Committee of the Whole

AGENDA Committee of the Whole Community Room 33 S. Arlington Heights Rd May 4, 2026 6:45 PM I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. 4/6/26 COW Minutes V. NEW BUSINESS A. Interview of Jeff Thiel for appointment to the Arlington Economic Alliance, term ending April 30, 2029 B. Interview of Charles Wilk for appointment to the Environmental Commission, term ending April 30, 2027 C. Interview of Annabelle Finn for appointment to the Environmental Commission, term ending April 30, 2027 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 The Village of Arlington Heights is committed to digital accessibility for all users. 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 — located at 33 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 — at 847- 368-5760 or ADA@vah.com. Page 1 of 9  MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS April 6, 2026 President Tinaglia called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: President Tinaglia; Trustees Bertucci, Gilbert, LaBedz, Manganaro, Santa Maria, Schwingbeck and Zyck BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Trustee Dunnington STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Village Manager Randy Recklaus OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Mednicov, Vaishak Mittur, Martin Bauer IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of Committee of the Whole Minutes March 9, 2026 Trustee LaBedz moved to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes from the meeting on March 9, 2026. The motion was seconded by Trustee Schwingbeck. 8 Ayes 0 Nays The motion passed. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Interview of Brian Mednicov by the Liquor Commissioner for issuance of a Class E liquor license to SLICE II LLC dba GARIBALDI'S ARLINGTON HEIGHTS located at 1960 N. Arlington Heights Road Mayor Tinaglia asked Brian to give some background. Brian explained that his dad founded Garibaldi’s in 1976 so he grew up with the business. In July 2021, Brian became the manager in Arlington Heights and then took on the role of Chief Operating Officer two years ago overseeing both the Arlington Heights and the Hoffman Estates locations. He has never been cited for a liquor violation and never had a license suspended or revoked in either location. Brian is BASSET trained and all staff serving alcohol are BASSET trained. Brian gave the hours of operation as Sunday – Thursday 10am – 9pm; Friday and Saturday 10am – 9:30pm. Mayor Tinaglia reminded Brian that they need to serve food whenever they are selling alcohol. Trustee Bertucci asked for clarification because Garibaldi’s currently holds a liquor license. Brian explained that his uncle is currently the owner but Brian is going to be the new owner. Since liquor licenses are not transferable, Brian is applying for a liquor license. Trustee Bertucci also reminded Brian that Arlington Heights conducts compliance checks and asked if Garibaldi’s has ever had a violation. Brian said that in his time there, they have never failed a compliance check. 1 Page 2 of 9  Village Manager Randy Recklaus gave the staff report. Brian has a clean background check from the Police Department, he has no violations and he’s been the onsite manager for five years. This is a very clean, straight-forward liquor license application. Trustee Gilbert commented that Garibaldi’s was a favorite place for him in his youth and now his family enjoys it. Mayor Tinaglia explained that the liquor violation hearings were earlier in the day and that there were seven establishments with violations. It is his least favorite part of his job as Liquor Commissioner so implored Brian to never fall short on the requirements for employees and dedication to keep the community safe. Trustees thanked Brian for keeping his business in Arlington Heights. Trustee Schwingbeck moved, seconded by Trustee Santa Maria to recommend that the Liquor Commissioner issue a Class E liquor license to SLICE II LLC dba GARIBALDI’S ARLINGTON HEIGHTS located at 1960 N. Arlington Heights Road, upon receipt of the executed lease and proof of ownership change. The following voice vote was recorded: 8 Ayes 0 Nays The motion passed. B. Interview of Vaishak Mittur for appointment to the Arlington Economic Alliance, term ending April 30, 2029 Mayor Tinaglia explained that he interviewed Vaishak (Vee) months ago for the Board of Local Improvements. However, since that commission is not active, Mayor Tinaglia thought of Vee when the Arlington Economic Alliance had an opening. Vee explained that he moved to Arlington Heights in 2015 because, even when living in other parts of the Chicagoland area, he spent lots of time in Arlington Heights experiencing Arlington Park and the restaurants in town. As his family grew, they needed more space but stayed in Arlington Heights because of the people and the community. He and his family are involved in their church, youth athletics and community events in town. Vee would like to use his skills as a risk manager and his experience in audit and finance to give back to our community. He is also a business owner in Addison. Trustee LaBedz noted that Vee has a lot of experience that will serve him well. Trustee Bertucci encouraged Vee to talk with some of the other members of the Arlington Economic Alliance ahead of his first meeting and explained that the Arlington Economic Alliance is one of the advisory commissions that needs creative, independent thinkers in order to develop great ideas. Trustee Zyck noted that Vee has diverse experience with his past work history and asked Vee what the Village needs in order to grow and prosper. Vee replied that there are tremendous economic opportunities stemming from the old Arlington Park property and there are different approaches. With his risk management background, he believes a more calculated plan, which balances growth rate and risk, is the most beneficial approach. In 2 Page 3 of 9  the downtown area, Vee has some ideas for some of the unoccupied spaces and wants to find out what is in the works. Trustee Zyck commented that there are other parts of town that we can focus on as well. Trustees thanked Vaishak for his willingness to serve. Trustee LaBedz moved, seconded by Trustee Bertucci to concur in the Mayor’s appointment of Vaishak Mittur to the Arlington Economic Alliance, term ending April 30, 2029 The following voice vote was recorded: 8 Ayes 0 Nays The motion passed. C. Interview of Martin Bauer for appointment to the Housing Commission, term ending April 30, 2027 After meeting with Martin Bauer, Mayor Tinaglia believes that Martin is a good fit for the Housing Commission because Martin understands numbers and finance since he is an actuary. He is also involved with PADS and other organizations that understand the needs of the underprivileged population. With Martin’s perspective, the Housing Commission will be challenged to think outside the box to offer creative solutions. Martin shared that his 10 years of experience with PADS has given him insight into the needs of the homeless population. He is concerned about affordable housing for young people and senior citizens, as well as people with disabilities and veterans. Due to his work background, he looks at situations through a quantitative and qualitive lens as well. Martin has been a renter and is a landlord so also understands both sides of those relationships. He is passionate about the topic of affordable housing and isn’t afraid to challenge people in healthy debate. Trustee Santa Maria asked what Martin thinks the government’s role is in providing affordable housing. Martin said that the government needs to provide a framework for at the federal, state and local levels. However, he also noted that there are instances where the government should not get involved because over-regulation can cause higher costs which get passed along to the renters. Therefore, there are times when the market needs to dictate the direction. Trustee Santa Maria followed up and explained that there is nothing personal but she believes they have very fundamental differences when it comes to housing so she doesn’t see this commission as the role for Martin. Trustee Schwingbeck asked Martin how the Village should use the Housing Trust Fund. Martin replied that it should be used and the Village isn’t currently finding ways to use it. He’d like to speak to the other commissioners and listen first before generating a solution. Trustee Schwingbeck asked if Martin thinks the Village needs more affordable housing projects. Martin said that he does feel that the Village needs more affordable housing but it isn’t a one size fits all solution due to the different needs of different groups (young people, senior citizens, veterans, people with disabilities, etc) and different options (single family, apartments, rental units etc.) 3 Page 4 of 9  Trustee Manganaro followed up on Martin’s comment about the government letting the market take control. Trustee Manganaro asked Martin how he thinks the market is doing in providing affordable housing. Martin replied that right now the market is more challenging, so the market is not currently creating affordable housing on its own. Martin further explained that the private market has had to abide by a large set of rules which has created some of the issues. Trustee Manganaro believes that the issues now are due to market failure. He asked Martin what Arlington Heights should do to support the strategic priority of affordability and asked how Martin will work towards that goal. Martin said he will keep an open mind regarding any proposals and will ask good questions. He mentioned that the Village has an affordable housing trust fund but it hasn’t been used, therefore he would like to find a way to use that trust fund. Trustee Manganaro does not doubt Martin’s dedication but is struggling with this being the right commission for Martin. Martin emphasized that a commission of like-minded people will not result in the best outcomes. Trustee Zyck served on the Housing Commission for six years and he was surprised to see Martin as a candidate, knowing Martin’s background. Trustee Zyck agrees that different opinions are always good but wants the group to work together to make sure it continues to be a good group with a strong mission. Trustee Zyck asked Martin, given all of the boards and commissions of the Village, if this commission is the best fit for him. Martin explained that it is one of the best fits for him. There are other commissions where he could see himself serving, but this is absolutely in the top three. Trustee LaBedz said she is not afraid of someone who is willing to ask questions and there is a benefit to having conversations. She also served on this commission many years ago. Trustee Bertucci moved, seconded by Trustee LaBedz to concur in the Mayor’s appointment of Martin Bauer to the Housing Commission, term ending April 30, 2027. The following voice vote was recorded: 6 Ayes 2 Nays The motion passed. VI. OTHER BUSINESS - none VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS - Devin Grey said he will take any opportunity to address the Board regarding short term rentals. He grew up in Arlington Heights and cares about this community. The concerns he’s heard about short term rentals are: wrong groups coming in and buying property, difficulties in having affordable housing and creating a party atmosphere. He has a background in analytics so filed a FOIA to look at the criminal complaints with short term rentals over the past three years. He compared that to incidents at hotels and the hotels had more issues. He asked the mayor to form a task force and solve this problem. - An audience member asked that the Board allow time for public comment. VIII. ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Bertucci moved, seconded by Trustee LaBedz to adjourn. 4 Page 5 of 9 The meeting adjourned at 7:41pm. 5 Page 6 of 9  Committee of the Whole 5/4/2026 Item: Interview of Jeff Thiel for appointment to the Arlington Economic Alliance, term ending April 30, 2029 Department: Integrated Services Item Description: Jeff is the Vice President of Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital and has 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Using the experience gained throughout his career, he will be able to represent the interests and challenges of the Village's employers and health care sector, support leaders, teams and vendors related to the physical infrastructure required to operate a large and complex workplace, and provide a conduit between the hospital, the broader system, the community and the community leaders. ATTACHMENTS: None Page 7 of 9  Committee of the Whole 5/4/2026 Item: Interview of Charles Wilk for appointment to the Environmental Commission, term ending April 30, 2027 Department: Integrated Services Item Description: Charles has been a resident of Arlington Heights since 1986 and recently retired after working professionally in the fields of environmental protection and public health. He has extensive experience in Environmental Project Management, Waste Management Facility Permitting and Compliance, Contaminated Site Remediation, Pollution Prevention, Drinking Water and Waste Water Systems Operation and Industrial Hygiene. ATTACHMENTS: None Page 8 of 9  Committee of the Whole 5/4/2026 Item: Interview of Annabelle Finn for appointment to the Environmental Commission, term ending April 30, 2027 Department: Integrated Services Item Description: Annabelle is interested in pursuing a degree in a sustainability-related field. She is passionate about protecting the environment and is eager to learn and understand the environmental processes and goals that drive communities. ATTACHMENTS: None Page 9 of 9