Watch the meeting

The meeting is streamed live and rebroadcast on DGTV. Check your local cable provider for channel.

Past meetings can be viewed on the Village's YouTube Channel.

(Click the link at the top right of this page.)

Provide public comment

Public comment received via the electronic rEmarks form opens at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before a Village Council meeting and closes at 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Comments are forwarded to the Village Council prior to the meeting and published on the Village's website.

SUBMIT rEmarks

Supplemental Documents

1. rEmarks received for this meeting.
2. Council Questions for this meeting.

Meeting AGENDA

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Roll Call

1. A. Motion: Allowing for Electronic Participation for the June 17, 2025 Village Council Meeting

Minutes of Council Meetings

1. MIN 2024-10524 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - June 10, 2025

Public Comments

Opportunity for public comments of a general nature, not related to an item on this meeting's agenda.

In order to allow as many speakers as possible and in the interest of adjourning the meeting by 9:00 p.m., please limit comments to 5 minutes in length, unless further time is granted by the Mayor.

Consent Agenda

1. BIL 2024-10650 A. Bills Payable: No. 6878 - June 17, 2025
2. COR 2024-10651 B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6607, Payroll - May 30, 2025
3. RES 2025-10805 C. Resolution: Authorize the Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the Village of Downers Grove
4. RES 2025-10811 D. Resolution: Approve an Agreement with McKinstry Essention, LLC to Complete a Phase 1 Facility Condition Assessment and Maintenance Plan

Active Agenda

1. ORD 2025-10806 A. Ordinance: Authorizing a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Well House Replacement and Watermain Installation
2. RES 2025-10810 B. Resolution: Authorizing the Village Manager of the Village of Downers Grove to Execute Certain Documents Associated with IEPA Loan Agreement
3. MOT 2025-10791 C. Motion: Approve a Contract with H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water, Inc. of Plano, Illinois, for the 2025 Water Main Improvements Contract A
4. MOT 2025-10797 D. Motion: Approve a Contract with Manusos General Contracting, Inc. of Fox Lake, Illinois, for the 71st Street Well Rehabilitation Project
5. RES 2025-10804 E. Resolution: Approve an Amendment to the Contract with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) for the 71st Street Well Rehabilitation Project

First Reading

1. ORD 2025-10808 A. Ordinance: Approving an Amendment to Planned Unit Development #31 to Construct a Single-Story Credit Union with a Drive-Through - View Presentation.
2. ORD 2025-10807 B. Ordinance: Authorizing a Special Use for 1807 Butterfield Road to Permit a Drive-Through
3. RES 2025-10802 C. Resolution: Approve a Master License Agreement with Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC for Use of the Village's Rights-of-Way for the Installation, Operation and Maintenance of an Underground Fiber Optics Telecommunications System

Attorney's Report

Pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code, the following are presented for Village Council consideration:

1. An ordinance approving an amendment to Planned Unit Development #31 to construct a single-story credit union with a drive-through.
2. An ordinance authorizing a special use for 1807 Butterfield Road to permit a drive-through.

Manager's Report

1. REP 2025-10814 A. Report: Long Range Planning Discussion

Council Member Reports

Mayor's Report

Adjournment

1. Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

2. Roll Call

Council Attendance (Present): Mayor Barnett, Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Gilmartin, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Davenport, Commissioner Sarver, Commissioner Roe

Council Attendance (Not Present): None.

Non-Voting: Village Manager Dave Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, and Village Clerk Rosa Berardi

Mayor Barnett read a proclamation in honor of the Downers Grove Rotary GroveFest. He presented the proclamation to members of the Downers Grove Rotary Club.

Lisa Rasin, Chair of Rotary GroveFest, thanked the Mayor for the proclamation and spoke on behalf of the Club.

3. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10524 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - June 10, 2025

MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2025 as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

4. Public Comments

Joan McGuire suggested that Downers Grove support bringing a wax museum to the downtown area as a tourist attraction.

Janet Winngham thanked Staff for the Downers Grove Resource Guide online but expressed concerns with some of the information cited, in particular the average cost of homes in Downers Grove and the typical cost to a homeowner for water.

5. Consent Agenda

BIL 2024-10650 A. Bills Payable: No. 6878 - June 17, 2025

COR 2024-10651 B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6607, Payroll - May 30, 2025

RES 2025-10805 C. Resolution: Authorize the Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the Village of Downers Grove

RESOLUTION 2025-51

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSAL OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

RES 2025-10811 D. Resolution: Approve an Agreement with McKinstry Essention, LLC to

Complete a Phase 1 Facility Condition Assessment and Maintenance Plan

RESOLUTION 2025-52

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH MCKINSTRY ESSENTION, LLC

MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the June 17, 2025 Village Council Meeting, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

6. Active Agenda

Mayor Barnett explained that the items on the Active Agenda have been discussed at previous Village Council Meetings, some several times.

ORD 2025-10806 A. Ordinance: Authorizing a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Well House Replacement and Watermain Installation

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, as presented. ORDINANCE 6126

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

RES 2025-10810 B. Resolution: Authorizing the Village Manager of the Village of Downers Grove to Execute Certain Documents Associated with IEPA Loan Agreement

MOTION: To approve A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE TO EXECUTE CERTAIN DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH IEPA LOAN AGREEMENT L176103, as presented. RESOLUTION 2025-53

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

MOT 2025-10791 C. Motion: Approve a Contract with H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water, Inc. of Plano, Illinois, for the 2025 Water Main Improvements Contract A

MOTION: To APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH H. LINDEN AND SONS SEWER AND WATER, INC. FOR THE 2025 WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT A, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

MOT 2025-10797 D. Motion: Approve a Contract with Manusos General Contracting, Inc. of Fox Lake, Illinois, for the 71st Street Well Rehabilitation Project

MOTION: To APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH MANUSOS GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC. FOR THE 71ST STREET WELL REHABILITATION PROJECT, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

RES 2025-10804 E. Resolution: Approve an Amendment to the Contract with Engineering

Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) for the 71st Street Well Rehabilitation Project

MOTION: To approve A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES, INC. AND THE VILLAGE OD DOWNERS GROVE FOR REHABILITATION OF THE DOWNERS DRIVE WELL (NO. 9), FINLEY ROAD WELL (NO. 12) AND 71ST STREET WELL (NO. 14), as presented. RESOLUTION 2025-54

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Mayor Barnett

7. First Reading

ORD 2025-10808 A. Ordinance: Approving an Amendment to Planned Unit Development #31 to Construct a Single-Story Credit Union with a Drive-Through

ORD 2025-10807 B. Ordinance: Authorizing a Special Use for 1807 Butterfield Road to Permit a Drive-Through

Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented Items A and B via PowerPoint.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Sarver asked what the name of the credit union would be, to which Mr. Popovich responded that it is Green State Credit Union.

Commissioner Tully said both items meet the criteria for approval and are consistent with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan. He questioned if there were any concerns with Coopers Hawk patrons parking in the credit union parking lot since it is across the street. He also asked if there was consideration to allow the Cooper’s Hawk patrons to park in the lot during off hours. The petitioner was present and responded, stating that they do not foresee any issues as long as it does not interfere with the credit union customer parking or overnight snow removal.

Commissioner Gilmartin questioned whether this parcel was related to the mixed uses that were approved by the Council a few years ago in the Esplanade area. Mr. Popovich responded that, while it is within the Esplanade PU, it is not related.

Mayor Barnett said there are details pertaining to this item on pages 8-10 of the agenda packet linked online.

RES 2025-10802 C. Resolution: Approve a Master License Agreement with Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC for Use of the Village's Rights-of-Way for the Installation, Operation and Maintenance of an Underground Fiber Optics Telecommunications System

Manager Fieldman explained that a few Council members had concerns when this appeared on the agenda last, so he invited representatives from Ezee Fiber to this meeting to respond to Council concerns. He introduced representatives Greg Thomas, SVP and GM of Eeze Fiber. Mr. Thomas explained that informing both the Village Council and the members of the public before, during, and after the process of this project is of top priority. Mr. Thomas and an engineer, also with Eeze Fiber presented via PowerPoint, highlighting their top priority as customer service and communication with the public. They spoke of an article that was circulated regarding issues in the City of Albuquerque and explained what the issues were and how Eeze Fiber, along with multiple other providers, resolved them.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt raised concerns about potential issues with having multiple service providers working in Downers Grove, citing Albuquerque as an example, She asked how problems would be prevented. Ezee Fiber's representative explained what preventative measures would be taken and stated they are open to following any instructions the Village may have as well. She also emphasized the importance of preserving the biodiversity and root systems of trees and asked if Ezee Fiber would collaborate with the Village Forester to prevent issues. The representative explained it is their procedure to report root systems that are within an inch of their work area and shared how they handled such situations in the past.

Commissioner Sarver brought up concerns about underground water systems, electric fences, and protected wetlands. She asked about Ezee Fiber's awareness and precautions. The representative responded by outlining their planned steps and affirmed their willingness to follow any special Village guidelines.

Commissioner Roe asked what other municipalities in Illinois Ezee Fiber operates in, to which the representative said they are mainly active in DuPage and Cook Counties. He noted they began their work two months ago, with help from two local engineering firms. Commissioner Roe asked about their timeline. The Ezee Fiber representative estimated 18 months to complete work in the Village but emphasized adapting to the Village’s preferred pace. Commissioner Roe cautioned against multiple providers working in the same area simultaneously, referencing issues in Albuquerque. The representative agreed and explained their coordination process, including a ticketing system for addressing complaints promptly and transparently.

Commissioner Tully shared his appreciation of the dashboard view of complaints that had been shared and asked how Ezee Fiber handles reported issues. The representative emphasized a commitment to resolving issues quickly, even those they did not cause, and highlighted that early lessons have shown the importance of communication and careful work.

Commissioner Davenport said he appreciated the presentation provided by the representatives and the attention given to concerns from other communities. He asked how Ezee Fiber would avoid overlapping with other providers. The representative said overbuilding is unlikely, and they aim to bring competition, not redundancy. He shared they have informal agreements with other providers and rely on the Village’s permitting process to help manage coordination. He stressed that they avoid areas already served by multiple providers and can adjust building plans to prevent conflicts. Commissioner Davenport expressed concern over the potential for providers to rush into areas and cause complications, especially since the Village cannot legally deny access and stressed the need for coordination. The representative reassured the Council that Ezee Fiber operates in nearly 100 municipalities and is committed to providing whatever communication and coordination the Village requires.

Manager Fieldman said that this conversation has been helpful to Staff. He said the other providers that have presented to the Council have also said there will not be more than 2 providers working in one area at a time. He said Staff will check in with Albuquerque to see what the issues were and will keep the lines of communications open with other municipalities. He said Staff will keep an eye on work in wetland areas. He noted that communication is key and construction meetings will happen with all three providers.

Commissioner Gilmartin noted that MetroNet was also involved in the issues in Albuquerque and expressed agreement with Commissioner Davenport’s concerns. He emphasized the need for strong communication between providers, as it is a heavy burden for Village Staff to manage. He stressed the importance of consistency for residents and raised concerns about how only two providers would be selected for installation in certain areas. The Ezee Fiber representative said coordination is ongoing with both the Village and other providers, and they are open to assisting the Village as needed. Commissioner Gilmartin also asked about the scale of disruptions in residential areas. The representative said the process involves boring and restoration, explaining that most residents see impacts from equipment in front of their homes for 1-2 days. When asked about complaint calls, the representative said they receive roughly a 50/50 split between direct calls to Ezee Fiber and those that go to municipalities.

Commissioner Davenport inquired about the permitting process. Manager Fieldman clarified that permits will be issued according to code, and Staff will not determine which providers are chosen. He said permits will be issued in area increments, and that this is a learning process for Staff. Commissioner Davenport also asked if JULIE locate flags would be removed after work; the representative confirmed they would be, if the Village requested it.

Commissioner Davenport asked what sets Ezee Fiber apart from other providers. Mr. Thomas, said they offer easy, affordable, transparent, and fast internet, with lifetime pricing. He added they chose to do work in Illinois due to a large number of underserved homes.

Commissioner Tully thanked Commissioner Davenport for pausing the process to allow for this detailed discussion.

Mayor Barnett referenced the article about fiber installation issues in Albuquerque and noted that all 3 providers gave similar presentations. He asked what recourse the Village has if things go wrong, emphasizing the need for work to be done quickly and with minimal disruption. Manager Fieldman responded that the Village has a "Stop Work, Direct Work" process in place to halt and redirect work as needed. Mayor Barnett shared examples of resident concerns to illustrate potential problems.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked if the Village would have a single point of contact at Ezee Fiber. The representative confirmed that contact information, all the way up to the CEO level, would be provided. Commissioner Gilmartin also asked how Ezee Fiber’s service differs from current offerings. The representative explained that their fiber would enable advanced capabilities like high-quality video calling and future technologies not yet widely known or available.

8. Attorney's Report

Pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca presented the following for Village Council consideration:

1. An ordinance approving an amendment to Planned Unit Development #31 to construct a single-story credit union with a drive-through.
2. An ordinance authorizing a special use for 1807 Butterfield Road to permit a drive-through.

9. Manager's Report

REP 2025-10814 A. Report: Long Range Planning Discussion

Village Manager Dave Fieldman presented via a whiteboard. He explained this was a continued discussion of the Long Range Plan that was started at the last Council meeting by the Village Council. He explained there was a discussion about how the 2024 LRP goals relate to current goals. He spoke of the Resource Guide linked online and explained that it will be updated to reflect current information as the LRP process continues, noting that the median home value in Downers Grove would be listed as $475,000. He explained during the last discussion the Council Manager reviewed the 3 new possible revenue sources: vehicle stickers, a tax on streaming services, and Real Estate Transfer Stamps - which would require a referendum. He also spoke of the possibility of increasing the HRST, Food and Beverage Tax, Local Gasoline Tax and the Property Tax Levy. He reviewed the projected revenue streams and the level of administrative burden associated with each. Manager Fieldman said he would like to facilitate a Council discussion on the plan moving forward.

Manager Fieldman began the discussion with a review of an increase in the HRST. He reviewed Staff's plan and provided an explanation of the funds that the projected revenue stream would be applied to. He also spoke of the possibility of bond issuance.

Village Council Comments

Mayor Barnett thanked Manager Fieldman for the presentation and raised concerns about the growing financial burden on residents. He discussed the Village’s obligation to the Pension Stabilization Fund, the community’s demographics, and he proposed exploring an increase to the HRST to 1.5%, as recommended by Staff. He suggested possibly allocating $750,000 from this revenue into an endowment-like structure to invest for long-term growth - he emphasized that pension obligations are mandatory costs. He asked the Council if they were interested in having the Staff model this idea, noting that a similar approach called Pension Obligation Bonds was used by the City of Wheaton a few years ago.

Commissioner Tully commented that the ingress of revenue must be carefully analyzed before decisions are made regarding the egress of funds. Mayor Barnett emphasized that many of the Village’s expenditures are not discretionary. Commissioner Gilmartin supported the proposal as a way to stabilize the pension fund and reduce financial volatility.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said that she is not in favor of introducing vehicle stickers, a streaming tax, or real estate transfer stamps. She said she supports raising the HRST to 1.5% and the Food and Beverage Tax to 2%, noting that these taxes would be shared by both residents and visitors. She emphasized avoiding bond issuance due to economic uncertainty and preferred focusing on optimizing existing revenue sources over the next year. She also expressed comfort with setting a fixed amount for the pension stabilization fund. Manager Fieldman confirmed that her proposal was to increase the HRST and the Food and Beverage Tax, avoid issuing bonds, and use part of the increased revenue for the pension stabilization fund.

Mayor Barnett said with regard to the Village’s pension service, there is not much leverage aside from property taxes. He noted that Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt’s suggestion would help that.

Commissioner Sarver spoke about HRST and concerns with retail activity. She asked if this is truly a concern, noting that HRST remained stable during COVID. Manager Fieldman responded, sharing that the only time the Village underestimated revenue was following the Great Recession. He said that combining the current reserve and fund balance policy processes with the protections proposed by Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt would help mitigate risks.

Commissioner Gilmartin supported the Mayor's approach and expressed interest in learning more about Pension Obligation Bonds, referencing the City of Wheaton’s timing and success with theirs. He said he supports raising both the HRST and the Food and Beverage Tax. He would be open to new revenue sources but emphasized the importance of weighing administrative burdens, particularly noting concerns with the streaming tax. Manager Fieldman clarified that the administrative burden would decrease once systems are in place. Commissioner Gilmartin opposed raising the Gasoline Tax, but expressed interest in transparently linking Property Tax Levy increases to changes in the EAV of properties. He also acknowledged the value of a vehicle sticker program for data collection and EV incentives and was open to implementing Real Estate Transfer Stamps with more data from other towns.

Commissioner Tully agreed with the goal of minimizing the burden on residents. He also shared that he prefers addressing pension funding solely through the state-mandated Property Tax Levy. He opposed the implementation of vehicle stickers and the Gasoline Tax, and remained skeptical about Real Estate Transfer Stamps, noting that they would require a public referendum, so it could not be implemented this year. He supported further analysis of the streaming tax, as well as increasing the HRST to 1.5%. He cautioned that the HRST and the Food and Beverage Tax are sensitive to economic downturns and recommended only a modest Food and Beverage Tax increase—possibly 0.25%. He said he prefers avoiding new debt for now and recommended that any property tax increases be clearly tied to specific obligations or projects for transparency.

Mayor Barnett emphasized the need to minimize the financial burden on residents, noting that taxing based on EAV increases can mean taxing residents for unrealized gains. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt expressed concern that home values are rising faster than people’s incomes, and she prefers waiting a few more years before making significant changes. She emphasized maintaining the quality of life in Downers Grove.

Commissioner Gilmartin acknowledged past financial challenges, particularly around 2009-2010, sharing this was the first serious discussion the Council has had about long-term financial stability since then. He stressed the need to implement a system that smooths out financial fluctuations, even if changes are not immediate. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt agreed the Village should have a consistent, expected contribution to the Pension Stabilization Fund. Mayor Barnett reminded all of the progress made over the past six years to improve pension funding.

Commissioner Davenport clarified that his previous comments about capturing EAV growth were intended as an alternative to other revenue measures. He requested more information on Pension Stabilization Bonds, but expressed hesitation with increasing debt, citing the importance of maintaining the Village’s AAA bond rating. He also suggested coordinating with the Library to ensure their actions do not impact that rating. He showed interest in a streaming services tax, but noted that if one revenue source is added, another should ideally be removed.

Commissioner Gilmartin questioned whether such measures align with the Village’s objective.

Commissioner Davenport raised concerns about the reliability of revenue from a streaming tax. Manager Fieldman noted that a 5% tax on streaming services would mirror the existing 5% cable tax, and the streaming providers would collect the taxes from consumers. He added that past revenue sources, like the Comcast franchise agreement, ensured full community coverage - which is no longer the case, as those numbers have dropped considerably. He said Staff needs direction from the Council on whether to explore the streaming tax further.

Commissioner Davenport asked about the potential behavior of retailers if a Gasoline Tax of 1.5 cents per gallon were implemented, further asking whether they would round it up to 2 cents to increase profit. Manager Fieldman compared it to the collection of other taxes, which are typically calculated in fractions. The Mayor also for verification on the projected revenue, if it is increased from 1.50 cents to 2 cents. Manager Fieldman said he would check with Finance Director Robin Lahey and would report back to the Council.

Mayor Barnett noted the public’s interest in participating in gas station incentive programs to reduce gasoline costs. He suggested the Council consider eliminating the Gasoline Tax entirely and, in exchange, adjusting either the Food and Beverage Tax or the Home Rule Sales Tax.

Commissioner Roe stated that he does not support implementing a local Gasoline Tax or vehicle stickers, nor does he want to raise the Property Tax Levy - unless there is full transparency on the reason for an increase. He expressed support for raising the HRST to 1.5%. Regarding a streaming services tax, he said he wants to evaluate how other municipalities manage it and assess the ability to enforce. He said he is open to a Real Estate Transfer Stamp, if it goes to a public referendum. He said he is concerned about the issuance of bonds and about raising both the HRST and Food and Beverage Tax simultaneously.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked about the timing of potential tax increases. Manager Fieldman and Village Attorney Petrarca confirmed that HRST changes would take effect on January 1st, with the ordinance having to be filed by October 1st. Commissioner Sarver inquired about referendum timing, and Attorney Petrarca stated the next opportunity would be the March 2026 election, impacting the 2027 budget.

Commissioner Gilmartin emphasized the importance of mid- to long-term planning and noted that current assumptions are based on flat financial forecasts.

Commissioner Davenport voiced support for consumption taxes being spread to more than just the residents of Downers Grove and to tying the amount of money the Village spends on projects to the economic viability of things. Commissioner Tully reiterated the philosophy of funding projects only as the Village can afford them.

Commissioner Davenport added that flexibility in revenue is important. He suggested a careful, long-term approach, referencing the original 20-year long plan for the Guiding DG projects. He also suggested the idea of sunsetting new taxes that may be implemented.

Commissioner Tully said the Village has sunset certain taxes in the past and explained it is usually tied to a goal or objective and goes away once that is accomplished. Mayor Barnett added that sunsetting should apply only to revenue sources tied to projects with a defined timeline/end date. Manager Fieldman noted that both the HRST and Gasoline Tax previously had sunset provisions. Commissioner Davenport suggested applying a sunset clause on revenue sources tied to the completion of the Guiding DG projects, aligning with the proposal to consider bonds for those efforts.

Manager Fieldman summarized the Council's current positions: strong support for raising HRST to 1.5%, little support for traditional bonds, some interest in the future funding of the Public Safety Fund Pension Obligation - including Pension Fund Obligation Bonds, interest in exploring streaming services tax, and some openness to a discussion on the numbers attached to property tax rates versus flat levies.

Mayor Barnett shared his interest in discussing a possible increase in the Food and Beverage Tax, but was unsure if the rate should be increased to 1.75% or 2%. Commissioners Sadowski-Figitt, Davenport and Gilmartin agreed to continue the discussion, while Commissioner Tully expressed he was not interested. Manager Fieldman noted that Commissioner Roe had suggested considering HRST and Food and Beverage increases as a combined package.

Commissioner Sarver opposed vehicle stickers - they are too hard to enforce, said no to streaming service taxes, and expressed hesitancy about Real Estate Transfer Stamps - implementation would take two years. She supported raising the HRST to 1.5% and also supported a modest increase to the Food and Beverage Tax. She aligned with the rest of the Council with regard to bonds.

Manager Fieldman said that Village Staff had good direction from the Council. They would do their homework and report back to the Council at a later time.

Mayor Barnett told everyone watching to continue to follow this process.

Public Comments

Kylie Spahn, a resident, expressed she did not care for bond issuance or Gasoline Tax, she requested the Council’s consideration to license cannabis dispensaries and to charge developers a fee when removing trees, and suggested the HRST be kept within the same range of surrounding communities.

Janet Winningham returned to the podium and expressed concerns with charging Real Estate Transfer Stamps. She expressed concerns that it is not a good time economically to increase taxes.

Mayor Barnett recommended that anyone interested in this process look at the LRP Supplement Report for more information on the sales and food and beverage tax rates of surrounding communities. It is linked online. He said there is never a good time to raise taxes and reminded all that the Village is 60-70% payroll in order to provide services to the community. He explained that this process is for long term planning.

10. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Davenport thanked the Mayor for his closing comments. He reminded all that Rotary GroveFest would be running from Thursday 6/19 through the weekend. He encouraged everyone to attend.

Commissioner Roe said the Village would have a Social Services Tent set up on Sunday at Rotary GroveFest.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said there had been acts of political violence over the weekend and expressed her condolences to those affected by it. She acknowledged an organization called Trans Up Font Illinois. She encouraged those interested to go to transupfrontil.com for more information. She acknowledged that Juneteenth is approaching and provided the history behind it. She spoke of the Grove Foundation Golf Outing on September 6th.

Commissioner Sarver spoke of a heat problem in Las Vegas and noted the benefits of having trees to combat the heat.

Commissioner Gilmartin thanked the Council for the discussion and the thought that was put into finding potential solutions.

Commissioner Tully referred those looking for more information on the municipal revenue comparison to the LRP Supplemental Report Number 1 on page 5. He reminded all about the Rotary GroveFest and all the good work that the Rotary Club does. He encouraged anyone that would like to volunteer at the event to reach out.

11. Mayor's Report

There was no Mayor’s Report.

12. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To Adjourn the June 17, 2025 Village Council Meeting.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, Mayor Barnett

The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk