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 September 9, 2025 Village Council Meeting

Proclamations

1. A. National Preparedness Month

Public Hearing

1. A. Public Hearing: Proposed Annexation Agreement for the Property Located at 5724 Lomond Avenue - View Presentation.

Minutes of Council Meetings

1. MIN 2024-10532 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - September 2, 2025
2. MIN 2025-10901 B. Minutes: Executive Session Meeting Minutes for Approval Only - September 2, 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 2025-10847 A. Bills Payable: No. 6894 - September 9, 2025
2. RES 2025-10897 B. Resolution: Approve the Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the Village of Downers Grove
3. MOT 2025-10898 C. Motion: Authorize the Execution of the Authorization Form for the Intergovernmental Agreement between DUCOMM and the Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) for Replacing Fire Department Radios

Active Agenda

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
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
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
5. ORD 2025-10879 E. Ordinance: Establishing Regulations for Micromobility Devices

First Reading

1. RES 2025-10878 A. Resolution: Approve an Annexation Agreement for the Property Located at 5724 Lomond Avenue
2. RES 2025-10880 B. Resolution: Annexing 100 39th Street to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois (Talon Preserve) - View Presentation.
3. ORD 2025-10882 C. Ordinance: Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, to Designate the Property at 100 39th Street as Planned Unit Development #72 (Talon Preserve) - View Presentation.
4. ORD 2025-10881 D. Ordinance: Rezoning Certain Property Located at 100 39th Street (Talon Preserve) - View Presentation.
5. RES 2025-10883 E. Resolution: Approve a Plat of Subdivision for 100 39th Street (Talon Preserve - Planned Unit Development #72) - View Presentation.
6. RES 2025-10884 F. Resolution: Approve a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC (Talon Preserve) - View Presentation.
7. MOT 2025-10899 G. Motion: Direct Staff to Negotiate a Solid Waste Contract

Manager's Report

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 annexing 100 39th Street to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois (Talon Preserve).
2. An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, to designate the property at 100 39th Street as Planned Unit Development #72 (Talon Preserve.)
3. An ordinance rezoning certain property located at 100 39th Street (Talon Preserve).

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 (Electronic Participation), Commissioner Gilmartin, Commissioner Tully (Electronic Participation), 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

A. Motion: Allowing for Electronic Participation for the September 9, 2025 Village Council Meeting

MOTION: To Allow for Electronic Participation for the September 9, 2025 Village Council Meeting, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

AYES: Commissioners Gilmartin, Davenport, Roe, Sarver, and Mayor Barnett

3. Proclamations

A. National Preparedness Month

Mayor Barnett spoke about a situation that happened in town and stressed the importance of being prepared and having regular communication with neighbors, friends and relatives. He then read a proclamation in honor of National Preparedness Month.

4. Public Hearing

A. Public Hearing: Proposed Annexation Agreement for the Property Located at 5724 Lomond Avenue

Mayor Barnett called the Public Hearing to order at 7:07 p.m. He provided a summary of the Public Hearing procedures. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Village Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented the item before the Council. There were no public or Council comments. The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

5. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10532 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - September 2, 2025

MIN 2025-10901 B. Minutes: Executive Session Meeting Minutes for Approval Only - September 2, 2025

MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes and Executive Session Meeting Minutes of September 2, 2025, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

6. Public Comments

Janet Winningham, a resident, spoke about a dangerous situation she experienced at the intersection of Warren and Washington and she encouraged other members of the public to inquire about the progress made by the Village with this intersection’s improvements.

7. Consent Agenda

BIL 2025-10847 A. Bills Payable: No. 6894 - September 9, 2025

RES 2025-10897 B. Resolution: Approve the Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the Village of Downers Grove

RESOLUTION 2025-62

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

MOT 2025-10898 C. Motion: Authorize the Execution of the Authorization Form for the

Intergovernmental Agreement between DUCOMM and the Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) for Replacing Fire Department Radios

MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the September 9, 2025 Village Council Meeting, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

8. Active Agenda

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

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A LOT RECONFIGURATION WITH A VARIATION FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 4909 PERSHING AVENUE AND 4915 PERSHING AVENUE, DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS, as presented. ORDINANCE 6133

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

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

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE VACATING A PORTION OF AN UNIMPROVED PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO AND BETWEEN 5317 WASHINGTON STREET AND 5310 LYMAN AVENUE, as presented. ORDINANCE 6134

RESULT: Motion carried 6-1 by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

NAYS: Commissioner Sarver

Mayor Barnett noted that this item needed at least 6 affirmative votes to pass.

Public Comments

Dave Dipple, resident on Washington Street, requested the Council vote against this. He said this area has been in place for over 75 years and stressed the importance of keeping this public right-of-way as is.

Chris Jenson, shared that his property backs up against Mr. Dipple’s. He concurred with Mr. Dipple’s comments.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt empathized with the residents that were in attendance. She noted this is a purchase with no utilities being moved. She shared that this is something that Village staff takes seriously.

Commissioner Tully shared he understands this brings criticism and uncertainty. He spoke of the Village’s Vacation Policy and explained that its primary goal is to be objective and fair. He noted that the people that live adjacent to this property brought this forward. He said the reality of this is that the vacation of this will not affect the ingress/egress of this area.

Commissioner Davenport added that the utility easement will continue to exist where it is currently. He also empathized with the idea of change. He said that the Council takes each request on a case-by-case basis and considers all aspects of each request.

Mayor Barnett said all of the Council members understand that change affects everyone in the community, especially when the change is to property near their home. He spoke to changes being made to certain public property when the Council feels there is no longer a long-time public use. He shared that most people do not know that most of the work done in the community is to protect the environment.

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

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE HOME RULE MUNICIPAL SERVICE OCCUPATION TAX AND THE HOME RULE MUNICIPAL RETAILERS OCCUPATION TAX, as presented. ORDINANCE 6135

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin pointed out that the Village’s overall sales tax is being raised to 8.5% and is consistent with several other DuPage County municipalities. He said these funds will be leveraged for Village projects and that the Council and Staff will keep on it moving forward.

Mayor Barnett said Commissioner Gilmartin’s points were important. He said there has been a lot of work that has been done by this Council over the past several months and this will minimize the effect on Downers Grove homeowners. He encouraged residents to read the agenda materials for clarification.

Commissioner Davenport spoke of all of the projects on the horizon and said he thinks this is a better option to generate revenue than some of the others that were discussed.

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

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE HOTEL USE TAX RATE, as presented. ORDINANCE 6136

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin said this is another option to generate revenue that will have less impact on residents. He said he supports this.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt shared that this will affect her family that lives out of town when they come to visit and she still supports it.

ORD 2025-10879 E. Ordinance: Establishing Regulations for Micromobility Devices

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR MICROMOBILITY DEVICES, as presented. ORDINANCE 6137

RESULT: Motion carried 4-3 by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

AYES: Commissioners Sarver, Davenport, Tully, and Sadowski-Fugitt

NAYS: Commissioners Gilmartin, Roe and Mayor Barnett

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Roe raised the need to better define electric scooters in the ordinance, noting that current rules prohibit scooters operating over 10 mph. He pointed out that many adults responsibly use e-scooters for commuting, which often reach speeds over 10 mph.

Commissioners Gilmartin and Davenport supported Commissioner Roe’s proposal, with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt agreeing but emphasizing that e-scooters should be limited to streets and shared-use paths, and not allowed on sidewalks.

Attorney Petrarca confirmed that the Village can regulate e-scooters under Home Rule, sharing that low speed e-scooters are allowed in the current draft ordinance on sidewalks, shared use paths and the street. She said the Council would need to advise on regulations for high-speed e-scooters and if they would be the same as low speed e-scooters.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt expressed interest in allowing high-speed scooters, but not on the sidewalks.

Commissioner Tully expressed openness to future regulations to accommodate Commissioner Roe’s request, but preferred not to implement changes now without clear definitions in place. He suggested passing the current ordinance and allowing Staff the opportunity to draft the appropriate regulations, allowing the Council to amend the ordinance at a later date. The Council and Village Staff agreed.

Mayor Barnett reminded the public that regulations approved at this time can be revised by the Council at future meetings.

Attorney Petrarca asked the Council to expand on the desired regulations.

Commissioner Roe requested that the revisions encompass scooters that go to speeds of up to 25 mph and make them allowable on shared use paths and sidewalks. He opined this would incentivize the use of e-scooters and also be consistent with promoting Guiding DG.

Commissioners Roe, Sarver, Sadowski-Fugitt, Tully, and Davenport agreed that e-scooters should be allowed on streets and shared-use paths, but not on sidewalks. Commissioner Gilmartin supported the proposal but suggested allowing e-scooters on sidewalks and asked to revisit the issue at a later date.

Commissioner Gilmartin also raised the topic of pedal-assist e-bikes, suggesting they should be allowed on sidewalks to improve bike accessibility and safety. He argued that most e-bike accidents involve cars or battery issues, not pedestrians, and said sidewalk access could make Downers Grove more bike-friendly, if paired with public education. He pointed out that Glen Ellyn already allows this and asked the Council to reconsider the sidewalk restriction.

Commissioner Davenport clarified that Commissioner Gilmartin was only referring to allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on sidewalks. He raised concerns about enforcement, noting it would be difficult for police to distinguish between e-bike classes 1,2 and 3. He suggested having a blanket rule to not allow e-bikes on sidewalks is simpler and safer, especially considering children may be riding them. Commissioner Davenport said he supports passing the regulations as drafted and shared that with public education, he thinks the regulations will be easily enforceable. He shared he would be open to revisiting the e-bike and e-scooter issues later.

Mayor Barnett questioned the opposition to e-bikes on sidewalks, comparing them to human-powered bikes. He said the Village is still far from being truly bike-friendly and supported Commissioner Gilmartin’s position, expressing confusion over the resistance to slower e-bikes being allowed on sidewalks.

Commissioner Sarver responded that she does not want any bikes, electric or not, on sidewalks. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt emphasized the speed difference between human-powered and electric bikes, preferring to err on the side of caution for now and not allowing e-bikes on the sidewalk.

Commissioner Tully supported passing the current ordinance and revisiting the e-bike issue at a late time for possible refinements. He acknowledged the need for future adjustments as the community adapts.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked for clarification on whether there are age restrictions for riding Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, to which Attorney Petrarca confirmed there are none.

Commissioner Gilmartin shared that his 12-year-old owns an e-bike and said he would prefer his child ride on the sidewalk rather than in the street. He referenced comments made by Chief Devries that enforcement issues have not involved low-speed e-bikes and suggested enforcement could occur after incidents, when bike classes can be identified because they are stopped. He expressed concern about requiring children to ride e-bikes in the street and reconsidered his support of the current ordinance.

Commissioner Roe agreed with allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on sidewalks, noting some Downers Grove streets are unsafe for bikers.

Commissioner Sarver disagreed, and Commissioner Davenport acknowledged mixed feelings, saying he sympathizes with pedestrians who do not want to share sidewalks with bikes, but he is also unsure about e-bike rules. He suggested e-bike users stick to quieter streets for now.

Commissioner Tully said the Council will likely revisit this in about six months and clarified they are not encouraging e-bike use for children, but also not banning it. Mayor Barnett opposed the ordinance, saying it missed key opportunities, including accommodating low-speed e-bikes on sidewalks. He also reiterated that past enforcement issues involved illegal or high-speed bikes, not the type being discussed.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt added that other municipalities have revised their regulations on e-bike use and noted that many kids are returning to using regular bikes. She cautioned against assuming that all children now use e-bikes.

9. First Reading

RES 2025-10878 A. Resolution: Approve an Annexation Agreement for the Property Located at 5724 Lomond Avenue

Manager Fieldman explained that this item was already presented during the Public Hearing.

RES 2025-10880 B. Resolution: Annexing 100 39th Street to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois (Talon Preserve)

ORD 2025-10882 C. Ordinance: Amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, to Designate the Property at 100 39th Street as Planned Unit Development #72 (Talon Preserve)

ORD 2025-10881 D. Ordinance: Rezoning Certain Property Located at 100 39th Street (Talon Preserve)

RES 2025-10883 E. Resolution: Approve a Plat of Subdivision for 100 39th Street (Talon Preserve - Planned Unit Development #72)

RES 2025-10884 F. Resolution: Approve a Subdivision Improvement Agreement with M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC (Talon Preserve)

Manager Fieldman explained that items B-F would be presented together, as they are all in regard to the same property. Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented this item via PowerPoint.

Public Comments

Alan Koren, President of the Saddle Brook Community Association in Oakbrook, just north of the proposed subdivision, said they are in favor of the annexation. He thanked M/I Homes for how accommodating they have been with the homeowners in terms of buffers. He expressed concerns with the soil causing algae in ponds and explained that this subdivision is tributary to the west pond. He requested the Village require M/I Homes allow the Association the rights to test the west pond for algae before and during the construction process.

Bob Iverson shared he is also a board member of the Saddle Brook Community Association and a resident of the area. He asked that the Council make the sampling of the west pond water prior to the start of construction a condition of the agreement with M/I Homes.

Janet Winningham returned to the podium and said that this is a great parcel to build on. She expressed concerns with the size and look of the homes pictured on the rendering, sharing they did not have enough character and warmth.

Commissioner Davenport expressed strong support for the proposed development, calling it a great addition to Downers Grove. He noted that homes priced between $1.2-1.6 million are unlikely to sell unless they are of high quality. He inquired about the homeowners association that is being created and asked if it is typical to have an HOA given the layout of the homes within the subdivision. He also asked if the purpose of the HOA is to maintain common areas, including stormwater maintenance.

Mr. Popovich confirmed the layout is typical for Downers Grove. He explained the Village is working with M/I Homes to develop an SSA to cover the cost of maintaining those areas, in the case that the HOA does not. Mr. Popovich explained the SSA process would come into play after this process.

Commissioner Davenport also addressed concerns about stormwater detention, noting that the proposed system is designed to exceed minimum requirements. He asked about the pond mentioned during public comment and whether Staff was aware of related concerns.

Mr. Popovich confirmed Staff was aware but deferred to M/I Homes for details. Scott Baron, with M/I Homes clarified the pond is located in Talon Preserve’s property and not on Saddle Brook Community Association’s property. He emphasized that M/I Homes is coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions, has proper IEPA permits, and is taking additional measures to ensure the right steps are taken. He noted that the request for onsite water testing was not initially made directly to them, the issue was raised at the Plan Commission.

Further questions from Commissioners Davenport and Roe led to explanations about drainage improvements. Mr. Baron and Brian Reticheck, an engineer from SPACECO, Inc, detailed how water currently drains and how it will be managed once detention basins are installed. They also noted that the Village of Oakbrook has reviewed and approved the drainage plans near the 38th Street area.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt expressed appreciation that M/I Homes went above and beyond when it came to stormwater and added her excitement at the use of native plantings. She said she wished the homes were more affordable; however, she acknowledged the development fits the area and voiced her support.

Commissioner Tully also supported the project, noting that since the Village is landlocked, developments like this allow for unique planning tools and analysis. He praised the collaboration with Oakbrook and affirmed support for the Special Service Area (SSA), adding that the Plan Commission had already approved the project.

Commissioner Roe inquired about the office hours and construction phasing. Mr. Baron responded that the sales office would be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and outlined plans to begin stormwater and underground utility work soon, with road construction starting in spring. He said they aim to finish well within the four-year window.

Commissioner Roe also asked about the hours of the office mentioned in the proposal. Mr. Barron explained the hours are typically 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Commissioner Roe asked about the phasing of the project, to which Mr. Barron explained. Commissioner Roe then spoke about Cumnor Road and asked about Cumnor Road, to which Mr. Baron confirmed this project would be making it safer and more efficient. Commissioner Roe asked how many trees would be added in the project, to which Mr. Baron could provide an exact number but noted that there was an upsize 50 trees and added 15 more as part of their plan. Commissioner Roe asked how many trees would be added in the project, to which Mr. Baron did not have an exact number, but he noted as a part of the plan 50 trees were upsized and an additional 15 more were added as part of the plan.

Commissioner Sarver inquired about the construction plans regarding wetlands, considering the Federal Courts recently agreeing with the EPA’s relaxation on wetlands. Mr. Baron assured the Council that the area is designated as a wetland preservation, approved by DuPage County.

In response to Commissioner Davenport’s question about minimizing disruption to existing residents during water service reconnections, Mr. Baron explained the work would avoid trenching across 39th Street, with minimal impact limited to small pits in parkways.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt thanked the developer for prioritizing wetland preservation and naturalizing them..

MOT 2025-10899 G. Motion: Direct Staff to Negotiate a Solid Waste Contract

Village Manager Fieldman explained that this is a Priority Action Item. Deputy Village Manager Mike Baker explained the history on this item, including a request for proposals that resulted in the submission of 5 proposals. He turned the presentation over to Village Sustainability Coordinator Jason Michnick. Mr. Michnick reviewed the proposals submitted, which were included in the agenda materials.

Mr. Baker said that Staff is available to respond to any questions the Council may have. He shared that representatives from some of the companies that submitted proposals were in the audience. He also said that any questions that could not be answered at this meeting would be submitted to the vendors directly, with those responses being included with next week's Village Council meeting materials.

Village Council Comments

Mayor Barnett opened the discussion by clarifying the goal of the meeting was to ask questions and gather clarifications on the proposed waste hauler contract options.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked if LRS’s fourth option was year-round, and Staff confirmed it only applied during yard waste season, though negotiations were possible.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt emphasized the importance of sustainability in the selection process and expressed strong support for LRS, noting their environmental practices, energy-efficient facility, and alignment with Village values. She acknowledged their pricing is higher but believes it is worth negotiating, particularly for option 2, and suggested it may be time to move on from Republic Services. She also advocated for senior discounts.

Commissioner Tully echoed appreciation for going out to bid and said the top priority is maintaining a high service level. He supported options that align with the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan and was particularly interested in LRS’s organic recycling program. He said he supports “pay-as-you-throw” but remains cautious about fully moving away from Option 1 - a sticker program for those that do not have much to throw away.

Commissioner Sarver stressed balancing environmental goals with affordability, especially for seniors and residents relying on the sticker program.

Commissioner Davenport raised concerns about compost participation and potential issues with misuse of recycling under “pay-as-you-throw.” He questioned the effectiveness of the sticker program and voiced skepticism about programs like Amnesty Day, preferring alternatives like drop-off and recycling events as recommended by the ECC. He shared concerns with the SBC and Waste Management proposals, and found Groot options 2–3 as possibilities. He said he liked the consistency that Republic Services offers. He concluded that a deal with Republic might still offer the best balance if additional costs bring added value.

Commissioner Gilmartin thanked Staff for their clear presentation and said he is focused on two main options: Republic Services Option 1 (sticker-based) and LRS Option 4 (which bundles yard and organic waste, ideally offered year-round). He acknowledged Republic has provided reliable service, but believes LRS is aligned with the Village’s environmental goals. He noted the price difference between LRS and Republic is smaller than it appears, at roughly $3 more per resident for LRS - he cautioned against judging value solely on cart usage numbers.

Commissioner Roe framed the decision as one of value versus service. He asked for Staff’s feedback on how many seniors use the sticker program, and expressed concern that extra fees might discourage composting and other green initiatives. He favored cart-based programs with added services, and confirmed with Mr. Baker that most additional benefits are tied to those programs. He questioned whether dropping “pay-as-you-throw” would ultimately lead to better overall service for residents.

Mayor Barnett raised concerns about how residents currently handle electronics and hazardous waste, and whether shifting to different waste programs would improve or worsen that. He compared Republic’s Options 1 and 2, noting that Option 1 could be more costly and might subsidize sticker users. He expressed interest in “Waste Not, Want Not” but had questions about its cost and implementation. He requested data on sticker and cart usage, as well as insight into why Groot and Waste Management no longer offer “pay-as-you-throw”. He wanted a way to quantify the organizational sustainability efforts of each bidder.

Commissioner Davenport emphasized the importance of protecting seniors from cost increases. He agreed that sticker users are indirectly subsidized by others and noted that sticker-based routes are less efficient. He expressed concern that LRS’s 35-gallon bin option would be restricted to seniors, potentially limiting choices for other residents.

Mayor Barnett and Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt both expressed opposition to continuing Amnesty Day. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt asked Staff to clarify whether vendors sort through items for recycling during that event. She also emphasized the need for senior discounts and flexibility in container sizes.

Commissioner Tully agreed, saying service level and alignment with the Village's Environmental Sustainability Plan are top priorities. While he said he is not a fan of Amnesty Day, he acknowledged that many residents expect it. He urged open public feedback before making changes, especially if moving away from the popular sticker program.

Commissioner Gilmartin clarified that LRS Option 4 does not cost more and shared his support for its environmental benefits, such as bundled composting and yard waste services. He said while the sticker program is often favored due to cost and its perceived impact on reducing waste, moving toward a system that reduces landfill use better aligns with Village goals. He supported rethinking Amnesty Day if the materials are handled in an environmentally responsible way and recommended the Village negotiate with LRS for senior and low-income discounts.

Mayor Barnett requested clarification on specific elements of LRS Option 4 and Amnesty Day from the agenda materials and agreed with Commissioner Gilmartin that the tradeoffs are worth exploring further.

Commissioner Davenport expressed skepticism about the assumption that “pay-as-you-throw” reduces waste and said switching from stickers to carts would cost him more per month. However, he acknowledged the cart program may offer more value and expressed interest in LRS despite the cost.

Commissioners Sadowski-Fugitt and Tully were both interested in LRS Option 4’s potential to allow two bulk items per week for recycling, which could influence their support.

Commissioner Gilmartin also requested Staff investigate how vendors would verify eligibility for senior and low-income discounts.

Public Comment

Steve Ruffolo expressed concerns with the proposals and also provided suggestions for the Council to consider that align more with the Village’s environmental sustainability efforts.

Shawn Flood, President of SBC Waste Solutions, said his company takes customer service as a high priority. He said as the lowest responsive bidder and requested the Council contact communities they currently service as references. He said the transition process could take as little as 2 weeks and provided some of the benefits of using SBC Waste Solutions.

Brian Flood with SBC Waste Solutions expressed his disappointment that the Village did not interview them or check their references. He stressed the exceptional service his company provides to their residents.

John Molnar with Groot Services thanked Staff. He spoke of the work Groot does in the immediate area and spoke to the benefits of using Groot Services, including options with a senior discount, composting and e-waste disposal.

Josh Connell with LRS thanked Staff and the Council. He spoke of the facility they just built and spoke of food scrap composting being a part of their program, adding in the possibility of this being year round.

Tish Powell, Manager of Sales with Republic Services, spoke about the exceptional service they have provided the Village over the past 17 years. She highlighted a smaller cart option for seniors and low volume users, the option to recycle food scraps year round, and she noted that Republic has pledged to provide $5k a year toward the Village’s sustainability efforts.

Mayor Barnett said the Village Council gets into a lot of details to try to best serve the community. He said the allegation, made by SBC Waste Solutions, that the Village Council had a rehearsed meeting is offensive. He said the Council will continue the discussion until they are comfortable with choosing the best option.

10. Manager's Report

There was no Manager’s Report.

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 annexing 100 39th Street to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois (Talon Preserve).
2. An ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois, to designate the property at 100 39th Street as Planned Unit Development #72 (Talon Preserve).
3. An ordinance rezoning certain property located at 100 39th Street (Talon Preserve).

12. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt thanked those who supported the Grove Foundation Golf Outing and shared they likely have broken a record for support.

Commissioner Tully shared there are 289 days left until Rotary Grove Fest.

Commissioner Davenport encouraged people to attend District 58’s Oktoberfest this upcoming weekend, September 12 and 13.

Commissioner Roe said that a resident reached out about a malfunction of one of the Village’s tornado sirens. He reminded the residents that if they see something, they should say something.

13. Mayor's Report

Mayor Barnett shared his report during First Reading.

14. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To Adjourn the September 9, 2025 Village Council Meeting.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk