Stephen Capela

The meeting included a segment honoring the retiring Village Manager, Juliana Maller, for her 13 years of service, highlighting milestones such as economic development readiness, strong fiscal health, infrastructure improvements, and the completion of projects like Fire Station 16 and the stabilization of the Hanover Square Shopping Center. A proclamation was also noted for Bob Weiner, who is retiring after 53 years of service related to water management. The board presented to the ILCMA regarding Juliana Maller's contributions. Key agenda items involved approving the consent agenda items (7 A1 through 7 A12, 7 A14, and 7 A16). Furthermore, the board voted on and passed a resolution to suspend the permit of the Bartlett Hanover Park Sports Association for use of the village sports complex due to non-compliance with the lease, primarily lack of insurance. The board also discussed an ordinance amendment (7815) regarding the composition of the Police Pension Fund Board trustees, specifically addressing residency requirements for appointed members, as the current structure results in very few, if any, residents serving on the board.

The Village of Hanover Park's 2026-2029 strategic plan aims to build a strong and resilient future through responsible resource management and community investment. The plan focuses on five strategic priority goal areas: Financial Health, Focused Economic Development and Redevelopment, Maintain and Enhance Infrastructure, Community Image and Identity, and Effective Governance. Key outcomes include attracting and retaining talent, addressing financial obligations, strengthening the local economy, enhancing quality of life through infrastructure, and fostering community pride through engagement and inclusivity.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call, followed by the acceptance of the agenda. Key discussions revolved around a proclamation for Small Business Saturday, recognizing local enterprises and encouraging residents to shop locally. A significant portion of the meeting addressed public comments regarding community concerns, specifically related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, fear within the immigrant community, and the need for due process and fair path to citizenship, leading to a resolution supporting these concepts and regulation of village property use. Additionally, the President's report highlighted positive community developments, including a federal grant awarded to a local business, recognition received by Hanover Highland School, and the grand opening of a new hair salon. The meeting concluded with the approval of items on the consent agenda.

The Development Commission's regular meeting included several public hearings regarding proposed amendments to the Village Zoning Code. Key discussions involved amending regulations to permit some Level 3 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations as accessory uses by right, subject to criteria such as serving four or fewer vehicles or being located on parking spaces exceeding Code minimums. Another public hearing focused on Village Center Zoning Code amendments, specifically to clarify that driveways approved through a Minor Design Exception are exempted from primary frontage calculations, and to allow for greater balcony façade coverage (up to 50%) while permitting architectural support columns. The Commission also reviewed ongoing development updates.

This strategic planning and goal development update for the Village of Hanover Park outlines a structured, forward-looking approach to clarifying the organization's long-term vision, defining its purpose, and aligning its work with community expectations. The plan ensures the Village remains focused, accountable, and prepared for future challenges and opportunities. It is built upon five key strategic priority goal areas: Financial Health, Enhance and Maintain Infrastructure, Focused Economic Development and Redevelopment, Community Image and Identity, and Effective Governance. The overarching goal is to reaffirm and refine the Village's vision for the future and establish both short-term and long-term objectives.