] Thank you, Mayor.
[28:27] Thank you all for your time.
[28:28] All right.
[28:31] We have no other new business, and so we will then move on to the report of the Village Manager,
[28:37] Mr. Recklaus.
[28:38] Thank you, Mayor.
[28:39] As you all know, the coming redevelopment of the Arlington International Racecourse
[28:43] property is going to be complex on many fronts.
[28:48] The project has already garnered legislative interest at the state level with proposed
[28:52] legislation on potential new payment lieu of taxes tool, changes the TIF rules,
[28:57] and on even the sharing of future project revenues
[29:00] as proposed by various parties.
[29:03] In some cases, the legislation was developed
[29:06] and even proposed formally with little or no input
[29:10] from the village whatsoever.
[29:13] Staff believes that this level of activity
[29:14] is going to continue in the coming months and years.
[29:17] Future initiatives such as the exploration
[29:19] of possible state infrastructure improvements
[29:21] are also likely for any development of this size.
[29:25] The village has generally good relationships
[29:27] with their area legislators, but they must weigh the needs of many parties
[29:32] involved in the process, not just the village, and moreover,
[29:35] any project of this size is going to demand us working with legislators
[29:39] throughout the region and state.
[29:42] Chicago Bears Football Club, the current owners of the property in the area
[29:45] school districts have already hired lobbyists to ensure that their interests
[29:49] are represented in Springfield.
[29:50] Staff believes that given the unique nature and size of this redevelopment project,
[29:54] It's just as important for the village to hire a team to look out for our legislative
[29:59] interest.
[30:00] As it was for us to hire our own economic and traffic consultants as we did last fall.
[30:04] We work with the Illinois Municipal League and the Northwest Municipal Conference, as well
[30:09] as our own law firm, Allred Friedman, to identify potential lobbying teams that we believe could
[30:17] assist us, that would be well equipped to assist us, and we did receive four different
[30:22] proposals. Those proposals were reviewed by myself, Village Attorney Passman and Mayor
[30:29] Hayes.
[30:29] We also personally interviewed representatives of those teams over the past couple of weeks.
[30:35] Based on those interviews, we all came to the same conclusion that we believe that the
[30:40] team of max strategies with their subcontractor GR consulting was the best fit for what it
[30:47] is we were trying to accomplish and had the most comprehensive strategy on how to
[30:51] represent the village's interests on this project.
[30:54] We have prepared a resolution and an agreement for your review that would allow us to execute that agreement
[31:04] and begin working with that team immediately, and we would recommend approval of that resolution this evening.
[31:09] Thanks, Mr. Reclasson. Let me just concur and agree with Village Manager's recommendation and comments here this evening.
[31:17] Again, I was part of the team that reviewed the proposals and interviewed the candidates
[31:22] and they were all very impressive and all had something to offer, but I do think that
[31:28] MAC Strategies had the best overall proposal and plan and very much looking forward to working
[31:36] with them.
[31:37] As I've said many times over the past two and a half years, I have yet most confidence
[31:42] And it's in our internal personnel, our internal team, to handle this challenge of the redevelopment
[31:50] of the Arlington Park property.
[31:52] But it's come to a kind of a critical point in the process where we do need some assistance
[31:56] down in Springfield, something we just don't have.
[31:59] And so I think this is a very worthwhile expenditure.
[32:03] Again, it's not a done deal, and we just want to make sure that our interests are
[32:08] protected and all of our stakeholders interests are protected as well and so
[32:12] that's the rationale behind the retention of a lobbyist and particularly
[32:18] this lobbyist to make sure that our interests are protected and to ensure
[32:23] that if this does become a reality that it results in and that positive for
[32:29] the village of Arlington Heights and so again that's my rationale and that's
[32:38] support it. So anything further from the board? Trustee Grassley. Thank you Mayor
[32:42] Hayes. I just wanted to mention I had a number of questions just especially
[32:46] spending money for for this group of people but my all of my concerns were
[32:55] were were no longer concerns once I talked with staff hearing about what went
[33:02] behind this but especially because it's really about taking care of the
[33:06] benefits of of our village and our best interest as mayor Hayes said and I'm in
[33:10] full support of that so thank you trustee Shirley and I just want to say
[33:14] for everybody's edification that this is not just about if we get the bears
[33:19] there's some legislation that's being proposed that could actually hamstring
[33:22] the village on development of that property even if the bears don't come
[33:27] there so I think it's important to understand that this is not about us
[33:30] just saying we want the bears no matter what and everything else there's
[33:33] There's actually legislation that's been proposed, that's been afoot, that could hamstring
[33:38] us and our ability to develop that property to its fullest value.
[33:43] So I think that's important to mention to residents out there that this isn't just
[33:47] us saying we want the bears and that's all we want.
[33:52] It's more about protecting our interests.
[33:54] Right.
[33:54] Good point.
[33:55] Trustee Scherling?
[33:56] Trustee LaBez?
[33:57] Thank you.
[33:59] Manager Reckos, is this expense reimbursable?
[34:07] As I recall, the consulting contracts that we've agreed to, the bears were putting aside monies for us to use.
[34:21] is that? This time we did we did budget money for additional consulting
[34:26] services and we're assuming that that's going to be how we pay for it. As
[34:30] things unfold it may be a conversation we have with them about you know relative
[34:36] to the escrow it's not an expense that we initially anticipated when we created
[34:40] the escrow account but we haven't had opportunity to discuss that particular
[34:44] issue just yet with with the football club. Okay that's fine I am in full
[34:49] support of this.
[34:50] Okay, thanks.
[34:51] Trustee Bertucci.
[34:53] Thank you.
[34:54] Just to clarify, um, um, um, Phillip manager, rec laws on who else has lobbyists down in
[35:02] Springfield?
[35:03] So you had mentioned the Chicago Bears football club, and then what other organizations or
[35:09] groups have lobbyists down in Springfield on this particular matter?
[35:13] Well, the area school districts hired a joint lobbying team as well, but a number of the
[35:21] various regional stakeholders are represented with lobbyists. You know, a lot of the interests
[35:27] and construction firms and labor unions and so forth that have been kind of players in
[35:33] the regional discussion are obviously represented and we just want to make sure that our
[35:38] community is kind of unequal footing and are equally represented, making sure that
[35:42] our interests are heard as well. Correct, yeah. And I agree obviously wholeheartedly
[35:49] we need somebody to be in that arena. Number one who specializes in that has
[35:57] the time tools and talents so to speak. It would be kind of hard and and I
[36:03] would say irresponsible to be trying to send our own staff down there to
[36:08] try to figure out how to maneuver the hallway, so to speak.
[36:12] So I think we would be remiss if we didn't do this.
[36:17] And when I say remiss, I mean, in the fact of not
[36:20] being the proper stewards for the residents and taxpayers.
[36:25] So I'm in full agreement, Mayor.
[36:26] OK, thanks.
[36:26] Justice Ringback, thanks, Mayor.
[36:28] Randy, I didn't talk to you prior to the meeting.
[36:31] I read through everything.
[36:32] And I do understand a little bit about how lobbyists work.
[36:37] I mean, this is a lot of money here.
[36:39] Can you just maybe walk me through what our real expectations are of this lobbyist?
[36:47] I know they're down there and they're looking out for our better interests, but for this
[36:53] amount of money, what is going to be some things that we really expect to get out
[37:00] of this?
[37:00] So there's really three aspects of this that we're looking for.
[37:05] One, to make sure that we're kept abreast of all of the different legislative developments that may impact this site, you know, broadly.
[37:16] Again, regardless of, you know, what aspect of it it is.
[37:20] Number two, to help us strategize and, you know, understand those dynamics and develop a strategy to ensure that we can get what we want and we can talk to all the right people that are able to do that, regardless of who they are.
[37:38] Essentially, we're trying to make as many friends as we possibly can and make sure that as many people as possible understand what our goals are and what our interests are.
[37:46] And then lastly, to help protect and implement those interests
[37:52] in any legislation that comes.
[37:55] And we fully anticipate, as has already been the case,
[37:58] that there's not going to be one piece of legislation.
[38:01] There's going to be a lot of different pieces of legislation
[38:03] that are coming across the deaths of the legislature
[38:07] before this development is over.
[38:09] And so we want to make sure that that's the case.
[38:12] The team that's been put together is very robust.
[38:16] There's representatives on both sides of the aisle.
[38:19] People have a lot of experience in the Senate.
[38:21] People have a lot of experience in the House.
[38:23] People that are represented or have represented
[38:26] different aspects of the state geographically.
[38:30] And that's why we're looking at a broader base group
[38:33] because this is a project that has a lot of regional interest
[38:36] and a lot of regional implications.
[38:38] And we feel that we need to make sure
[38:40] we're covering all our bases with this team.
[38:42] Okay. Well, I appreciate that. And as Trustee Shirley said, we really need to be looking at
[38:48] this property as a whole. And if there's going to be some good expectations and deliverables,
[38:55] I don't have a problem with it. I didn't want to be putting that money out there
[39:00] if we don't have some real firm expectations on what we want from these folks. So looking
[39:10] I mean, through everything, it seems to make a lot of sense, but I just really wanted to
[39:15] hear what your thoughts were.
[39:16] So, thank you.
[39:17] Okay.
[39:17] Trustee Dunnington.
[39:18] Thank you.
[39:19] I wanted to confirm under the term of engagement, it'll be for a one-year term and then that
[39:26] we could cancel with a 30-day written notice at any point if we decided we didn't want
[39:31] to use their services anymore.
[39:33] Correct.
[39:33] At any time in that, no one has guaranteed, you know, work for a year.
[39:38] or at any time the village determines
[39:41] that we no longer need them
[39:42] or we wanna go in a different direction
[39:44] we absolutely can with a 30-day notice.
[39:47] Thank you.
[39:48] Okay.
[39:48] Any other questions or comments from the board?
[39:51] We do need a motion.
[39:55] So I will move approval
[39:59] and are we calling it a resolution?
[40:01] Yes.
[40:02] Move approval of the resolution
[40:03] to take on the consultant agreement
[40:07] with MAC Strategies Group as presented by the billed manager.
[40:15] Second.
[40:16] Motion by Trustee Bertucci, seconded by Trustee Schwingbeck.
[40:18] Any further questions or comments from the board?
[40:21] Anything from the audience?
[40:22] Seeing none, roll call.
[40:24] Trustee Bertucci.
[40:25] Yes.
[40:25] Trustee Schwingbeck.
[40:26] Yes.
[40:27] Trustee Grassi.
[40:28] Yes.
[40:28] Trustee Lebedz.
[40:29] Yes.
[40:29] Trustee Dunnington.
[40:30] Yes.
[40:31] Trustee Shirley.
[40:32] Yes.
[40:32] Trustee Tenalia.
[40:33] Yes, President Hayes. Yes. All right. Thank you. Anything else from the village
[40:38] manager other than the request for closed session? Nothing this evening. Anything
[40:42] from the board under petitions and communications? Seeing none, I go back to
[40:46] the village manager. Well, Mayor, I would respectfully ask that we enter into
[40:51] closed session. Per ILCS 120 slash 2C21 discussion of minutes,
[40:57] lawfully closed, whether for the purposes of approval of minutes or the
[40:59] semiannual review of the minutes, and five ILCS 120
[41:03] slash 2C11 litigation when an action against affecting
[41:06] or on behalf of the village has been filed
[41:08] and is pending before court or administrative tribunal
[41:11] or when the board finds that an action is probable
[41:13] or imminent.
[41:14] Right, is there a motion to go into closed session?
[41:17] Move to go into closed session.
[41:20] Second.
[41:20] Motion by Trustee Grassey, seconded by Trustee LaBeds.
[41:23] Roll call.
[41:24] Trustee Grassey, yes.
[41:26] Trustee LaBeds.
[41:27] Yes.
[41:27] Trustee Bertucci.
[41:28] Yes.
[41:29] Yes.
[41:29] Trustee Tonalia.
[41:30] Yes.
[41:30] Trustee Schwingbeck.
[41:31] Yes.
[41:32] Trustee Shirley.
[41:32] Yes.
[41:33] Trustee Dunnington.
[41:34] Yes.
[41:34] President Hayes.
[41:35] Yes.
[41:36] We are adjourned in the closed session and will not be reporting back out.
[41:40] Thank you all for joining us this evening.