Committee of the Whole

Regular Meeting

Arlington Heights, IL · February 17, 2026

Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS February 17, 2026 President Tinaglia called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Tinaglia; Trustees Bertucci, Dunnington, Gilbert, LaBedz, Manganaro, Santa Maria and Zyck BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Trustee Schwingbeck STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Village Manager Randy Recklaus; Deputy Village Manager Diana Mikula OTHERS PRESENT: Ulaanbaatar Ganbaatar V. NEW BUSINESS A. Interview of Ulaanbaatar Ganbaatar by the Liquor Commissioner for issuance of a Class E liquor license to KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road Mayor Tinaglia confirmed that Ulaanbaatar is the owner of Kawaii Asian Cuisine. Mayor Tinaglia also confirmed with Ulaanbaatar that he has never held a liquor license before and has never had any sort of liquor violation. Ulaanbaatar stated that he has never worked anywhere that sold liquor. Deputy Village Manager Diana Mikula gave the staff report. She explained that Ulaanbaatar, the owner of Kawaii Asian Cuisine, will be repurposing the space across from the former Wild Fish restaurant. Ulaanbaatar is seeking a Class E liquor license which allows for beer and wine sales. He is leasing the space and anticipates opening sometime next month. Ms. Mikula reported that Ulaanbaatar was BASSET certified in November 2025. Ulaanbaatar has some experience in a restaurant from his employment with Domino’s in Winnetka, and he has no liquor violations. The site, under previous ownership, did have liquor violations in 2005 and in 2009. The Police Department conducted a background check on Ulaanbaatar and no issues were found. Trustee Bertucci emphasized how seriously the Village takes the issue of serving alcohol to minors. He explained that the Village conducts compliance checks and he asked Ulaanbaatar to be diligent in checking IDs. Ulaanbaatar shared that his mother is a top ten cook in Mongolia and he decided to join in the family business. He finds that cooking comes easy to him and said that his sister is also going to help him. Trustee LaBedz asked if any of the recipes are his mother’s since she was such an excellent chef. Ulaanbaatar said that yes, he uses some of her recipes. Mayor Tinaglia reiterated that the Village will conduct compliance checks and that no alcohol is to be sold to underage people for any reason. Mayor Tinaglia directed Ulaanbaatar to always have his staff check IDs. Ulaanbaatar confirmed that they will check IDs all of the time. 1 Trustees thanked Ulaanbaatar for bringing this business to Arlington Heights. Trustee LaBedz moved, seconded by Trustee Santa Maria to recommend that the Liquor Commissioner issue a Class E liquor license to KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road. The following voice vote was recorded: 8 Ayes 0 Nays The motion passed. VI. OTHER BUSINESS - none VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS VIII. ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Bertucci moved, seconded by Trustee Zyck to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm. 2

Agenda

Packet

AGENDA Committee of the Whole Community Room 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd February 17, 2026 7:15 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES V. NEW BUSINESS A. Interview of Ulaanbaatar Ganbaatar by the Liquor Commissioner for issuance of a Class E liquor license to KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road VI. OTHER BUSINESS VII. PUBLIC COMMENT Anyone wishing to speak on a subject not on the Agenda may speak at this time. Please limit your comments to three minutes. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services, such as an American Sign Language interpreter or written materials in accessible formats, should contact the Health & Human Services Department, at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, healthmail@vah.com or 847/368-5760. Page 1 of 10 Committee of the Whole 2/17/2026 Item: Interview of Ulaanbaatar Ganbaatar by the Liquor Commissioner for issuance of a Class E liquor license to KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road Department: Integrated Services Item Description: Recommendation that the Liquor Commissioner issue a Class E liquor license to KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road ATTACHMENTS: 1. Kawaii Asian Cuisine Liquor License Packet Page 2 of 10 Date: February 17, 2026 To: James J. Tinaglia, Liquor Control Commissioner From: Diana Mikula, Deputy Village Manager Subject: Liquor License Interview: KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE Attachments: 1) Menu 2) Floor Plan At the February 17, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting, owner Ulaanbaatar Ganbaatar will be interviewed for a Class E liquor license for KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road, previously Wild Fish Sushi Restaurant. Liquor Classification: Class "E” authorizes the retail sale in restaurants and brew pubs of beer and wine only for consumption on the premises having a seating capacity at tables for a minimum of 25 persons for food service and are operated as restaurants. Establishment Liquor Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday - Sunday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Lease or Ownership: Leased Anticipated Opening Date: March 2026 Basset Certification: Received 11/20/2025 Applicant Liquor Sales Related Violations: No Previous Violations at Location: Yes, in 2005 and 2009 under previous ownership Police Department Background Check In January 2026, the Arlington Heights Police Department completed a background check on owner Ulaanbaatar Ganbaatar and found no issues. Applicant’s Previous Experience The applicant does not currently, and has not previously, hold ownership interest in a liquor/restaurant business. The applicant is currently managing a liquor and/or restaurant business through his managerial role at Domino’s in Winnetka since January 2024, and communicated to Village staff his intent to resign his position at Domino’s and work full-time at KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE when the restaurant opens. Finally, the applicant does not currently hold a liquor license in another municipality. Page 3 of 10 Additional Applicant Information The applicant is not party to an open lawsuit at the present time. The applicant does not have an open judgement or liens outstanding against them at the present time. Site Visit On January 23, 2026, a walk through was conducted. The floor plan reflected what was observed on site. Upon a satisfactory liquor interview, it would be appropriate to approve the issuance of a Class E liquor license to KAWAII ASIAN AMERICAN CUISINE dba KAWAII ASIAN CUISINE located at 60 S. Arlington Heights Road. Page 4 of 10 Attachment 1 Drinks Sapporo Reserve Beer [ tt� ;Ko 1Jtf-:1t:-JI, ] ...................................... $5. 50 Asahi Beer [ Yttt: t:-JI, ] ........................................................................ $5. 50 Kirin Beer [ �IJ ::.,t:-JI, ] .......................................................................... $5. 50 Cold Sake by Bottle [ �-] Ginjo Sake (300ml) Sho Chiku Bai or Hakutsuru ...................................... $12. 25 Ozeki Nigori (375ml) ............................................................................... $10. 75 House Sake [ M] Hot ............................................................................ $9. 50 Wine by the Glass House Wine [ JV:J;J...r;J--(::0,] Red or White .............................................. $6. 00 Plum Wine [ •• ] ................................................................................. $6. 00 Soft Drinks [ '.J °J t-- � IJ ::0,? ] Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Bottled Water ....................................................... $2. 50 Unsweetened Iced Tea [ Y--f;J...7-f-(AA*IJ] ............................................ $2. 50 Ramune [ 7.A� ] Original, Strawberry, Melon or Orange .......................... $3. 50 Calpico [ 1.JJl,t::::J ] Original, Strawberry or Lychee .................................... $3. 00 Sparkling Water [ ;J...J(-?IJ::0,�.,�-'9-] ............................................ $3. 00 �etizers and Salads *Denotes Vegetarian Edamame* [ tiH ] .................. $4. 95 Karaage [ lit1,1] .................... $8. 00 Boiled soybean pods with salt Crispy Japanese style fried chicken Hiyayakko* [ �'Y!>f& ] .............. $4. 95 Kakuni [ 11� ] ......................... $8. 00 Sliced cold tofu garnished with green onion & bonito Braised pork belly Agedashi Tofu*[ t1,11:HvHll ] ... $6. oo Daikon Salad [ *&'!:t-=,-S, ] ..... $6. 00 Fried tofu with light soy sauce garnished with bonito Shredded radish with home made dressing & bonito on top Gyusuji [ti=&] ........................ $8. 00 Mixed Tempura [ �1'61l�tt ] Trimmed Rib Eye with sweet soysauce Batter fried shrimp & veggies .......... $10. 75 Gyoza [ ffl'lT] .......................... $6. 00 Vegetable Tempura* [ IJJl�l"\6 ] Japanese potsticker with meat & veggies Batter fried veggies ...................... $10. 75 Croquette* [ :JD�?"] ............ $6. 00 Baby Tako [ '9:::JO)Sffl,11 Creamy croquette Fried Baby Octopus ......................... $7 . oo Takoyaki [ �C::lla ] ................ $6. 50 Ball shaped battered octopus 18% gratuity added for a party of 5 or more. Page 5 of 10 Ram.en *Standard toppings - Green onions, bamboo shoots, BBQ pork and boiled egg Add SOC for noodle substitution (Udon or Soba) Noodles in seasoned broth made with Chicken and Pork Flavor Choices - Shoyu (Soy sauce flavor), Miso (Miso flavor) or Shio (Sea salt flavor) ■ Shoyu Ramen* [ IHEb:,-)(=::-, ] Soy sauce flavor ......................................... $14. 95 ■ Miso Ramen* [ Dlllft:,-)(=::-, ] Miso flavor ................................................ $14.95 ■ Shio Ramen* [ i,i:,-)(=::-,] Sea salt flavor ............................................ $14. 95 Moyashi Ramen* [ =o\'!>L,:,-)(=::-, ] with bean sprouts .................................. $16.00 Butter Corn Ramen* [ )(49-:J->:,-)(=::-, ] with butter and corn ................ $16.00 Spicy Ramen* [ ;)J(-(S/-:,-)(=::-, ] with spicy broth and bean sprouts ............ $16.00 Spicy Negi Ramen* [ �J(-(S/-1.1:,-)(::::-,] with spicy green onions .............. $16.00 Spicy Tofu Ramen [ �J(-(S/-.a.lM:,-)(=::-,] with "KIMCHI" and tofu .............. $16.00 Kakiage Ramen* [ 1.J'a-lJ,1:,-)(::::-,] with vegetable tempura ......................... $16.00 Sesame Ramen* [ MJa:,-)(=::-, ] with sesame seeds and chili oil ...................... $16.00 Cha Shu Ramen* [ 7,v-S/.1-:,-)(::::-,] with pork slices ............................ $16.50 Curry Ramen [ jJ v-:,-)(=::-, ] with Japanese style chicken curry over noodles .... $16.50 Kakuni Ramen [ 1Ult:,-)(=::-, ] with braised pork belly .................................. $16.50 Karaage Ramen [ l!BJ,1:,-)(::::-, ] with Japanese fried chicken ........................... $16.50 Chicken Veggie Ramen [ 7:t=,>BM:,-)(=::-,] veggies with chicken .................................... $16.50 Beef Ramen [ 1:::-::7:,-)(::::-,] with beef .................................................. $16.50 Ebi Tempura Ramen [ jfi:g�,l,6:,-)(::::-,] with shrimp tempura ................................... $16.50 Ramen* [It:,-)(=:-,] with karaage, fried gyoza and corn .................. $17 . so Page 6 of 10 Vegeterian Ramen [ �s;1JIJJ7::r::,-)(>] veggies and tofu in VEGETABLE broth ................. $16. 50 Hiyashi Chuka [ �t■> lJCIJiii ] COLD ramen with veggies, boiled egg, karaage and seaweed ................. $16. 50 Ebi Tempura Hiyashi Ramen [ �,1'6*�l,:,-)(:::, ] COLD ramen with cha shu, veggies, boiled egg, tempura and seaweed ................. $16. 50 ( Extra Ramen Noodles $2.50 ) Additonal Toppings [ Ramen, Udon, Soba, Nabeyaki or Curry] - Green onion - Butter - Cha Shu - Boiled egg - Bean sprouts - Fried shrimp - Nori - Extra spicy paste - Chicken - Wakame - Sesame seeds .......... $1 each - Beef ............. $2 each - Corn Combination Order Noodles (Ramen, Udon, Soba or Nabeyaki) or Curry and get a small over rice dish of your choice for only $5. 50 • -�":-;_;�"-��-�i0o�·· _·_,;-�-\ .-�:�.· f -- ·_:-- ·:■-Chicken·Katsu-Don- ·:. --- � � - - • • • -•- � ";_- _ ••-- - C= 0? : -. ·,: -_ : {��:��:�ii �!�a k; -�� u�e ,;- -_-:-- ,- ·.- ,_ �'- :�·.-t -�--K�ku-ni--_p<;>n, _<�_- _- _ _._._- .- _-- --��-: -_-_ �-�- _:- __:.;:Gv�s_uji -·oort�--�;_:·:� -·��-:· ; :-· -,-�- =��w1�}�1;_o�{i::•- t, :·-_,�. �--. � - •. _. ='"" • ... - •�•\-_�_Te_:::Puj�j�: ,· .-· ·,: /t . Page 7 of 10 Nabeyaki is udon noodles cooked in a hot pot with veggies, tofu, seaweed and boiled egg Flavors- Shoyu flavor (Fish broth based) or Miso flavor (Chicken and pork broth based) Nabeyaki Udon [ llil!lJla-'5t:./u ] Your choice of Shoyu flavor or Miso flavor with shrimp & veggie tempura ..................... $16.95 Chicken Nabeyaki Udon [ "T=l=->lil!lJla-'5t:./u ] ............................................................ $16.95 Beef Nabeyaki Udon [ l::-::711i1!1Jla-'5t:./u] ............................................................ $16.95 Kimchi Nabeyaki Udon [ =l=-A"Tllil!lJla-'5t:./u ] with Spicy KIMCHI .................................... $16.95 Curry Nabeyaki Udon [ 1.Jv-tlil!lJla-'5t:./u ] Shoyu flavor broth with chicken curry on top ...................................................... $16.95 Curry Japanese style chicken curry over rice served with miso soup. Croquette Curry [ :J □ �-!71.Jv-] with creamy croquette ........................ $16.95 Chicken Katsu Curry [ "T=l=->1.J�1.J v- ] with chicken cutlet .............................. $16.95 Katsu Curry [ 1.J � 1.J v- ] with pork cutlet ................................. $16.95 Karaage Curry [ Slfll,t1.J v- ] with Japanese style fried chicken ............ $16.95 Ebi Fry Curry [ ffi@::7 :::1-11.J v- ] with breaded fried shrimp ...................... $16.95 ■ Page 8 of 10 Udon and Soba Noodles ■ UDON - thick white noodles made of wheat ■ SOBA- thin light brown noodles made of buckwheat Regular Udon or Soba [ 5 t:./u ll(cl �,i] Served HOT or COLD ..................... $12. 00 Hiyashi Udon or Soba [ *f-> u 5 t:./u lllct �(cf ] Japanese style COLD noodle dish topped with veggies, karaage, egg and seaweed ......... $16. 50 Tempura Udon or Soba [ j(i:g�,l\6 5 t:./u lllct �(cf ] Udon or Saba with shrimp and assorted veggie tempura .......................................... $16. 50 Veggie Tempura Udon or Soba [ Bit�,l\6 5 t:./u lllct �(cf ] Udon or Saba with assorted veggie tempura .......................................................... $16. 50 ( Extra Udon or Soba Noodles $2. 50 ) Sides Rice [ B�'li ] ................. $2. 00 Kimchi [ �AT ] ............................ $4. 00 Miso Soup [ h�tt ] ....... $2. 00 Seaweed Salad [ ••"!:t::,5' ] ........ $4. 00 Green Salad [ "!:t::,5' ] ..... $3. 00 Page 9 of 10 Attachment 2 ,---- - . t1 n O G D .G ... 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