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SUBMIT rEmarks

Supplemental Documents

1. rEmarks received for this meeting.
2. Council Questions for this meeting - There were no Council Questions submitted 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 October 14, 2025 Village Council meeting

Recognition Presentations

1. A. Illinois APA Daniel Burnham Award - Village Comprehensive Plan and Guiding DG Plans
2. B. Jane Foulser Habitat Award (DuPage Monarch Project) - Habitat and Naturalized Areas
3. C. Conservation at Work (Conservation Foundation) - Civic Center
4. D. Savvy Award (3CMA) - Fire Education

Proclamations

1. A. Arts DuPage Month

Minutes of Council Meetings

1. MIN 2024-10535 A . Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - October 7, 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 2025-10850 A. Bills Payable: No. 6900 - October 14, 2025
2. MOT 2025-10932 B. Motion: Approve the Purchase of Bulk Rock Salt from Morton Salt, Inc. for Snow and Ice Control

Active Agenda

1. ORD 2025-10915 A. Ordinance: Establishing Regulations for Electric Scooters
2. ORD 2025-10916 B. Ordinance: Proposing the Establishment of Special Service Area Number 14 in the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois and Providing for a Public Hearing and Other Procedures in Connection Therewith

First Reading

1. RES 2025-10953 A. Resolution: Authorizing Execution of a Solid Waste Contract - View Presentation
2. ORD 2025-10914 B. Ordinance: Approving Execution of a First Amendment to and Restatement of the Redevelopment Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC

Attorney's Report

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

1. An ordinance approving execution of a first amendment to and restatement of the redevelopment agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC.

Manager's Report

1. MOT 2025-10924 A. Motion: Accept the 2025-2027 Long Range Plan - View Presentation

Council Member Reports

Mayor's Report

Adjournment

1. Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

2. Roll Call

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

Council Attendance (Not Present): None

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

3. Recognition Presentations

A. Illinois APA Daniel Burnham Award - Village Comprehensive Plan and Guiding DG Plans

Mayor Barnett presented this award to Village Community Development Director Stan Popovich and Village Planning Manager Jason Zawila.

B. Jane Foulser Habitat Award (DuPage Monarch Project) - Habitat and Naturalized Areas

Mayor Barnett presented this award to Connie Schmidt and Jeremy Farrar, representing the DuPage Monarch Project.

Ms. Schmidt provided comments from the podium on behalf of the organization.

C. Conservation at Work (Conservation Foundation) - Civic Center

Mayor Barnett presented this award to Deputy Village Manager Mike Baker and Village Sustainability Coordinator Jason Michnick.

D. Savvy Award (3 CMA) - Fire Education

Mayor Barnett presented this award to Village Communications Director Doug Koslowski and Village Video Producer Chris Derylo.

4. Proclamations

A. Arts DuPage Month

After reading the proclamation, Mayor Barnett presented it to Robin Tryloff, representing Arts DuPage.

5. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10535 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - October 7, 2025

MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes of October 7, 2025, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Sarver

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin

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

6. Public Comments

Eileen Briner, resident, spoke of the need to appoint library trustees. She also expressed concerns about a political event being hosted by the library.

Judy Roscoe, resident, expressed concerns about the lack of parking in the downtown area. She also expressed concerns about the risk to pedestrians caused by bump-outs. Mayor Barnett responded to the comment about bump-puts, stating that they are used for traffic calming purposes. He said he could provide further information outside of the meeting.

Selma Moberg, resident, expressed her discontent with the Council’s actions on the topic of Mayor Pro Tem.

Janet Winningham, resident, expressed concerns about parking in the downtown area and being sure that lighting is sufficient enough for drivers to see pedestrians. She also requested the temporary outdoor dining barricades remain up during the winter months to provide the data necessary before proceeding with Streetscape Plan’s permanent outdoor dining areas.

7. Consent Agenda

BIL 2025-10850 A. Bills Payable: No. 6900 - October 14, 2025

MOT 2025-10932 B. Motion: Approve the Purchase of Bulk Rock Salt from Morton Salt, Inc. for Snow and Ice Control

MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the October 14, 2025 Village Council Meeting, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Gilmartin

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Tully

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

8. Active Agenda

ORD 2025-10915 A. Ordinance: Establishing Regulations for Electric Scooters

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS, as presented. ORDINANCE 6141

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 asked for Staff's confirmation that this is being added to the ordinance already in place. Village Manager Fieldman confirmed and also shared that the community education process would begin shortly.

ORD 2025-10916 B. Ordinance: Proposing the Establishment of Special Service Area

Number 14 in the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois and Providing for a Public Hearing and Other Procedures in Connection Therewith

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE PROPOSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER 14 (TALON PRESERVE) IN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS AND PROVIDING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING AND OTHER PROCEDURES IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, as presented. ORDINANCE 6142

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin

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

9. First Reading

RES 2025-10953 A. Resolution: Authorizing Execution of a Solid Waste Contract

Deputy Village Manager Mike Baker presented this item via PowerPoint. He reviewed the public process to date and the attributes of an all-inclusive program.

Public Comments

Marilyn Schnell, resident, expressed concerns about the Village no longer offering the solid waste sticker program and questioned what defines a “senior citizen”. She also asked several questions about the proposed plan. Mayor Barnett asked Ms. Schnell to provide Mr. Baker with her list of questions and he would respond at a later time.

Ms. Roscoe returned to the podium to express concerns about the Village no longer offering the sticker program, and also requested that the contract include unbagged leaf pick up at no cost to residents.

Jean Banton, resident, expressed concerns about the Village no longer offering the sticker program.

Renee Norris, resident, questioned if there is a limit to the yard waste bags picked up free of charge, and also asked if fees will be charged monthly or quarterly.

Lisa Rasin, resident, shared her content with the customer service and support provided by Republic Services not only to the residents, but also to the Rotary Grove organization.

Andy Brashler, resident, said he agrees with the residents that have spoken about the sticker program no longer being offered.

Lisa Olmstead, resident, requested the Village continue offering the sticker program and expressed her content with the service provided by Republic Services.

Ron Baughman, resident, requested the Village continue offering the sticker program.

Steve Ruffolo, resident, expressed concern that the all inclusive plan is moving the Village away from sustainability. He also requested the Village stay with a pay as you go program.

Carol Olsen, resident, expressed concerns with the Village eliminating the sticker program. She also requested, if moving to a cart program, that residents are only charged for the weeks they put their cart out.

Ms. Moberg returned to the podium and requested the Council continue to offer the sticker program. She also commended Republic Services and the sanitation engineer that services her home.

Barbara Purtell, resident, shared that she agrees with those that previously commented about the importance of the Village keeping the sticker program. She also commended Republic Services for the service they have provided.

Tish Powell, Manager of Municipal Sales with Republic Services, shared some of the advantages of the proposal submitted by Republic Services.

Josh Molnar, Municipal Manager with Groot Industries, shared some of the advantages of the proposal submitted by Groot Industries.

Josh Connell, Co-founder and Board Director with LRS, shared some of the advantages of the proposal submitted by LRS.

Village Council Comments

Mayor Barnett noted that this topic has been discussed by the Council several times and will continue to be discussed. He then called a recess at 8:30 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:35 p.m.

Commissioner Roe expressed he did not want to include households having the option to dispose of two additional items (as outlined in Mr. Baker’s presentation), because this encourages the disposal of more garbage. He noted that residents will not be charged for the disposal of yard waste in brown bags, with the reasoning being that residents will have less garbage and more yard waste, including compostables. He then asked if the current Christmas tree pickup in the current contract is included in the proposals and shared that he would like to see a bigger price spread from the smallest cart option to the larger carts, to encourage recycling. He also stated that if this is not possible, he would like to see the return of the sticker program at a reasonable price. Commissioner Roe also shared that he does not think Amnesty Day is necessary.

Manager Fieldman confirmed that he is requesting a bigger price spread with the carts. Commissioner Roe said yes, because he does not think the spread is significant enough for people to change their habits on how much waste they dispose of.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt asked for clarification as to whether the vendors can change contracts once they are set. Attorney Petrarca said no, that would be a breach of contract. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt also said she too wants to see a bigger spread in the prices of the carts for the same reasons as Commissioner Roe. She also agreed to getting rid of the options to dispose of an additional bag of refuse and 33 gallon container free of charge, but is ok with keeping the disposal of a bulk item or a white good at no charge - because people do not throw these out regularly. She also appreciated LRS offering the larger senior discount, but reiterated wanting a greater spread in cart pricing. She said she supports option 4 because of the inclusion of the yard waste and compost disposal at no charge and thinks with education, this will reduce waste in landfills. She spoke about the importance of the vendors allowing more items to be composted, and expressed concerns about residents with an HOA - they do not have enough room for 2 garbage carts in their garages. She spoke to Staff requesting the inclusion of the RFID program, a program that only charges residents on weeks when their garbage carts are used, but shared that the vendors are not offering this. She also said that LRS and Republic Services would perform external audits on their recycling.

Commissioner Sarver thanked staff for their negotiations with the vendors. She spoke to the importance of sustainability and shared she is open to discussing maintaining the sticker program. She opined that some of the proposed programs encourage irresponsible overproduction of waste and that does not align with the Village Strategic Plan. She thanked her fellow Council members and the residents. She explained that a provider has not been selected to date and that the Council and Staff are listening to all the comments made.

Commissioner Davenport echoed Commissioner Sarver’s comments and explained the current program ends in March, so the Village had an obligation to go out to bid. He said he thinks they are headed in the right direction, but does not agree with moving away from stickers unless there is value added such as a significant senior discount, because most of the comments received have been economic in nature. He shared he is willing to get rid of the option for the free bag and 33 gallon container of refuse to households and agrees with the snowbird pause. He also commended the year round yard waste and organics pick up, but said he also would like an opt-in for household hazardous waste and electronics pick ups. He questioned why the vendors are not offering the RFID program and also would like audits on the recycling picked up. He said providing yard waste and compost pick up at no charge is a good thing. He wanted to know if billing will be monthly or quarterly. He said if a more significant discount cannot be achieved, he would like to see the sticker program continue, even if they cost a couple dollars more. He reminded everyone that with the cart program, there is an option for different cart sizes.

Commissioner Tully reiterated that the Village’s current contract with Republic Services is nearing its end and this process gives the Village the option to see what other vendors will offer. He said with the Village adopting the Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP), it is a good time to do this. He noted that the Council is looking at three main things including service, program alignment with the ESP and pricing. His preference has been and still is Option 1, because it offers flexibility and choice. He doesn’t think option 4 aligns with the ESP, nor does it align with the current pay as you go program. He said one of the Village’s own Boards did not recommend Option 4. He thinks Option 4 encourages the opposite of the actions the Village wants - residents throwing more garbage away. He said he is not convinced the cart program would be affordable to seniors or low volume users and he agrees with having a base cost, while maintaining the choice of a hybrid system with the flexibility of using both stickers and a cart. He said he is sure the Village will get the program that they ask and pay for. He noted that time is running out and that the Council needs to allow for a transition period before going to another provider, if one is chosen.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked if there is a limit to the amount of yard waste that can be disposed of. Manager Fieldman said no. He asked about the difference in the household hazardous waste proposals. Manager Fieldman said that Staff will get back with him on that answer. He asked how long residents have to make decisions about the carts they choose for the cart delivery program. Mr. Baker said cart delivery is free for the first 60 days and after that, there will be a charge. Commissioner Gilmartin asked about billing and if it would be monthly or quarterly. Mr. Baker said it could vary based on the provider. Village Manager Fieldman said that Staff will need to confirm with the vendors as to whether residents have to choose a refuse cart as a part of the cart program.

Commissioner Gilmartin thanked all involved in this process. He said he evaluated the cost and the environmental sustainability aspects of each of the vendor proposals. He said LRS ranked best for him on cost and sustainability. He is happy about where the vendors stand with their pricing with the most recent proposals - sharing that light sticker users are the only ones that will be affected the most by the cost. He reminded all that yard waste and compost disposal will be picked up at no cost to residents. He opined that the residents that use stickers will most likely not throw more away if moving to a cart program. He likes the LRS Option 4 program, and would like to see if there is a way of having a low income rebate. He shared that he agrees with the snow bird pause and he wants to be sure that references are being checked.

Mayor Barnett said he does not want to repeat what was already said and that he agrees with Commissioners Roe and Tully. He said while offering senior discounts and low income discounts are beneficial, he wants to be sure that those residents with low usage are recognized. He shared he thinks all of the proposals being considered do a good job at managing cost and expanding services, but he is worried that the options do not put the right incentives in place to use less, including Option 4. He thinks the a la cart type of program is missing. He shared he has learned a lot during this process and shared that he doesn’t think Option 1 or 4 met the plan he has in mind. For him, option 1 is closer to what he has in min, but he is not satisfied enough with the options right now to move forward.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt is fine with getting rid of the no charge options of an additional bag of refuse and a 33 gallon container. She asked if the bulk goods and bulk items have materials that could be recycled, would that happen, because that could help to make a decision.

Mayor Barnett asked about what the process of disposing of organics in the winter months would look like.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked those Council members that want to remove the option of disposing of the extra bag of refuse and the 33 gallon container at no charge - what are residents with extra garbage that will not fit in their cart supposed to do? Commissioner Roe said they should be able to use a sticker for the extra bags of refuse. He reiterated that he either wants a larger span in the prices of carts - bringing the smallest can to a lower price or offer a hybrid program with a sticker option.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked Staff if they could ask the vendors if allowing the disposal of additional bags of refuse increases tonnage. He shared his disappointment with taking so many steps back with this topic.

Mayor Barnett said it has been 16 years since the Village has gone out to bid for a solid waste contract and this is the process when getting in this deep - having meaningful discussions.

Commissioner Gilmartin clarified he does not want to start over with these discussions.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt clarified she does not want to start over and wants to stick with Option 4, with some changes.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked what happens when someone has a party and has additional trash, that does not fit into their cart, to throw away. Commissioner Davenport said if residents have additional refuse they need picked up, they can call the provider for a special pickup. He told Staff it would be helpful to know what a special pick up fee would look like.

Village Manager Fieldman said Staff appreciates Council feedback, but requested more direction from the Council, in an attempt to put them in a position to vote according to the schedule. He said that Staff has maintained a list of the questions asked during this meeting and will take those questions to the providers: With regard to seniors, what defines a senior, discounts offered to seniors and snowbird pauses and what to do with extra materials. He asked for some additional clarity as to whether the Council is looking to redefine the program for which they would like pricing and who they would like Staff to continue discussions with.

Commissioner Roe said when it comes to cost, he expects to see a lower cost for the smaller cart and a higher price for the larger cart. He said if that is too difficult, keep it like it is, but then include a price to add stickers. Village Manager Fieldman asked for clarification on his request. Commissioner Roe clarified that he wants to have something similar to the current Village Solid Waste program.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said she is interested in negotiating with LRS. She is not interested in going back to Option 1, but would like to see a greater spread between the cost of the 35 and 95 gallon carts. She agrees with Commissioners Gilmartin and Davenport because she wants to make sure people have education to understand the importance of recycling and composting to reduce landfill.

Commissioner Davenport shared his concern because according to the schedule, a contract should be in place by December 1. Manager Fieldman said he would like the contract approved by the last meeting in November, so that the contract can be in place on December 1. Commissioner Davenport said he thinks the Council needs to continue with where they are at and try to get the best deal possible. He shared that he wished these ideas were brought up at the start of the discussions, and that he is leaning towards Republic Services, because of the continuity of service. He said the only thing with them that does not work for him is the cost for seniors, but he thinks with a greater spread in the cost of the carts, it may work. If not, he wants to go with LRS.

Commissioner Gilmartin suggested that if going back to the providers, the Council is not limiting themselves to Option 1. He prefers to have all 3 vendors involved in the negotiating and he is unsure of reducing the option to throw out the extra bag and 33 gallon container. He said by removing the option to throw out the refuse at no cost, it is going to require the sticker program. Village Manager Fieldman said the options he heard include either having a hybrid approach with stickers, or having the residents call the provider for any extra bags. Commissioner Gilmartin said the discussion on stickers has turned the entire solid waste discussion around.

Mayor Barnett clarified that Option 1 meets his expectations more, even with having Staff go back to renegotiate Option 4.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said she is fine with getting rid of the extra bags allowed at no cost and having a cost reduction with the carts. She is only interested in Republic and LRS because of the recycling and composting options.

Commissioner Gilmartin said the benefits with the LRS option is what the Council should capture and will have the biggest impact on environmental sustainability.

Commissioner Sarver said they have all learned a lot and all Council members are concerned with resident concerns. She thinks there is wiggle room with the remaining companies and that the concerns brought before the Council need to be considered. She said she agreed with Commissioner Sadowsji’Fugitt’s comments. She is in favor of Option 4, with the elimination of the free additional bag and the greater spread in the cost of the carts.

Commissioner Tully said he still only supports Option 1.

Village Manager Fieldman said there is a challenge with next steps. The Council agreed that at least 4 Council members would like Staff to go back to the vendors and get a greater cost spread on cart costs. Village Manager Fieldman said he will go back to negotiate with LRS and Republic with the elimination of extra refuse at no cost and a greater spread in the cost of the 35 and 95 gallon carts.

Commissioner Gilmartin asked Staff to go back to LRS and Republic and ask them to come up with recommendations as a solution.

Mayor Barnett explained this process included an RFP in May, and after that, some of the vendors submitted additional options. He said after receiving those additional options, Staff requested the vendors resubmitted proposals and the total costs including the options. He explained the Council and Staff are taking comments seriously and that is why the discussions continue.

ORD 2025-10914 B. Ordinance: Approving Execution of a First Amendment to and

Restatement of the Redevelopment Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC

Village Manager Dave Fieldman reviewed this item and explained that this is a part of the Ogden Avenue Redevelopment Plan.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Tully asked if there were any changes to the financial terms.

Manager Fieldman said that Staff is not proposing changes to the financial terms.

10. Attorney's Report

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

1. An ordinance approving execution of a first amendment to and restatement of the redevelopment agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC.

11. Manager's Report

MOT 2025-10924 A. Motion: Accept the 2025-2027 Long Range Plan

MOTION: To ACCEPT THE 2025-2027 LONG RANGE PLAN, 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

Village Manager Fieldman explained the process thus far with Long Range Planning (LRP) and provided details about the recommendations and how they relate to the Village Budget. He noted that Staff thinks the current list is appropriate. He said once the Council votes on the LRP, he will provide monthly reports on the status of the plan, with the next review of the LRP happening next summer.

Village Council Comments

Commissioner Gilmartin explained that since the last discussion about the LRP, he took another look at the data provided by the Village Social Worker and requested that the Council agree to add additional social services to the LRP. He provided details about the data that supported his request. He said by making this request, he is not saying he is concerned with the Social Worker’s work but instead wants to amplify it. He also shared that a couple of the items on the list are already on their way to being completed, which could allow for room to add this.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt noted that Micromobility, is not near completion, as there is still a lot more work to be done with the education piece of it. She said in terms of Commissioner Gilmartin’s request to look into additional social services, she would like to look at options to partner with the Township and other organizations to make our program more efficient. She suggested taking this back to the Human Service Commission and engaging them to look into this.

Commissioner Davenport agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt. He said he wants to look at ways to amplify the program without making it rise to an LRP item.

Commissioner Roe agreed with the comments made and said it is a great way to use Village boards and commissions.

Commissioner Tully thanked Commissioner Gilmartin for bringing this up and agreed with taking this back to the Human Service Commission (HSC). He said it may be better to take advantage of existing resources at this time.

Commissioner Sarver agreed with sending this to the HSC to look into this further.

Village Manager Fieldman suggested adding this to the LRP list because it sounds as if it is a Council priority and staff would need to play a role in taking this back to the HSC.

Mayor Barnett asked for clarification on what is being added and said that there is no issue with capacity. He said all of the calls for services received have been met with a team of 1 Social Worker at the Village.

Commissioner Gilmartin reiterated he thinks this rises to LRP status. He provided an explanation of what his request of the Village Social Worker,Heather, and the HSC would entail. He shared that ultimately he wants to see what more can be done for the community as it pertains to social services.

Mayor Barnett said that would absolutely rise to LRP level and that would include more than just asking the HSC to consider resources, it would involve a lot of research as well.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt clarified she was interested in just looking into available resources and finding out if there is a gap. She sought clarification on what would constitute simply sending this back to the HSC versus making this an LRP item.

Village Manager Fieldman explained that it has been an effort, on both the HSC and Staff, to work together to get the Village to where it is today. He said the description used when considering the list on September 4 was “This project consists of enhancing the existing social services referral program currently operated by the Village. The goal is to increase the number of referrals provided and the acceptance rate.”

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said she wants to take it a step down and look at reconnecting with the Township and making the connection more efficient, especially with their new Community Service Center.

Mayor Barnett said if the Council is simply looking for reporting, the request would be straightforward. He said he is confident that if there were to be a gap in service, or a void in the system, the Council would be hearing about it. He said the Village has a full time professional with successes. He said enhancing social services is not something he thinks needs to be added to the LRP list.

Commissioner Davenport said he does not think this rises to the LRP level. He reminded the Council of the process they went through to narrow the LRP list and he does not want to start adding to the list and risk having items that would not get done. He said he does not want to add this to the list.

Commissioner Tully said he does not want to add this to the LRP list because he is not looking to add resources. He agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt’s reasoning to send this back to the HSC.

Commissioner Gilmartin expressed that he looks at this differently. He said with a 70% rise in referral requests, he thought this would be a good time to look into this.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt asked for clarification on the Public Art Program and how the commissioning would happen.

Village Manager Fieldman said the Public Art Program would be modeled much like the Blackburn Plaza. He said it would be Village initiated, with an RFP process, and the firm proposals would be presented to the Council. The goal would be to have the first round of public art in the downtown areas, possibly by the end of summer.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt spoke to the Private Tree Ordinance and shared that she wants it to prevent homeowners from removing certain size trees and developers from clear cutting down entire yards.

Commissioner Sarver agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt.

Commissioner Davenport also agreed, but also added he wants to see incentives.

Commissioner Gilmartin provided the Council with a breakdown of the categories of the current LRP items, pointing out that there are only two items that fell under the environmental category and only one item under the transportation category.

Village Manager Fieldman noted that in addition to the LRP items, there are things that Staff is working on, behind the scenes that fall under the Guiding DG Plans but did not meet LRP criteria. He also shared that when the budget comes out, the Council will see a lot of project recommendations related to the Active Transportation Plan.

Mayor Barnett provided some clarification that Guiding DG provided a framework to reference for every decision the Council makes. He also noted that high priority action items are consuming for Council and Staff and create more work for Staff on a daily basis. He agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt on the Public Art Program, but added that he may ask for a broader definition and scope of work with it in the future.

Commissioner Tully spoke to one of the High Priority Action Items, the downtown flexible amenity areas. He asked Staff if there would be any way to get some data with regard to what it would look like to keep outdoor dining amenities it place for a year, or at least through a winter snowfall - adding It would be helpful to Staff and to manage public expectations. Village Manager Fieldman said the first thing they would do is see if there has been a snow fall in late October or early November within the last 4 years and look at that data. Commissioner Tully said that would not be good data because of COVID. He clarified he just wants to see what would happen during the winter. Commissioner Gilmartin asked if he was referring to what’s outside now. Commissioner Tully said not necessarily, but at least a facsimile, to create areas that cannot be accessed, emulating what will be there in the future. Commissioner Davenport confirmed the variable would be the snow. Commissioner Tully clarified that he does not want to create operational issues, he just wants to give a snapshot of what things will look like next year when there is concrete that cannot be removed. The Mayor asked what kind of decision the data would drive. Commissioner Tully said public opinion and operational reactions could drive potential modifications based on real world information. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt agreed with Tully because she wanted to keep it the amenities up sometime ago to get data in an attempt to manage expectations. The Mayor said this could cause some miscommunication. He noted that many other communities are doing this and not hesitating. He cautioned on how the Council should move forward with this. Commissioner Davenport said he is not in support of this option. Commissioner Gilmartin asked how similar the overlay is of what is downtown now versus where the new flexible amenity areas will be. Manager Fieldman explained that the design configurations of the five flexible amenity areas are different because the engineers took into consideration snow and ice control operations. Commissioner Gilmartin said it is too late to look into colleting this data and he did not know what good it would be anyway. Commissioner Davenport added the trial should have taken place last winter.

Manager Fieldman thanked Village staff members that were involved with the LRP process.

Public Comment

Ms. Roscoe returned to the podium and thanked the Council for their hard work.

12. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Gilmartin spoke of the EDC annual luncheon where 4 local businesses were awarded with the Cornerstone Award including Chemring Energetic Devices, The Fresh Factory, The Lytle Auditorium, and the Village of Downers Grove for the Civic Center.

Commissioner Tully provided details about an upcoming 100 Club of DuPage County event on October 29, 2025, at the Doubletree Hotel in Lisle Naperville at 6:00 p.m. - tickets are available at hundredclubdupage.org He mentioned there are 254 days until Rotary Grove Fest.

Commissioner Davenport provided some details about the Night at the Firehouse and the Silent Parade events, and encouraged all to take part next year. He said the Village should celebrate the Fire Department’s successes.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt also shared her experience at the Night at the Fire House and noted how important and impactful the education the Fire Department provides to the grammar school students is.

13. Mayor's Report

There was no report.

14. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To Adjourn the October 14, 2025 Village Council Meeting.

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:41 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk