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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 August 5, 2025 Village Council Meeting

Minutes of Council Meetings

1. MIN 2024-10528 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - July 15, 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 2025-10833 A. Bills Payable: No. 6886 - August 5, 2025
2. COR 2025-10834 B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6613 & 6615 - Payroll, July 11, 2025 & July 25, 2025
3. RES 2025-10860 C. Resolution: Approve a Three-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and the Illinois FOP Labor Council Effective May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2027
4. MOT 2025-10868 D. Motion: Approve a Contract with Acura, Inc., of Bensenville, Illinois, for the Traffic Signal Modernization Project
5. RES 2025-10865 E. Resolution: Approve a Contract with H&H Electric Company for Traffic Signal and Street Light Equipment
6. MOT 2025-10866 F. Motion: Approve a Contract with Davis Concrete Construction of Monee, Illinois, for the 2025 Block Retaining Walls Replacement/Rehabilitation Project

Active Agenda

1. ORD 2025-10823 A. Ordinance: Increasing the Number of REC-1 and R-3 Liquor Licenses
2. ORD 2025-10830 B. Ordinance: Updating the Village's Comprehensive Plan

Manager's Report

1. REP 2025-10873 A. Report: Discussion of the Evaluation and Potential Improvements at the Washington Street and BNSF Railroad Intersection - View Presentation.
2. REP 2025-10870 B. Report: Long Range Planning Discussion - View Presentation.

Council Member Reports

Mayor's Report

Adjournment

1. Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

2. Roll Call

MOTION: To Allow for Electronic Participation for the August 5, 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, Roe, Sarver, Davenport and Mayor Barnett

Council Attendance (Present): Mayor Barnett, Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Gilmartin (Electronic Participation), 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

3. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10528 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - July 15, 2025

MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes of July 15, 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, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin and Mayor Barnett

4. Public Comments

Janet Winningham, resident, spoke of the Governance portion of the July 15th Council meeting and emphasized the importance of public comments during Village Council meetings. She also expressed concerns of false narratives being included in the Comprehensive Plan.

Clorinda Greco, business owner, shared her concerns regarding transparency surrounding the bids submitted for the Main Street Train Station Project and about the Mayor ProTem appointment process.

5. Consent Agenda

BIL 2025-10833 A. Bills Payable: No. 6886 - August 5, 2025

COR 2025-10834 B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6613 & 6615 - Payroll, July 11, 2025 & July 25, 2025

RES 2025-10860 C. Resolution: Approve a Three-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and the Illinois FOP Labor Council Effective May 1, 2024 - April 30, 2027

RESOLUTION 2025-58

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A THREE-YEAR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE ILLINOIS FOP LABOR COUNCIL EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2024 - APRIL 30, 2027

MOT 2025-10868 D. Motion: Approve a Contract with Acura, Inc. of Bensenville, Illinois, for the Traffic Signal Modernization Project

RES 2025-10865 E. Resolution: Approve a Contract with H&H Electric Company for Traffic Signal and Street Light Equipment

RESOLUTION 2025-59

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF QUOTES AND ADDENDUM THERETO ISSUED BY H&H ELECTRIC COMPANY TO THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

MOT 2025-10866 F. Motion: Approve a Contract with Davis Concrete Construction of Monee, Illinois, for the 2025 Block Retaining Walls Replacement/Rehabilitation Project

MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the August 5, 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, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin and Mayor Barnett

6. Active Agenda

ORD 2025-10823 A. Ordinance: Increasing the Number of REC-1 and R-3 Liquor Licenses

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF REC-1 AND R-3 LIQUOR LICENSES, as presented. ORDINANCE 6130

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

ORD 2025-10830 B. Ordinance: Updating the Village's Comprehensive Plan

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE VILLAGE’s COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, as presented. ORDINANCE 6131

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

Mayor Barnett explained that this Comprehensive Plan was a continuation of the planning process that was started in 2011, was updated in 2017 and was being updated again at this time. He explained the Village processes and requirements that revolve around new developments, and spoke in particular to Ogden Avenue and right-of-ways. He referred to a diagram of West Ogden Ave shown in the updated Comprehensive Plan. This diagram shows Woodward and Wilson as closed off. He explained it is a graphical description of the policy the Village has had in place for 14 years. It is a geographical representation of West Ogden Avenue and reflects the idea that the Village is open to the idea of lot consolidations or street closures to encourage future developments. He said it could have shown a number of other streets that are located off of Ogden Avenue.

Public Comments

Valarie Janx requested the Council not include the proposal to open Grant Street in the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Barnett explained that the direction of the Council on July 15th was that Grant Street be left as is and it would not be addressed again unless a request is made by a developer.

Robin Tryloff expressed her appreciation to the Village Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and Village Staff for their decision regarding the Prince Pond neighborhood.

John LeDonne expressed his gratitude to the Council for their work to preserve the Prince Pond neighborhood. He explained their next priority is to change the zoning at the corner of the neighborhood from DT to residential.

Liz Arnold shared that she lives at the corner of Stonewall and Grant. She requested that the Council not include right-of-way vacations as a part of the Comprehensive Plan and spoke of a petition signed by residents of this area.

Griffin, a 9 year old resident, requested that Wilson and Woodward not be closed to help avoid excess traffic on Stonewall.

Nicole Joyce, resident of the Stonewall area, spoke of the right-of-way vacations shown as examples at Wilson and at Woodward and requested only a general statement be included on the Comprehensive Plan and not a diagram.

Jeff O’Brien, resident on Wilson Avenue, said he is concerned with the conceptual drawing in the Comprehensive Plan.

Mimi Modica thanked the Council for their work on the Strategic Plan and requested the Council take up the topic of affordable housing to allow for economic accessibility in the housing in Downers Grove.

Bill Ulrich, resident and member of Accessible DG, thanked the Council for their work on the Plan. He spoke to Section 5 with regard to affordable housing and requested that individuals with disabilities and their families also be acknowledged and addressed. He also requested bonuses be offered to developers of projects that offer supportive services.

Jay Rios, resident and member of Accessible DG, expressed concerns about the affordability of housing in Downers Grove.

Rick Hall, resident of Curtiss Street, expressed concern about the affordability of homes in Downers Grove and about the term “transitional” areas used in the Comprehensive Plan.

Jolie Fredette, resident of Stonewall Avenue, explained she is working with Village Transportation Manager Emily Ericson about making changes on Stonewall because of the narrow street. She requested the Council add speed bumps and speed limits on Stonewall and not make it a through street.

Art Fletcher, resident of Stonewall, requested the Council not make Stonewall a through-street. He spoke to verbiage in the Plan and how it relates to the Stonewall area.

Tom Drennan, resident, agreed with the previous comments made regarding Wilson and Woodward. He also spoke of concerns with having a through street from Belmont Avenue to Lee Street.

Pete Van Hecke, resident of Grant Street, spoke against making it a through street and of a petition not to make Grant a through street.

Greg Riser shared that he lives on Stonewall and agreed with the residents that spoke previously.

Will Kupisch, resident of Grant and teacher/coach at North High, asked that the Council respect the requests of the residents not to make Grant Street a through street.

Kent Conness requested Grant Street not become a through street. He provided the Council with a petition signed by the residents.

Roland Brocker, resident of Pershing, agreed that Grant Street should not become a through street.

Mayor Barnett thanked all that came to express their concerns.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Tully began by thanking all the residents who attended the meeting and acknowledged the concerns shared by the community. He clarified that the motion on the table pertains to the entire Comprehensive Plan, which applies to the whole community. He extended his appreciation to Village Staff and everyone involved in its creation. Having participated in three updates to the Plan, he recognized the significant effort it takes and emphasized its importance in maintaining Downers Grove as a thriving community. Commissioner Tully explained that the Comprehensive Plan serves as a visionary guide to inform future possibilities, but does not automatically enact any changes or vacate properties. He stressed that any future proposals would go through the proper Village channels, including public input and Staff review. He specifically addressed concerns about Grant Street and referenced the Council’s July 15th discussion agreeing to keep the street unchanged until a development proposal arises. He also suggested possibly amending the diagram on pg. 71 of the Plan to replace shaded areas with a textual reference to Village policy and asked fellow Council members for their thoughts on that change.

Commissioner Tully made a motion to amend the motion to approve the updated Comprehensive Plan - to remove the highlighted area on the diagram on pg. 80 of the agenda packet and replace it with text referring to Village policy. Commissioner Davenport seconded the motion. A vote was not taken.

Commissioner Gilmartin expressed concern that altering the shaded area linked to a focus area could change the overall vision for that section of the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Barnett questioned whether Commissioner Tully's proposed change could be implemented, emphasizing the challenge of aligning visual elements in the Plan with existing policy.

Manager Fieldman stated that Staff could revise the Plan to reflect Village Policy in both text and diagram form without highlighting specific streets.

Commissioner Gilmartin agreed with this approach, clarifying that it would not alter policy and that developers could still propose projects involving those areas. He said he supports the change as long as everyone understands that the Village Policy remains unchanged.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt added that public concerns, especially regarding traffic impacts, are important and should always be addressed. She emphasized that any future developer interested in focus areas must demonstrate that their plans will not negatively affect surrounding neighborhoods, and that community input is and will continue to be a key part of the process.

Commissioner Davenport thanked Staff and the public for their work and input on the Comprehensive Plan. He said he agreed with Commissioner Tully’s comments and believed that some concerns could be addressed by adding the words “potential” or “proposed” to the language on pages 80 and 81 of the packet, to make it less definitive. He emphasized that the Council prioritizes pedestrian and traffic safety and referenced past examples, like the Andy’s Frozen Custard development, where neighborhood input shaped the outcome. He reiterated his opposition to making Grant Street a through-street and assured residents there are no plans to use eminent domain. He also mentioned that current planning efforts aim to avoid situations like what happened with the Longfellow property.

Commissioner Tully supported adding “potential” to clarify the intent of the Plan.

Commissioner Gilmartin stated he would support the amendment if the Council was aligned. He added that he does not support closing the streets mentioned or opening Grant. He confirmed that this does not change the Village Policies. Commissioner Gilmartin said his vote would support the broader vision the Council has developed over the past 18 months, which is intended to serve all residents and provide flexible options for future implementation. He thanked Staff, consultants, former commissioners, and residents for their contributions to the Plan.

Mayor Barnett asked for the diagrams on pages 71 and 72 of the Plan to be more generic - removing the closure of the streets and vacation references, and under commercial lot expansion include some sort of link to the Village’s Vacation Policy on the Ogden Avenue Plan. Manager Fieldman said Staff has no concern about the Vacation Policy but noted that Staff has not looked at the 1997 Ogden Avenue Plan in a long time and expressed his hesitance to directly referencing it. Commissioner Tully said to link it to the existing policy, not the Ogden Avenue Plan. Manager Fieldman said that would be doable.

Commissioner Tully amended his previous motion to amend, revising the amendment to reflect the changes to the Comprehensive Plan as described by Mayor Barnett. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt seconded the motion.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt expressed her appreciation to the public for all of their comments about affordable housing. She asked those that are a part of Accessible DG to send emails to her so they can speak before the Council starts their work on Affordable Housing. She also thanked Staff, fellow commissioners and former commissioners for their work on the Comprehensive Plan.

Commissioner Tully said there is a lot to be proud of with this Comprehensive Plan.

Manager Fieldman thanked the Council and Staff for their work on the Plan. He thanked the Council for their work as the steering committee. He called out Community Development Director Stan Popovich for being Hercules in this herculean effort.

7. Manager's Report

REP 2025-10873 A. Report: Discussion of the Evaluation and Potential Improvements at the Washington Street and BNSF Railroad Intersection

Engineering Director Scott Vasko presented this item via PowerPoint. Manager Fieldman explained that Staff is looking for general concurrence from the Council and unless there were any objections, Staff would take the steps as outlined by Mr. Vasko.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Sarver inquired about the difference between a detectable warning and a standard warning. Mr. Vasko explained that detectable warnings are textured/bumpy surfaces, typically meant to assist visually impaired individuals.

Commissioner Davenport expressed support for the current proposal, viewing it as a sensible first, and possibly final step to this process, with the option to reevaluate later.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt also supported the proposal and noted mixed feedback from a recent discussion with Staff, adding that she favors testing temporary fencing to help direct pedestrian flow.

Commissioner Tully acknowledged the lack of a complete solution, but supported Staff's recommendations. He advocated for a review after 6-months and emphasized that safety should not be compromised due to cost.

Commissioner Sarver appreciated the evolving nature of the plan and suggested that future commuter trends continue to be evaluated that could lend to other suggestions in the future.

Commissioners Roe and Gilmartin echoed support for Staff’s plan and agreed to a 6-month reevaluation. Commissioner Gilmartin also asked about possible seasonal commuter variations and pointed out that changes may not be measurable until spring.

Mr. Vasko outlined that striping and signage could be implemented in the fall, while lighting and sidewalk updates would most likely follow in the spring.

Commissioner Gilmartin reiterated the importance of evaluating the changes once they are in full effect and the volume of commuters is comparable, in the spring. He also shared his support for temporary fencing and thanked the residents for their input, sharing he looks forward to this being a safer intersection.

Mayor Barnett asked how the effectiveness of the proposed improvements would be measured. Manager Fieldman responded that data on crashes, commuter volume, and vehicle flow would be compared to pre-improvement conditions.

Mayor Barnett asked what specific data would indicate success, Manager Fieldman added that some of the evaluation would also rely on anecdotal evidence and video footage.

Commissioner Tully noted that a key indicator of improvement would be whether cars are no longer backing up onto the track waiting for pedestrians to cross.

Mayor Barnett acknowledged this is the second version of improvements for the intersection and cautioned that the next iteration might not be ideal either. He expressed interest in a light signal as a potential solution to control vehicular traffic until pedestrians are clear of the intersection, although he was unsure of its feasibility or effectiveness. He said he believes the proposed queueing arrangement could help the situation.

Manager Fieldman concluded by thanking the Council and assuring them that Staff would continue to provide updates to both the Council and the public.

REP 2025-10870 B. Report: Long Range Planning Discussion

Manager Fieldman presented this item via PowerPoint. He explained that there are six key trends and issues. He provided a summary of the potential strategies that have been put into the Long Range Plan after the last three Village Council meeting discussions and calls with each of the Council members.

Mayor Barnett asked about the State’s Home Rule Sales Tax Deadline. Manager Fieldman said it is October 1st and that the Legal Department could have an Ordinance drawn up and ready for approval in early September. He said if approved, it would go into effect on January 1, 2026.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Davenport expressed full support for the proposed plan, praising its creativity and minimal impact on residents.

Commissioner Gilmartin was less enthusiastic, but acknowledged that the plan reflects a strong Council consensus. He emphasized the importance of having these types of discussions annually and expressed a desire to move away from relying on a single major adjustment, advocating instead for smaller tweaks over multiple areas.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt noted current economic uncertainty and voiced support for the Sales and Hotel Taxes. She spoke of her initial discomfort with raising electricity and natural gas taxes, though she is now open to further discussion on those options.

Commissioner Davenport added that while he is not excited about raising taxes, he believes this is a solid starting point and appreciates having other fiscal options available for the future, if needed.

Manager Fieldman thanked the Council and said that further long-range planning discussions, including priority action items and governance, will continue and should be finalized in September.

Public Comments

Janet Whittingham returned to the podium and spoke to the LRP. She expressed her disagreement with a possible increase to utility taxes and thinks the increase should be to the Food and Beverage Tax. She requested the Council take a conservative approach to making improvements and provided suggestions for improvements at the Washington Street Railroad Crossing.

Tom Drennan returned to the podium and spoke to the Comprehensive Plan and removing the blue line on pg. 71 referring to opening Grant Street.

8. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt reminded all about the Grove Foundation Golf Outing on September 6th.

Commissioner Sarver commented on the work being done on Dunham - replacing the non-handicapped accessible triangle area - and the work on the Jefferson path. She shared that everything looks great and that the workers have been considerate of the neighborhoods.

Commissioner Tully announced there are 324 days until Rotary Grove Fest.

9. Mayor's Report

There was no report.

10. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To Adjourn the August 5, 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, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin and Mayor Barnett

The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk