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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.

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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 16, 2025 Village Council Meeting

Proclamations

1. A. Constitution Week
2. B. National Good Neighbor Day
3. C. United Against Hate Week

Minutes of Council Meetings

1. MIN 2024-10533 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - September 9, 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. COR 2025-10840 A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6621, Payroll - September 5, 2025
2. BIL 2025-10848 B. Bills Payable: No. 6896 - September 16, 2025
3. RES 2025-10900 C. Resolution: Approve a Three-Year Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and the Illinois FOP Labor Council (Sergeants) Effective May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2028

Active Agenda

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

Manager's Report

1. INF 2025-10902 A. Information: Discussion of the Proposed Designs of the Downtown Flexible Amenity Areas
2. REP 2025-10896 B. Report: Long Range Planning - 2025-2027 Priority Action Items

Council Member Reports

1. REP 2025-10903 A. Final Report: Joint Ad Hoc Committee of the Downers Grove Village Council and the Downers Grove Library Board of Trustees

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

3. Proclamations

A. Constitution Week

B. National Good Neighbor Day

C. United Against Hate Week

Mayor Barnett read the three proclamations.

4. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10533 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - September 9, 2025

MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes of September 9, 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

5. Public Comments

Mayor Barnett reviewed the procedure for public comment.

Robin Tryloff, resident, thanked the Mayor for recognizing United Against Hate Week and spoke of an event hosted by Downers Grove organizations.

Christine Martin, resident, used her time to speak of Charlie Kirk, who was recently murdered. She also used her time for a moment of silence in honor of Mr. Kirk.

Eileen Briner, resident, came to speak of Charlie Kirk and his legacy and also expressed her disappointment that the Village Council did not agree to include a moment of silence in honor of him during the meeting.

Carlotta Hickmann, from DuPage County, spoke of Charlie Kirk and civil public discourse.

Nathan Williams, resident and member of the Downers Grove Library Board of Trustees, expressed his thanks to the Downers Grove Police Department for their assistance when his spouse was in an accident. He also spoke of Charlie Kirk and his legacy.

Thomas Heseling, from Bolingbrook, IL, came to speak about Charlie Kirk and Turning Point.

Gloria Walsh-Rock, resident, thanked the Mayor for the proclamations. She spoke about standing together against hate and violence, and took a moment to honor Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated in her home.

Lisa Forst, resident, came to speak about Charlie Kirk and expressed disappointment that all universities should have reacted to the act of violence.

Cynthia Dee, expressed disappointment in the Mayor not interacting with those speaking at the podium about Charlie Kirk.

Ed Briner, resident, spoke about Charlie Kirk and expressed his disappointment that the Village Council did not honor Charlie Kirk with a moment of silence.

Mayor Barnett explained that he does not look at the public while they are speaking at the podium because he is taking notes about the comments. He spoke of the many acts of political violence that happened in the United States in the past several years. He said in an attempt to move forward, everyone needs to stand together, and as people, we should allow others to have their own voice. He asked all to listen and demonstrate humility. He said the Village of Downers Grove denounces violence and discrimination against any person.

6. Consent Agenda

COR 2025-10840 A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6621, Payroll - September 5, 2025

BIL 2025-10848 B. Bills Payable: No. 6896 - September 16, 2025

RES 2025-10900 C. Resolution: Approve a Three-Year Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and the Illinois FOP Labor Council (Sergeants) Effective May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2028

RESOLUTION 2025-63

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE ILLINOIS FOP LABOR COUNCIL (SERGEANTS) LODGE 73-2 EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2025 – APRIL 30, 2028

MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the September 16, 2025 Village Council Meeting, 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, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin and Mayor Barnett

7. Active Agenda

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

MOTION: To approve A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT

5724 LOMOND AVENUE RESOLUTION 2025-64

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 noted that these items have been discussed at length at previous meetings.

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

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING 100 39TH STREET TO THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (TALON PRESERVE) ORDINANCE 6138

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

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)

MOTION: To adopt 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) ORDINANCE 6139

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

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

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 100 39TH STREET (TALON PRESERVE) ORDINANCE 6140

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

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

MOTION: To approve A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PLAT OF SUBDIVISION FOR 100 39TH STREET (TALON PRESERVE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT #72) RESOLUTION 2025-65

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

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

MOTION: To approve A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND M/I HOMES OF CHICAGO, LLC (TALON PRESERVE) RESOLUTION 2025-66

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

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin welcomed the petitioner to the Village.

Commissioner Roe said he appreciated the presentation at last week’s meeting.

Commissioner Sarver thanked the petitioner for agreeing to plant 161 trees.

Commissioner Tully wished the petitioner luck with the development and said it will be a nice addition to the community.

Public Comment

Carol Richert asked if there are any limitations on what the developer is doing with trees.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said the developer is adding trees, as there are not many there right now.

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

MOTION: To DIRECT STAFF TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS OF A SOLID WASTE CONTRACT FOR VILLAGE COUNCIL APPROVAL WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES, LRS AND GROOT, BASED ON OPTION FOUR

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

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYS: Commissioner Tully

Public Comments

Channing Hesse, resident, said there has been a significant amount of public engagement about this item on social media. She encouraged the Village Council to look at the comments made by residents online and recommended the continuation of a sticker program based on those comments.

Steve Ruffalo, resident, expressed his concern with Option 4 and requested an a la carte program. He does not think those people on the pay as you throw sticker program are being considered with Option 4.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Tully noted that the Village has not gone out for a waste management contract in over 15 years and emphasized that there was not a vote being taken on an actual contract at this meeting. The Council is only giving Staff a go-ahead to begin negotiations with Solid Waste companies. He supported Option 1, citing its alignment with the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Program and its continued popularity with over a third of residents using the sticker program. However, he acknowledged that it may be more costly to residents, due to labor demands on the service providers - also noting he is open to a mix of Options 1 and 4. He also spoke of a potential price increase to the price of garbage stickers.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt expressed sympathy for residents still using the sticker system but shared her thought that Option 4 is more cost-effective for regular users. She also said she thinks it will likely encourage more recycling and composting over time.

Commissioner Gilmartin thanked the service providers that submitted proposals. He recognized the sticker program’s popularity, but noted the substantial cost differences between the options. He found Option 4 attractive, especially given its lower price and added features. He mentioned service providers offering discounts for seniors and broader access to smaller carts since this process started. He shared his excitement about seeing what Staff negotiations will bring moving forward.

Commissioner Sarver supported Commissioner Gilmartin’s motion and emphasized the need for solutions that align with environmental goals. She stressed that, while no option is perfect, it is important that the Village address the global waste crisis.

Commissioner Roe highlighted safety concerns raised by service providers related to the sticker program and suggested incentivizing waste reduction by creating a larger price gap between small and large carts. He questioned the relevance of Amnesty Day and proposed exploring options for electronic and hazardous waste disposal. He also said he supported this motion.

Commissioner Davenport agreed with his fellow Council members and acknowledged the amount of information presented was overwhelming. He shared his appreciation that Village staff will be negotiating with three providers, and as a longtime sticker user, he expressed concern about potential cost increases if moving to a different program, especially for those who do not put out trash weekly. He emphasized that the current sticker pricing is not sustainable and noted that cart-based options become cheaper when the sticker program option is removed. He asked Staff to look into the profitability of recycling for service providers, and whether the providers can offer seasonal service suspensions and senior discounts to residents.

Commissioner Davenport also highlighted the importance of cost mitigation for low-volume users, noting that the monthly price difference to residents between the cart and pay-as-you-throw options is minimal. He listed several expectations for the new contract: leaf mulching, year-round composting with a cart, electronic and hazardous waste collection, eliminating Amnesty Day but allowing bulk item disposal, and including waste audits. He stressed the importance of having a signed contract by December 1.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt added that leaving leaves in yards benefits lightning bugs.

Commissioner Tully said he is confident that the end result will be a strong final agreement.

The Mayor changed the order of the remaining agenda items. He provided the Mayor’s Report, followed by Council Member Reports, and ended the meeting with the Manager’s Report.

8. Manager's Report

The Manager’s Report was discussed after Council Member Reports.

Manager Fieldman gave a shout out to Library staff members Julie Milavec and Jenn Ryjewski for their cooperative efforts while working with Village Staff during the Ad Hoc meeting process.

With regard to the Solid Waste negotiations, he shared that once Staff takes a few days to review the components of and Council’s discussions on Option 4, Staff’s next step will be to have discussions with Republic Services, Groot and LRS.

INF 2025-10902 A. Information: Discussion of the Proposed Designs of the Downtown Flexible Amenity Areas

Manager Fieldman provided a brief background on this item, noting that Staff is nearing completion of the final designs, and introduced Public Works Engineering Director Scott Vasko. Using a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Vasko shared the locations of the five flexible amenity areas in the downtown and reviewed the planned improvements, which include shade structures with solar panels for lighting and electrical opportunities, masonry seat walls, benches, planters, precast bases for public art, bollards, trash and recycling receptacles, and gateway signage.

Public Comments

Steve Ruffalo returned to the podium and asked if any of the existing trees would be incorporated. Mr. Vasko said yes.

Mr. Ruffalo asked if structural soils are being used under the sidewalk. Mr. Vasko said that Staff was in discussions with the consultants about this. Mr. Ruffalo asked about raised curbs to prevent salt spray, and Mr. Vasko said there would be a buffer, but not quite a raised curb.

Scott Richards returned to the podium and requested the Council focus less on beautifying the downtown and more on the function of Main Street, as the main artery of the downtown.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Davenport praised the project for exceeding expectations and incorporating thoughtful design elements like the gateway sign and features that can be aligned with the Fairview project. He suggested using treated wood or painted metal, to mimic wood, for the trellis structures, sharing this would give them a warmer, more fitting aesthetic for the downtown. He supported the addition of benches, especially during the off-season when outdoor dining furniture is removed, and noted the added protection from vehicles these structures offer compared to current concrete barriers. He stressed the importance of engineering reinforcement in the seat walls for both safety and durability, and recommended applying a salt-protective barrier to the brick. He emphasized that the project reflects positively on the community.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt echoed concerns about salt damage and supported the idea of warmer materials for the trellises. She expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of recycling bins, native plantings, trees, bases for public art, and solar panels, noting that these elements enhance the downtown experience year-round. She highlighted the importance of considering sightlines, particularly from the library parking lot, and incorporating seasonal features like public art during the winter months to keep the downtown vibrant and attractive.

Commissioner Gilmartin received confirmation from Staff that lane widths would remain unchanged and requested decorative bollards, instead of plain concrete posts. He inquired about the inclusion of a grassy area, near the library, that was pictured in the renderings. Staff said they will follow up on. He also voiced concern about some of the elements, as pictured in the rendering of Main Street, north of Curtiss Street, that appear to hinder the flow of pedestrians. He supported the integration of solar panels and other thoughtful design elements mentioned by his fellow Council members.

Commissioner Tully praised the aesthetics of the proposed designs but expressed concern over the $1.8 million cost, saying he would prefer a scaled-back version. He suggested giving the consultant a smaller budget to design within, citing concerns about committing to something that cannot easily be changed.

In response, Commissioner Davenport asked how scaling back might work, but ultimately supported the design despite the high cost. He acknowledged that though the current cost exceeds initial expectations, elements like sidewalks are permanent, and others can be adapted. He also suggested enhancing the bollards with decorative features, or lighting, for better visibility.

Commissioner Sarver asked whether restaurant leasing fees would help offset costs, but Manager Fieldman clarified those fees only cover Staff time. Commissioner Davenport said the financial aspect to restaurant owners should be revisited, and Mayor Barnett agreed.

Mayor Barnett expressed support for bollards and noted that they may end up looking a lot like crosswalk posts. He emphasized that the proposed design does not significantly reduce parking, compared to current outdoor dining setups, and noted the focus on maintaining adequate sidewalk space. He appreciated that the design echoes the elements of the Civic Center Plaza and agreed with Commissioner Davenport’s suggestions regarding finishing details.

Manager Fieldman recapped the Council’s input, including using materials on the structures that resemble wood but are metal, reinforcing seat walls for safety, mindfulness of using salt resistant materials, being mindful of the sightlines, spacing out the improvements to prevent clutter, and addressing bollard design. He also noted the fee structure would be revisited in the spring.

Commissioner Gilmartin requested that a future project should include a gateway sign on the north side of downtown, to mirror the one in the rendering on the south side of the downtown. He and Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt expressed little concern over the fee structure, viewing the project as a long-term investment in the downtown area.

Commissioner Tully emphasized the need to discuss the fee structure before construction, especially in cases where restaurants may change.

Commissioner Davenport echoed prior discussions and expressed confidence that if restaurants were to vacate current spaces, new restaurants would take over without issue because of the permanent outdoor environment this project creates. He said this would keep investment beneficial to the local economy.

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

Manager Fieldman explained that the goal of this was to create the Council’s 18 month to 2 year work plan. He said this meeting's discussion would be about the Council’s top 10 options.

Mayor Barnett said the one logical way to narrow this down was for each of the Council members to come to the meeting with their top 10 items. He said if there is not enough commonality within the Council, they can discuss other options to narrow down the list. He said he wants to make sure there is commentary from all of the Council members about each of the Council members lists. Mayor Barnett proceeded to provide his top ten recommendations, as did the rest of the Council members.

Mayor Barnett’s top 10 items included update the zoning ordinance, update the subdivision code, develop a public art program, consider a private tree protection ordinance, facilitate redevelopment of parking lot I, amend the sign ordinance, conduct an ecology assessment and develop a plan for additional natural areas, create the active transportation friendly district, implement focus area plan for 75th and Lemont, and relocate the Village vehicle fleet facility.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt’s top 10 items included update zoning ordinance, update subdivision code, develop public art program, attainable housing study, private tree regulations, evaluate solid waste/recycling policies, ecological assessment of Village properties and develop plan for natural areas, evaluate renewable energy policies, enhanced engagement of boards and commissions, and 75th Street gap analysis.

Commissioner Roe’s top 10 items included update zoning ordinance, update subdivision code, amend sign ordinance - digital only, develop public art program, public tree regulations, private tree practices, create Fairview connection and TIF, facilitate redevelopment of parking lot I, enhanced engagement of boards and commissions, and 75th Street gap study .

Commissioner Davenport’s top 10 included update zoning ordinance, update subdivision code, develop public art program, facilitate redevelopment of parking lot I, amend sign ordinance - digital only, attainable housing study, implement focus area plan for 75th and Lemont, private tree protection regulations, amend stormwater regulations, and relocate Village vehicle fleet facility.

Commissioner Sarver’s top 10 items included update zoning ordinance, attainable housing study, private tree practices, evaluate renewable energy policies, ecological assessment on Village-owned properties and develop plan for natural areas, evaluate Village policies to promote biodiversity on private property, enhance engagement of boards and commissions, develop a public art program, and implement focus area plan for 75th and Lemont, and relocate Village vehicle fleet facility..

Commissioner Gilmartin’s top 10 items included enhanced community and social services, enhance engagement of boards and commissions, create the active transportation friendly district, enhance community engagement, establish community grants program, establish artificial intelligence practices and policies, implement focus area plan for 75th and Lemont, attainable housing study, private tree practices, and update the zoning ordinance.

Commissioner Tully’s top 10 items included update zoning ordinance, amend sign ordinance - digital only, private tree practices, downtown parking study, facilitate the redevelopment of lot I, 75th street gap analysis, evaluate Village policies regarding solid waste and recycling, develop a public art program, establish artificial intelligence practices and policies, and enhance engagement of boards and commissions.

Using a whiteboard, Manager Fieldman marked all of potential Priority Action Items (PAIs) discussed by the Council, identifying 17 total items- those with at least four votes at this meeting and other items that were already in progress. Commissioner Gilmartin noted the list leans slightly toward environmental initiatives but felt it was still balanced, and he expressed interest in integrating the active transportation plan downtown. Mayor Barnett requested that by the next meeting, Staff categorize the items and assess the burden each would place on Village resources to help finalize the Council's priorities. Manager Fieldman agreed and said the list helps guide Staff’s focus, giving them the flexibility to revisit priorities as projects are completed. Commissioner Davenport supported the process and stressed the importance of assessing workload, which Manager Fieldman confirmed would be done. Commissioner Gilmartin said he appreciated the inclusion of items omitted from the previous PAI list, including private tree practices and the amendment to the digital sign ordinance. Mayor Barnett emphasized that while the Council is made up of seven individuals with varying views, they are working toward a shared vision through this ongoing prioritization process.

9. Council Member Reports

The portion of the meeting took place after the Mayor’s Report.

Commissioner Gilmartin thanked the Mayor for all his words at this meeting.

Commissioner Tully also thanked the Mayor. He then spoke about a recent visit he had to Ellis Island. Lastly, he noted there are 280 days left until Rotary Grove Fest.

Commissioner Davenport commended the Mayor for his words about unity, support and empathy. He said he spoke well on behalf of the Village and he hopes people listen.

Commissioner Roe, Sarver and Sadowski-Fugitt also thanked the Mayor for his words. With Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt noting that, even when the Council does not see things eye to eye, they’ll usually reach a consensus. She spoke about the Recycling Extravaganza taking place on Saturday, October 4th, at the Belmont Train Station from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., also sharing the event is listed on the Village’s website.

REP 2025-10903 A. Final Report: Joint Ad Hoc Committee of the Downers Grove Village Council and the Downers Grove Library Board of Trustees

Village Council Comments

Mayor Barnett said that Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt would be reporting on the Final Report, which is linked to the agenda materials online.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt explained that the Committee met for seven months and consisted of herself, Commissioner Tully, and Library Trustees Khuntia and Williams. The group was tasked with exploring the structure of the Library Board, specifically tasked with reviewing and researching alternative methods for the selection of the Library Board of Trustee members, seeking and considering appropriate expert information, and submitting to the Village Council and Library Board of Trustees a report summarizing the attributes of an elected library board selection process, an appointed library board selection process, and potentially any other alternative selection process - of which none were found. Two experts attended and spoke at the meetings, at no cost to the Committee. She noted that Downers Grove is unique in having a six-member appointed board that sets its own tax levy, despite being part of a Council-Manager form of government. She noted that their findings showed that appointed boards typically only advise on taxation, while elected boards have taxing authority - also pointing out that though Downers Grove is unique in having an appointed Library Board that sets its own tax levy, the Village Council approves it. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt also highlighted that the experts indicated that municipalities typically shift to an elected board for financial reasons, including expanding their tax base or converting to a library district.

Commissioner Tully thanked Village and Library staff, as well as Trustees Williams and Khuntia, for their contributions. He highlighted that the first 25 pages of the report, that can be found on the Village website, summarize the Committee’s findings. He explained that while no definitive conclusion was reached on whether appointed or elected boards are more effective, both have distinct advantages. He acknowledged lingering questions outside the Committee's scope but found the process informative and valuable.

Mayor Barnett thanked the members of the Committee for their work.

Commissioner Davenport said he wanted some time to fully digest the report and is interested in hearing the Library Board’s perspective. He shared he thinks the findings open the door to improvements on how the Library Board members will be appointed, trained and educated. He reiterated a key question from Commissioner Tully - why does the Village Council, which is accountable to the public, appoint a board that independently sets its own budget. He also pointed out that the report indicates that switching to an elected board is not necessarily the answer either. He praised the collaboration efforts between the Village Council and Library Board during this process and opined that their work will strengthen the relationship between the two entities. He thanked Commissioners Tully and Sadowski-Fugitt for their service.

Commissioner Gilmartin admitted he was initially skeptical of the Committee's value, believing it would confirm what was already known. However, he found the work enlightening and appreciated the thoroughness of the report. He noted the key takeaway is that there is no clear advantage between appointed and elected boards, each has value, and changes are typically driven by financial reasons, not programming or policy. He cited examples in the report where changes did not work out well for other communities. Commissioner Gilmartin said he does not want to spend more time on the issue, but shared he appreciates the improved communication between the Village Council and Library Board since the process began.

Commissioner Davenport added that Downers Grove has done a service to other Illinois communities by leading on this issue.

10. Mayor's Report

The Mayor provided his report after the Active Agenda portion of the meeting.

Mayor Barnett said he wanted to clarify the Village’s role in immigration related arrests. He said Downers Grove complies with all Illinois laws, including the Illinois Trust Act. He asked anyone interested to visit the Illinois Attorney General website. He provided details about the Illinois Trust Act and noted that the Downers Grove Police Department and Fire Department’s main roles are public safety. He said anyone that needs help should dial 911. He noted it is the job of the Village’s Police and Fire Departments to serve all people. He said the Village is not in the immigration business. He asked all to love each other and Downers Grove.

11. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To Adjourn the September 16, 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 10:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk