Wheeling trustees approve consent agenda, Comcast franchise, tax incentive renewal and special-use request

The Village of Wheeling Board of Trustees on March 3, 2025 approved a multi-item consent agenda and several individual measures, including a 10-year franchise renewal with Comcast, a Cook County class 7C real-estate tax incentive renewal for District Brew Yards and a special-use approval for Rico's Boxing at 500 Harvester Court, Suite 3.

Clerk Brady read the consent agenda, which the board said it would enact in a single motion unless an item was removed for separate consideration. The consent package included grants, equipment purchases and construction contracts totaling several million dollars, notably:

- A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sustained traffic enforcement STEP grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation for $125,457 (federal fiscal year 2025). - Purchase of 20 Dell Pro rugged mobile data terminals and 20 bridgpoint routers up to $120,427. - Purchase of ZOLL X series defibrillators and related equipment, plus an auto pulse device, not to exceed $135,700.67. - Public bid contract with Arkon Construction Company Inc. for 2025 manhole rehabilitation, not to exceed $166,470. - Purchase of water meters and related parts from Core & Main, not to exceed $60,000. - Renewal contract for crack sealing program, not to exceed $65,000. - Consulting agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD for stormwater master plan, $119,865. - Asphalt surface treatment program under Corrective Asphalt Materials LLC, year 2 not to exceed $990,000. - Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) street improvement program contract with Builders Paving LLC in the amount of $1,966,623.88, and associated construction engineering and inspection contracts ($139,355 for inspection services; other MFT resolution reference: section 20-4-98-00RS of the Illinois Highway Code). - Acceptance of the 2025 Community Block Grant Program application and certification of matching funds contingent on Cook County approval and other technology/maintenance contracts totaling the amounts read into the record.

Trustee Papantos moved the consent agenda; Trustee Rufado seconded. Roll-call votes recorded “yes” from Trustee Vito, Trustee Papantos, Trustee Vogel, Trustee Repatta, Trustee Lang, Trustee Raffato and President Horker. The motion carried.

Other votes and actions at the meeting included:

- Rico's Boxing (500 Harvester Court Suite 3): The board approved a special-use permit (docket PSU25-1) to allow the existing business to expand beyond a previous cap of 12 students per class. Planner/Presenter (recorded as Mr. Clicker) explained the business growth and that the Planning Commission recommended approval. Trustee Papantos moved to approve and Trustee Rufado seconded; roll-call was unanimous in favor.

- District Brew Yards (700 N. Milwaukee Ave): The board approved a Cook County class 7C real-estate tax assessment classification renewal for the property known as District Brew Yards. Economic development staff noted the owner, identified as Steve Sobel, completed investments exceeding $2,100,000 and cited operating challenges including reassessment and inflation. Trustee Lang moved to approve; board vote recorded all yes.

- Comcast franchise renewal: The trustees approved an ordinance renewing a nonexclusive 10-year franchise agreement with Comcast of Illinois XI, LLC, extending the franchise into March 2035. Village staff said the agreement is largely unchanged from the prior franchise, continues to permit a 5% franchise fee on Comcast gross revenue in Wheeling and retains minimum service obligations; the franchise is nonexclusive. Trustee Papantos moved to approve; roll-call was unanimous.

- Executive session: The board recessed into executive session for employee and collective negotiating matters and adjourned from the executive session; no further public business was conducted after the closed session.

The board also set a brief recess for refreshments and public notices included a reminder that in-person voter registration ends March 4 and that online registration is available through March 16; mail-ballot applications must be returned to Cook County by March 27.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (regular meeting of 02/03/2025): approved (roll-call yes). - Consent agenda (multiple resolutions and purchases listed above): approved (roll-call yes). - Rico's Boxing special-use (docket PSU25-1): approved (roll-call yes). - District Brew Yards Cook County class 7C renewal (700 N. Milwaukee Ave): approved (roll-call yes). - Comcast of Illinois XI, LLC franchise renewal (10-year ordinance through March 2035): approved (roll-call yes). - Motion to recess to executive session for personnel/collective negotiation matters: approved (roll-call yes).