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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 September 2, 2025 Village Council meeting

Executive Session

1. A. Convene into Executive Session Pursuant to Section 2(c)(2) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to consider collective negotiating matters between the Village and it's employees or their representatives

Call to Order (Reconvene into Open Session)

Proclamations

1. A. Suicide Prevention Month
2. B. Hunger Action Month

Public Hearing

Minutes of Council Meetings

1. MIN 2025-10531 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - August 12, 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 2025-10838 A. Bills Payable: No. 6890 & 6892 - August 20, 2025 & September 2, 2025
2. COR 2025-10839 B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6617 & 6619, Payroll - August 8, 2025 & August 22, 2025
3. MOT 2025-10867 C. Motion: Approve a Contract with McGill Construction of Frankfort, Illinois, for 2025 Fall Patching
4. MOT 2025-10886 D. Motion: Approve a Joint Purchasing Agreement with Dell Technologies

Active Agenda

1. ORD 2025-10888 A. Ordinance: Amending the Provisions of Mayor Pro Tem

First Reading

1. ORD 2025-10872 A. Ordinance: Granting a Lot Reconfiguration with a Variation for the Properties Located at 4909 and 4915 Pershing Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois - View Presentation.
2. ORD 2025-10871 B. Ordinance: Vacating a Portion of an Unimproved Public Right-of-Way Adjacent to and between 5317 Washington Street and 5310 Lyman Avenue - View Presentation.
3. ORD 2025-10893 C. Ordinance: Amending the Home Rule Municipal Service Occupation Tax and the Home Rule Municipal Retailers Occupation Tax
4. ORD 2025-10894 D. Ordinance: Amending the Hotel Use Tax Rate

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 vacating a portion of unimproved public right-of-way adjacent to and between 5317 Washington Street and 5310 Lyman Avenue.
2. An ordinance granting a lot reconfiguration with a variation for the properties located at 4909 and 4915 Pershing Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois.
3. An ordinance amending the Home Rule Municipal Service Occupation Tax and the Home Rule Municipal Retailers Occupation Tax.
4. An ordinance amending the Hotel Use Tax rate.

Manager's Report

1. INF 2025-10892 A. Information: Boards and Commissions Discussion
2. REP 2025-10896 B. Report: Long Range Planning - 2025-2027 Priority Action Items

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 (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. Executive Session

A. Convene into Executive Session Pursuant to Section 2(c)(2) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to consider collective negotiating matters between the Village and its employees or their representatives.

MOTION: To convene into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c)(2) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to consider collective negotiating matters between the Village and its employees or their representatives. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by vote. MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin and Mayor Barnett

The Council convened into Executive Session at 6:02 p.m.

4. Call to Order (Reconvene into Open Session)

The meeting reconvened at 6:27 p.m.

5. Proclamations

Mayor Barnett read proclamations in honor of Suicide Prevention Month and Hunger Action Month.

A. Suicide Prevention Month

B. Hunger Action Month

Mayor Barnett read the proclamation.

6. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10531 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - August 12, 2025

MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes of August 12, 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

7. Public Comments

Marti Sladek, resident, shared that she recently stepped down from the Library Board of Trustees. She thanked the Council for giving her the opportunity to serve and encouraged members of the community to apply to serve on Village Boards and Commissions.

8. Consent Agenda

BIL 2025-10838 A. Bills Payable: No. 6890 & 6892 - August 20, 2025 & September 2, 2025

COR 2025-10839 B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6617 & 6619, Payroll - August 8, 2025 & August 22, 2025

MOT 2025-10867 C. Motion: Approve a Contract with McGill Construction of Frankfort, Illinois, for 2025 Fall Patching

MOT 2025-10886 D. Motion: Approve a Joint Purchasing Agreement with Dell Technologies

MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the September 2, 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

9. Active Agenda

ORD 2025-10888 A. Ordinance: Amending the Provisions of Mayor Pro Tem

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF MAYOR PRO TEM, as presented.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt *A roll call was not taken. This motion was not carried.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin said what began as an attempt to seat a Mayor Pro Tem and ensure future Councils do the same, led him to do some extra research on why his colleagues feel the way they do about this. He emphasized his intent was to do what is best for the Village and recognized that may not mean implementing his proposed changes. He argued that the Village Code does not grant the Mayor unilateral power to appoint a Mayor Pro Tem, stating that under a Council-Manager form of government, such an appointment must be confirmed by the Council. He further shared that under this form of government, the Mayor holds no more legislative or executive authority than any other Council member. He spoke about when the Municipal Code changed to what it is today, in 2001. He shared that documentation shows that the Village Attorney, at that time, clearly explained that the Council rules provided for the election of a Mayor Pro Tem by the Village Council, recognizing that any deviation from the Council election process could constitute a change in government structure, and that would require a binding public referendum. He pointed out that there was no documentation to support the Municipal Code change from a Council-elected Mayor Pro Tem to a Mayoral appointment, pointing out that there is no documented explanation for this change. He said he wants to defer to State law and make this a Council appointment, effective immediately.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt thanked Staff for their research and expressed support for returning this portion of the Municipal Code to what it was prior to 2001, further sharing that the changes made in 2001 reflect the style of governance she hoped to change when joining the Council. She noted there is no public record explaining why the 2001 changes went into effect and emphasized the need to prevent similar unclear changes in the future.

Commissioner Davenport said the process has been eye-opening and that he was surprised this issue had not come up in 24 years. He said he supported the Mayor’s choice of Commissioner Tully as Mayor Pro Tem and expressed regret that Commissioner Tully may have felt that his character was questioned. He thanked Commissioner Gilmartin for researching the issue and acknowledged the frustrations of other Council members. He said his perspective has shifted over time, but he thinks everyone is working toward the Village’s best interests. He also noted that State law already governs succession in a mayoral absence.

Commissioner Davenport then moved to substitute the pending motion with a motion repealing Section 2.17 of the Municipal Code in its entirety. Commissioner Gilmartin seconded the motion.

MOTION: To substitute pending motion with a motion TO REPEAL SECTION 2.17 OF THE DOWNERS GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Davenport

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin

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

MOTION: To adopt an ordinance TO REPEAL SECTION 2.17 of the DOWNERS

GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY, as substituted. ORD 6132

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

Commissioners Sadowski-Fugitt and Tully supported the repeal, with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt saying it removes politics from the situation and Commissioner Tully emphasizing the value of collaboration and consensus. Commissioner Tully also appreciated Commissioner Gilmartin’s research and saw the repeal as a positive step forward.

Commissioner Gilmartin added that, under State law, the repeal would take effect immediately. Village Attorney Petrarca confirmed this. He also recommended the Council elect a one year standing Mayor Pro Tem for consistency. Commissioner Tully said he is confident that the Council will be able to figure it out in advance of each meeting they know that the Mayor will be absent. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt agreed, sharing she does not think he is absent to the point that this would be an issue.

Mayor Barnett noted that a couple of weeks ago he reminded all that despite differences of opinions on the Council, there is good work being done. He reminded everyone that there are 7 people looking to do what is best for the Village.

10. First Reading

ORD 2025-10872 A. Ordinance: Granting a Lot Reconfiguration with a Variation for the Properties Located at 4909 and 4915 Pershing Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois

Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented this item via PowerPoint.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin said he thinks this makes sense, as it would render two of the three non-conforming lots conforming.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt asked how we got to three non-conformities to begin with.

Mr. Popovich said setback rules have changed over time. He noted that plats from the early-1900s are very unique.

Mayor Barnett noted that he has an older home and his lot is non-conforming. He said set-back and zoning changes happen over time.

ORD 2025-10871 B. Ordinance: Vacating a Portion of an Unimproved Public Right-of-Way Adjacent to and between 5317 Washington Street and 5310 Lyman Avenue

Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented this item via PowerPoint.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Davenport asked who had been maintaining the public alleyway. Mr. Popovich said the property owners that are adjacent to it have been maintaining. Commissioner Davenport said there are still easement rights across the property, and this just formalizes the practicality of what already exists.

Commissioner Sarver asked if people can still traverse across the property since there is a public easement. Attorney Petrarca said no and noted that it is possible that the property can now be enclosed.

Commissioner Davenport confirmed that the alley was supposed to have been extended years ago, but it never happened. He asked for confirmation that the Village has no plans in extending the alley.

Mr. Popovich confirmed there not.

Commissioner Sarver asked why there is not an option to extend the alley. Manager Fieldman said that it would be difficult to ask property owners to dedicate their property for this type of public use - the dedication typically happens as a part of a subdivision.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked if the vacations would involve the land being bought from the Village. Manager Fieldman said yes, pursuant to Village Policy. Commissioner Gilmartin agreed with this.

Commissioner Roe said this makes sense and only two neighbors wanted this to remain an alley way. He agreed with vacating the alleyway.

Commissioner Davenport said those neighbors can still travel north, but would now need to use the street.

Commissioner Tully agreed with this and said this is a classic example of the Village’s right-of-way and vacation policy.

Commissioner Sarver asked if there would be any detriment to the adjacent landowners. Mr. Popovich responded no because there are other access points for them to traverse.

ORD 2025-10893 C. Ordinance: Amending the Home Rule Municipal Service Occupation Tax and the Home Rule Municipal Retailers Occupation Tax

ORD 2025-10894 D. Ordinance: Amending the Hotel Use Tax Rate

Village Manager Fieldman explained that both items C & D were discussed during the financial portions of Long Range Planning. He explained these are considered sustainable revenue sources and are being presented by Staff at the direction of the Council. This includes an increase in the Home Rule Sales Tax from 1% to 1.5% effective January 1, 2026 and an increase in the Hotel Use Tax Rate from 4.5% to 5.5%, with a similar effective date. He explained if adopted by the Council, these items would need to be filed with the State by the October 1st deadline, in order to begin collecting the Home Rule Sales Tax in January.

Public Comments

A resident asked where the hotels in Downers Grove that generate money are located. The Mayor said there are about 8 hotels and there will be a list included with next week’s agenda materials.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin said with regard to the Hotel Tax, it was noted at the Economic Development Corporation meeting that DuPage County hotels - and more specifically Downers Grove hotels - are doing quite well.

Several members of the Council noted support for this item. Also noting that it has been discussed at length at previous Village Council meetings.

11. 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 vacating a portion of unimproved public right-of-way adjacent to and between 5317 Washington Street and 5310 Lyman Avenue.
2. An ordinance granting a lot reconfiguration with a variation for the properties located at 4909 and 4915 Pershing Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois.
3. An ordinance amending the Home Rule Municipal Service Occupation Tax and the Home Rule Municipal Retailers Occupation Tax.
4. An ordinance amending the Hotel Use Tax rate.

12. Manager's Report

Mayor Barnett said this is the portion of the meeting that includes discussions that will happen at the back of the Council Chambers. The Council took a break at 7:28 p.m. to get settled into the back of the room. The meeting reconvened at 7:35 p.m.

INF 2025-10892 A. Information: Boards and Commissions Discussion

Mayor Barnett explained the agenda materials included an outline of how Village Boards and Commissions currently operate.

Operate Efficiently

The Mayor started the conversation by stating that boards and commissions are rarely asked to generate their own agendas, and that is what drives the meeting frequency and efficiency.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said she fears only having four or five meetings a year could be causing the Village to miss out on community engagement, and this may be the Council’s opportunity to change that. She said she sees increasing the activity of Village boards and commissions as an opportunity to involve more community members and gather broader input.

Commissioner Sarver asked if it would be a hard culture to infiltrate if people already on the boards and commissions know that is the norm.

Commissioners Sadowski-Fugitt and Gilmartin noted that current board and commission members have expressed a desire to meet more frequently.

Commissioner Davenport supported the idea in principle, but stressed that it is the Council’s responsibility to guide and assign meaningful tasks to these groups, particularly with the current LRP efforts and those of Council’s moving forward. He highlighted the importance of strategic direction and proper utilization of appointed members.

Commissioner Tully pointed out that the Village already has more boards and commissions than neighboring communities. He emphasized the importance of managing expectations, setting clear tasks and timeframes, and coordinating with Staff and liaisons to ensure alignment. Mayor Barnett added that boards and commissions should proactively offer input on what they would like to address in their agendas, making them more active participants in the planning process.

Commissioner Gilmartin emphasized that the Village already has several detailed plans that offer plenty of work to its boards and commissions. He said it makes sense to liken these groups to "antennas" to the community and expressed concern that some, like the Technology Commission, had not met at all in several years. He suggested improvements such as regular reporting to the Council, manuals, and evaluations. Commissioner Gilmartin stressed the importance of balancing engagement with autonomy through clear communication.

Mayor Barnett agreed, noting the need to better manage the process and ensure boards and commissions have what they need to be effective. Commissioner Gilmartin proposed this effort could be driven by Priority Action Items.

Commissioner Davenport added that if structured well, this approach could save the Council time and lead to more effective outcomes. He and Commissioner Gilmartin also pointed out that boards and commissions could help the Council “divide and conquer” tasks, especially when guided correctly.

Commissioner Tully noted that eight of the Village boards and commissions are statutorily required and have certain work that must be completed. Commissioner Gilmartin suggested the focus for reform should be on the non-statutory boards and commissions, where there's more flexibility to innovate.

Commissioner Davenport reflected on his time serving on the Building Board of Appeals, noting it only met once during the time he served, which he noted is a good thing as it means the community is compliant with Codes. He noted that the recent merger of the Plan Commission with the Zoning Board of Appeals could serve as a model for evaluating whether other boards might also be combined.

Commissioner Sarver added that if infrequent meetings indicate things are running smoothly, then perhaps it is acceptable for some statutory commissions to rarely meet.

Mayor Barnett agreed, but stressed that what is currently missing is consistent input from boards and commissions. He expressed support for finding a structured, systemic way to engage these groups more regularly.

Commissioner Tully pointed out that expectations for each board may differ depending on their purpose, as some are driven by petitions or specific issues, which impacts how often they need to meet.

Commissioner Roe proposed an annual gathering of all boards and commissions and the Village Council to share insights and feedback.

Commissioner Gilmartin supported the idea of aligning the work of boards and commissions with Priority Action Items and suggested looking into how other municipalities handle this. He cautioned against a patchwork approach. With the Comprehensive Plan update now complete, he said this could be a good time to move forward and expressed he thought this should be considered a Priority Action Item. Commissioners Tully and Roe agreed that this would be an undertaking, with Commissioner Roe adding that a collaborative process between the Council, Staff and the boards and commissions is important to do this the right way.

Appointment Process

The Commissioners discussed the value of having professionals with relevant expertise on Village boards and commissions. Commissioner Gilmartin emphasized the importance of prioritizing professional experience in board and commission appointments, though he acknowledged the risk of experts dominating discussions.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt agreed but suggested limiting expert members to one or two per board to help explain technical issues, without overpowering the group. Mayor Barnett and Commissioner Sarver supported the idea of having at least one expert per board, with Mayor Barnett adding that most of the boards already have at least one member who is somehow connected either in education, or profession, to the activities of the board/commission.

Commissioner Davenport noted that only a few boards require the appointment of experts. Mayor Barnett acknowledged the difficulty of consistently appointing specific experts.

Several Commissioners called for better recruitment strategies to improve board effectiveness, with Commissioner Gilmartin proposing the creation of a code of conduct with conflict-of-interest guidelines.

Commissioner Tully asked Staff if similar material was already provided during orientation. Attorney Petraraca confirmed that new appointees receive a binder with the Code of Ethics and the Open Meeting Act guidelines.

Commissioner Gilmartin said attendance expectations should be discussed.

Commissioner Roe affirmed that this rises to the level of a Priority Action Item.

Council Member Participation Discouraged

The Council discussed the role of Council members attending and participating in board and commission meetings.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt felt Council members should be encouraged to attend.

Commissioner Tully expressed concern about the potential for Council members to unintentionally influence discussions. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality and suggested that guidelines, or a code of conduct, could address this.

Commissioner Davenport proposed allowing attendance, but limiting participation, a suggestion that the Council agreed upon.

There was broad support for increasing transparency by recording and televising more meetings, such as those of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation and Design Review Board and the Liquor Commission. The Council agreed that making meetings available to watch on YouTube would benefit both the public, and Council members, who prefer to watch on their own time. Commissioner Tully noted that some boards, like the Fire Pension Board, may be inappropriate to record.

Staff as Subject Matter Experts and Liaisons

Commissioner Tully said Council liaisons to boards and commissions are a good way to relay information to the Council and support stronger communication. However, he said if the board and commission meetings are televised, this may not be necessary. Commissioner Gilmartin asked if this would replace the Staff liaisons and Commissioner Tully responded no, because Staff has a participating role.

Commissioner Davenport said he is okay with only televising the meetings. Commissioner Gilmartin raised concerns about the time commitment of Council liaisons. Commissioner Davenport felt that televised meetings provide a sufficient connection, and that the Council can collectively stay informed without assigning individual liaisons.

Appointment Process

Commissioner Gilmartin said it is important that as commissioners they understand not only the appointment process but also the removal process of board members. He shared he thinks it is important to continue the current appointment process - with the Mayor providing a suggested list of candidates for appointments to the Council. The Council agreed with continuing the current process.

Removal Process

Commissioner Davenport said he wished he had more knowledge and guidance in this process before having gone through it last year, opining there should be some sort of baseline for it.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said a code of conduct would help with this process.

Commissioner Sarver asked if the words “for cause” could be added with a list of causes, with a catchall at the end of the list. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt and Tully disagreed.

Commissioner Davenport agreed that a code of conduct would help to establish a baseline for all the members.

The Mayor stressed the importance of leaving the removal process to the Council “at will”.

The Council agreed to having a Code of Conduct of sorts in the new member binder/handbook, so that the new members understand what is expected of them.

The Mayor agreed that this should rise to the Priority Action Item level.

Additional Commissioner Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin then advocated for adding a member of the Council, beyond the Mayor, to the boards of both the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Downtown Management Corporation (DMC). He expressed concerns with the Village funding the organizations, while the Council has limited influence - especially with the EDC.

Mayor Barnett explained the EDC's origins as a former Village Commission, and noted its bylaws were updated recently. Commissioner Tully added that the EDC operates differently from other Village entities and suggested Commissioner Gilmartin review its board selection process. The Mayor concluded that if boards and commissions become a Priority Action Item, the topic will see deeper discussions.

REP 2025-10896 B. Report: Long Range Planning - 2025-2027 Priority Action Items

Manager Fieldman explained that the Long Range Plan (LRP) is a combination of the Strategic Plan and the Financial Plan. He provided a list of the goals of the LRP. He said the Priority Action Items (PAI) become the Council’s work plan that drives the Village’s budget. The budget is not prepared until the PAIs are in place. He explained that under the previous work plan, the Council asked Village staff to take on more than they have in the past. Using a white board, Manager Fieldman presented a list of potential PAI’s to the Council This list was also included in the agenda packet materials. He said this exercise is used to come up with the Council’s expectations and work load for Staff. Manager Fieldman asked that this list be less heavy than the previous list. He explained that the PAI are numbered in the packet but the numbers are not intended to prioritize the items.

Mayor Barnett invited the Council to provide additional items to the suggested PAI list.

Commissioner Sarver proposed exploring limits on commercial landscapers operating on private property.

Commissioner Davenport suggested revisiting the 2017 stormwater regulation that imposes fees and regulations for projects that are over 400 square feet, suggesting an amendment to the rule based on lot size, rather than project size. He also noted how well the Village’s stormwater infrastructure has performed during recent heavy rains. Manager Fieldman concurred with the Commissioner and shared that recent storms exceeded 2010 levels. He clarified that Commissioner Davenport’s requested amendment was to tweak the thresholds currently listed Manager Fieldman added the item to the potential PAI list. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt cautioned that any changes to stormwater rules would be complex and require careful consideration.

Commissioner Gilmartin spoke to the enhancement of the Village’s social services system, noting a rising demand for the Village Social Worker. He emphasized the need to explore staffing, partnerships, and technological solutions - particularly AI - to close service gaps and improve outcomes. He also raised the potential of AI to improve operations and communication, while noting that AI’s environmental impacts should be considered as well.

Manager Fieldman stated that Staff is currently working on developing an AI policy. Commissioner Gilmartin noted that Village information is public and suggested the use of AI to make things easier to find. He also proposed creating a new Community Grants Program and endorsed the implementation of the 75th and Lemont focus area plan.

Commissioner Davenport inquired about the Joint Ad Hoc Committee report from the Library Board of Trustees and Village Council. Manager Fieldman confirmed it would be presented by Commissioners Sadowski-Fugitt and Tully at the next Village Council Meeting.

Commissioner Davenport also suggested an annexation initiative. Manager Fieldman noted that all properties that are eligible for annexation by ordinance have already been incorporated into the Village.

Commissioner Davenport suggested adding the following to the PAI list: Relocating the Fleet Maintenance Garages to the Public Works building, and improving Village communications and community engagement/feedback - potentially including AI.

The Mayor concluded the discussion by requesting that each Council member identify their top 10–15 priority items and bring their list to the next discussion. He said this would be the start to the attempt to narrow the PAI list into a work plan. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt asked if Staff could help determine which items are appropriate as New Business Items, as opposed to PAIs. Manager Fieldman said Staff may follow up with Council members regarding the new suggestions. Staff will then put a list together for the Council to review.

Commissioner Gilmartin noted that a majority must agree on what makes the final list and suggested exploring ranked-choice voting. Commissioner Roe supported the idea of comparing Council member lists before proceeding. Manager Fieldman emphasized the need for a unified discussion among all seven Council members and confirmed Staff will organize all items for consideration.

Manager Fieldman said the Council still has work to do and that the discussion will continue at the September 16 Village Council meeting.

Public Comment

Ken Lerner spoke of the Private Tree Protection Ordinance that was on the last PAI list, but was later removed due to capacity issues. He spoke to the importance of including it on this list and requested the Village pursue it.

Louise Kelly also spoke about the Private Tree Protection Ordinance. She sang lyrics from the song Big Yellow Taxi.

An unnamed resident returned to the podium and spoke about how the Oak trees in her yard attracted her to purchase her home in Downers Grove. She requested the Council help to preserve the trees in Downers Grove.

Linda Shranz, a resident, commended the Council for condensing the list four years ago. She also commended Staff for working through the list.

An unnamed resident suggested the Council look past a Private Tree Ordinance and consider a Tree Canopy Ordinance. He said the Council should consider the Village’s stormwater management and the entire community’s urban forest.

An unnamed resident also spoke to the importance of narrowing the Priority Action Item list and having community engagement during the process.

13. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt spoke about the Suicide Prevention Month proclamation and shared that she recently attended the opening of the DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center in Wheaton. She spoke about the services and resources they have available and noted they are for people age 5 and up. She also spoke about the Grove Foundation annual Golf Outing this Saturday, sharing it is sold out but raffle tickets are still available - information can be found at birdys.com/grovefoundationgolf.

Commissioner Tully invited everyone to enjoy the Downtown Fine Arts Festival this weekend, September 6-7.

14. Mayor's Report

There was no Mayor’s Report.

15. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To Adjourn the September 2, 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 9:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk