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Supplemental Documents

• rEmarks received for this meeting.
• Council Questions for this meeting. No Council Questions were submitted for this week's meeting.
• Manager's Memo to Village Council for this meeting. No Manager's Memo to the Village Council was submitted for this week's meeting.

Meeting AGENDA

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Roll Call

• MOT 2024-10313 A. Motion: Allowing for Electronic Participation for the April 16, 2024 Village Council Meeting

Proclamations

• A. Earth Day
• B. Arbor Day

Minutes of Council Meetings

• MIN 2024-10199 A . Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - April 9, 2024

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

• COR 2024-10192 A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6549, Payroll - April 05, 2024
• BIL 2024-10194 B. Bills Payable: No. 6796 - April 16, 2024
• RES 2024-10347 C. Resolution: Approve an Amendment to the Agreement with Midwest Power Industry, Inc. for Generator Maintenance and Repair Services

Active Agenda

• RES 2024-10348 A. Resolution: Approve the Removal of William Nienburg from the Library Board of Trustees

First Reading

• ORD 2024-10338 A. Ordinance: Providing for an Amendment to Ordinance #5952 and The Village of Downers Grove Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

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 providing for an amendment to Ordinance #5953 and the Village of Downers Grove Budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

Mayor's Report

Council Member Reports

Manager's Report

• INF 2024-10350 A. Information: Guiding DG Discussion - Community Engagement Update
• INF 2024-10351 B. Information: Priority Action Item Update

Adjournment

1. Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

2. Roll Call

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

Council Attendance (Not Present): None

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

Mayor Barnett went over the protocol for public comment and provided other options to communicate with the Village Council. 

The Mayor then modified the order of the evening’s agenda and moved the Guiding DG Discussion (originally under the Manager’s Report) to this part of the meeting.

INF 2024-10350 — A. Information: Guiding DG Discussion - Community Engagement Update

Village Manager Dave Fieldman introduced Nick Davis, with Houseal Lavigne, the lead consultant for the Guiding DG collection of policy and plan updates, particularly the Comprehensive Plan update.  

Mr. Davis provided an overview via PowerPoint of the community engagement process piece of the Guiding DG efforts. He reviewed the Community Survey responses and spoke of the Community Kick-Off event, noting that it was a successful event, and he also received a lot of good feedback from the community and stakeholder interviews. He also explained that the Inside DG Spring 2024 issue will feature information on Guiding DG. Mr. Davis shared that engagement on Facebook, Nextdoor, and X has been increasing and is doing a good job of reaching the community.

Commissioner Gilmartin said it was a great kick-off event. He asked if a separate Facebook page is being used for this. He also asked if there was a way to determine what the number of Facebook followers increased to after this was pushed out. The Commissioner also asked how much other municipalities numbers had increased after their kick-offs and how we compared.

Mr. Davis shared that there is not a separate Facebook page for the Guiding DG posts. He also said there is no magic number to push for. He said that the Village’s numbers are right where they should be. He suggested that the Village continue with the current methods of communication, and try to incorporate other methods, if possible, to get additional people to take the survey.  

Commissioner Gilmartin shared that it was encouraging to see that the Bike and Pedestrian Plan survey had been doing well since the kick-off. He asked all in attendance to go to the Guiding DG website and take the surveys. He shared his opinion that more representation was needed from people that have lived in the Village for less than 10 years.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said she echoed Commissioner Gilmartin’s comments and said that she has received positive feedback from residents and businesses. She too thought it was important that newer residents were engaged in the process and noted that it was also important to hear from long term residents as well. She shared that she and Commissioner Davenport participated in a local government panel at Downers Grove South that morning, to inform the youth about what the government does and how they can get involved. She asked about the youth engagement pieces of the plan.  

Mr. Davis responded and shared that there would be aspects of the events geared toward the younger population. He said those would include ice cream trucks at different locations and pop-up tents at Village events like the Rotary Festival. He continued by stating there would be a second round of pop-up events in late July and August. Mr. Davis shared that his thought that taking the pop-ups to the people is a great way to target areas of the community that the Village is not getting feedback from. He shared there are also DIY Kits that can be plugged into the overall outreach efforts that are available for the public to use. Mr. Davis said the traditional in-person and online methods used thus far, in addition to the pop-ups and DIY kits, will provide many options to reach the community.

Manager Fieldman said that Village staff will provide monthly updates on this, with the next update to come in May. He said the rest of the Manager’s Report will take place later in the meeting.

3. Proclamations

A. Earth Day

B. Arbor Day

Mayor Barnett read aloud the Earth Day and the Arbor Day Proclamations. 

4. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2024-10199  —  A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2024

MOTION: To adopt The Meeting Minutes of the April 9, 2024, Village Council Meeting, as presented.  RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Sadowski-Fugitt, Davenport, Tully, Glover, Gilmartin, Mayor Barnett NAYES: None

5. Public Comments

Selma Moberg, a resident, thanked the Mayor for the Arbor Day Proclamation and said she was grateful that Sterling Morton was mentioned in the proclamation. She expressed concerns regarding the proposed development at 902 Maple and spoke of the most recent traffic study performed at the Maple and Washington intersection; sharing her concern for safety at that intersection. She said the community does not want the proposed development at 902 Maple built. 

Hillary Denk, a resident, thanked the Mayor for proclamation about Earth Day and shared that she was there to promote an event to take place on April 24, cohosted by the League of Women’s voters and AAUW. She shared that the event was a march for Equal Pay Day and will start by meeting at the Main Street Train Station at 5:30 p.m., with a start time of 6:00 p.m.

Barbara Alanzo, a resident, expressed disappointment in the street modifications and signage placement on Prairie Avenue- from Main Street to Belmont; sharing that having so many signs destroys the look of the neighborhood. She said she thinks that double lines painted on side streets looks bad and get worn out,. She asked the Village to take a look at projects after they are complete, to make sure that changes do not need to be made. 

Scott Richards, a resident, spoke of his concerns about outdoor dining in the downtown, stating it takes up too many parking spaces, making it look unattractive and too crowded. He asked if outdoor dining is a permanent feature and stated his opinion that it is pushing people to go to other towns.  

Janet Whittingham, a resident, concurred with Mr. Richard’s comments and spoke about the Streetscape Plan on the Council’s Priority Action List, stating it will remove more parking. She shared that she thought people would be surprised when that happens and said parking is mainly a problem in the summer because of outdoor dining.  

Jim Kelly, a resident, said he opened an office on Curtiss Street in Downers Grove. He then spoke of a situation involving drugs where the individual involved was arrested and he encouraged the Village to have a greater police presence in the downtown..

6. Consent Agenda

COR 2024-10192 —  A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6549, Payroll – April 05, 2024

BIL 2024-10194 —  B. Bills Payable: No. 6796 - April 16, 2024

RES 2024-10347 —  C. Resolution: Approve an Amendment to the Agreement with Midwest Power Industry, Inc. for Generator Maintenance and Repair Services

Summary: This resolution amends the agreement with Midwest Power Industry, Inc. of McHenry, IL in the amount of $31,104, increasing the total contract amount from $95,570 to $126,674.

RESOLUTION 2024-41

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND MIDWEST POWER INDUSTRY, INC.

MOTION: To adopt the Consent Agenda of the April 16, 2024, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt 

AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Sadowski-Fugitt, Davenport, Tully, Glover, Gilmartin, Mayor Barnett NAYES: None

7. Active Agenda

RES 2024-10348 — A. Resolution: Approve the Removal of William Nienburg from the Library Board of Trustees

Summary: This resolution approves the removal of William Nienburg from the Library Board of Trustees.

MOTION: To adopt A RESOLUTION REMOVING WILLIAM NIENBURG FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES as presented. RESOLUTION 2024-42 RESULT: Motion carried 4-3 by roll call. MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt SECONDED BY: Commissioner Hosé AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Sadowski-Fugitt, Davenport, Gilmartin NAYES: Commissioners Tully, Commissioner Glover and Mayor Barnett

Public Comment

Mayor Barnett reminded all about the expectations of the public during Public Comment.  

Eileen Briner, a resident, expressed her support for Bill Nienburg, stating that she thinks that the standard applied to him needs to be applied to all on the Board and also to the Library Executive Director.

Norm Sidler, a resident, thanked the Council for their involvement with the Village and expressed his support for Bill Nienburg, reminding the Council that their decision would set a precedent. He read a statement on behalf of Bill Nienburg, who was not in attendance. In the statement, Mr. Nienburg expressed his opinion that the Library Board was carrying out a vendetta against him.

Allison Fulcurt, a resident, voiced support for Bill Nienburg and said that this is setting a precedent and she expects the removal of the rest of the Library Board.  

Swapna Gigani, Library Board of Trustees President, spoke of her education, training, and time spent on other boards in Downers Grove. She recapped some of the Library Board’s achievements of the last few years and explained that the Library has surpassed pre-COVID use levels. She also shared a list of awards won by the Library and that the Library has formalized an agreement with District 58 to provide all students with library cards. She explained that she supports the removal of Trustee Nienburg. 

Tom Slatter, a resident, spoke of the Library’s book stock and that they had to send out for a book through the Library system that was not in stock. He expressed that he does not think the library has books in stock that represent the diversity of the community and asked that the Village Council do their part and vote against this resolution.

Unnamed individual expressed her support of Trustee Nienburg, stating that he adds diversity to the Library Board.

Noel Manley, resident of Darien, IL, expressed his support of Bill Nienburg and what he considers a lack of due process with this. He spoke of Bill representing a diverse part of the community that needs to be represented.  

Nancy Sullivan, a resident, expressed her support of Bill Nienburg and opined that by appointing him to the Board, the Village Council set him up for failure. She said she thinks that there needs to be more diversity on the Board by having both conservative and progressive thinkers.

Paul Dravik, a resident, spoke of his support of Bill Nienburg and shared a quote by Justice Scalia, stating that minority voices need to be allowed. He shared his opinion that there is no due process with this and it sends the wrong message.

Tina Chan, a resident, spoke of her support of Bill Nienburg and said that he speaks for many of the residents. She requested the Council reject the resolution.

Lisa Hallmark, a resident of Darien, asked the Mayor if his request for no clapping is within the Village’s laws pertaining to Village Council meetings. She said she thinks that the residents should be able to show their support by clapping and repeating the same comments.

Warner Kiunte, a resident, expressed his support to remove Bill Nienburg from the Library Board of Trustees. He said that the comments made against equity and diversity at the Library Board meetings have made him socially active. Mr. Kiunte requested that the Village support the Library’s programs to promote diversity and inclusion.

Ted Konis spoke of his own experience with serving on a Board, stating that diverse opinions were needed. He expressed his support of Bill Nienburg and that he thinks removing him from the Library Board is mean-spirited, vindictive, and unnecessary.

Bill Martin, a resident, shared his support of Bill Nienburg and shared his experience at a Library Board meeting, where Mr. Nienburg was the only one asking financial questions. 

Lisa Forest, a resident, expressed her support of Bill Nienburg and said if he is removed from the Board it would be the as being “black-listed”. 

Ed Briner, a resident, expressed his support of Bill Nienburg and stated that Mr. Nienburg has not been able to defend himself. He spoke of concerns with the Library Board members and the Executive Director making false statements, spending funds unreasonably, and making bad decisions. He requested the Council dismiss this resolution. 

Jeffrey Mack, a resident, expressed his support of Bill Nienburg and shared that Mr. Nienburg was his only voice on the Library Board.  

Jim Kelly returned to the podium and shared that he was banned from the Library and he thinks that the Village should take the Library back and make it a place that represents everyone. 

Scott Melrose, a resident, spoke of how the Village Council shows respect for everyone and said that the Library Board does not operate at the same standard. 

John Frigo, a resident, shared that this is his first time at a Village Council meeting. He spoke of a friend that requested there be enough LGBTQ events in the community to represent that portion of the community adequately.  He also expressed his opinion that the diversity of thought and opinion on the Library Board is a good thing. 

Hillary Denk returned to the podium and expressed her support of the removal of Bill Nienburg from the Library Board of Trustees. She stated that the people that have commented at the meeting only represent a small portion of the community. She also reminded all that both the Village Council and Library Board are non-partisan and she expressed her appreciation to the Village Council for listening to all voices before making a decision. 

Mayor Barnett reminded everyone that all in attendance have a right to express their opinion and he asked that the audience respect each other. He wants each individual to have the ability to express their own opinion. Commissioner Hosé also stated that each person is entitled to express their opinion without interruption. 

Cindy Matthew, a resident, spoke in support of the Library and expressed her support for the Library staff. She said she agrees with the no clapping rule because she thinks it intimidates those people that do not feel the same way as the majority that have spoken. 

Kristen Martin, a resident, expressed her support of Bill Nienburg, and expressed that she thinks he is being removed from the Board because of his opinions. She said she was threatened when expressing an interest in serving on the Library Board because she is a conservative and she thinks this is a political issue.  

Village Council Comments/Questions

Mayor Barnett said the Council is in a tough spot because they have been asked to consider this by another public body in town. He said some of the Council members have been through this process more than once. He thanked everyone for their emails and comments over the past several weeks.

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said there were a lot of rumors about the vote that would be taken on this. She further stated that there was ample evidence to show that Trustee Nienburg had not acted in the best interest of the Downers Grove Public Library. She said she has attempted to meet with him and he has not taken her up on the offer. She expressed that she has never felt unsafe while serving on the Village Council, nor have her colleagues, but many of the Library Trustees have felt unsafe. She noted that this has nothing to do with political affiliations, but everything to do with dangerous extremism. The Commissioner stated that this decision represents the whole community’s interest and shared that she spoke with neighbors about the topic. She said that the Drag Queen Bingo event was meant to be joyful and was, in part, planned by the LGBTQ community. She shared that there is such a high rate of suicide amount the LGBTQ community because of the types of reactions that were seen with that event.  Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt explained that the Library, schools, and Village are safe and strong. She said she will not sit and allow any of them to be denigrated without speaking up. She said as elected officials, the Council will listen to the comments made by residents, however, even when threatened and being called names, she will stand up for everyone’s rights.

Mayor Barnett asked the audience to respect the Council, while they comment, in the same manner the Council respected the residents when they made comments. He said that the Council deserved the respect that they gave the residents. He said each of the Council members has the same rights as other residents. He asked for a mutual respect and trust. The Mayor shared his thoughts that respect is not defined by agreement, respect is defined by understanding that there might be times you do not agree with others, but you trust other people to care about their relationships and the world they are serving.

Commissioner Glover thanked all for their comments and for reaching out. He thanked his colleagues for talking things through and considering everyone’s viewpoints. He said he is embarrassed at how this was brought about and he does not think the rationale to bring this forward was appropriate. Commissioner Glover said Mr. Nienburg is 

entitled to his opinion, especially on his social media - it is his own, not the Library’s. He said he does not think there is evidence that points to a lack of preparation for the Board meetings on Bill’s part, and he opined that Mr. Nienburg brought a perspective that was not shared by the Board and that he did not violate any of the Bi-laws. The Commissioner said he is not in support of this motion.

Commissioner Tully thanked all that participated and said that community participation is important in governing, especially in terms of civility and decorum. He said the Library is not a recommending Board of the Village Council, and this was a request from the Library and the Village Council has no moral obligation to act on the request. He said the Village Council appoints the Trustees on the Library Board and also funds the library. The Commissioner said that ultimately the Trustees can do what they want. He said this is not about the Library, it is a great Library - it is about the motion made by the Village Council to remove him that needs to be considered. He said the resolution that was before the Council was asking the Village Council to remove Trustee Nienburg from the Library Board immediately due to misconduct and neglect of office and he did not think that the standard of misconduct had been, or even came close to that standard. Commissioner Tully also noted that Mr. Nienburg had been on other Village Boards and Commissions and worked effectively with others while having a voice and strong opinions. He added that he spoke with members of those other Boards and they said that tough Bill had strong opinions, they were very valuable and contributed to overall good solutions for different issues. He said it is not true to state that Bill was not prepared for meetings and he opined that it looks bad that the Library voted on the resolution when Bill was not in attendance. The Commissioner commended his colleagues for taking their time to consider all aspects of this, even with pressure from the public. He said he was told by some residents that if they did not act immediately, the Library would crumble. He further stated that on the flip side, other people have commented about how well the Library has done, even with Bill on the Library Board. Commissioner Tully said that the motion in front of him asks the Council to find that Bill Nienburg engaged in misconduct or in neglect of office and he does not support this motion.

Commissioner Hosé said that the standard that was referred to came from 50 ILCS 60/10 (Local Government – Local Volunteer Board Member Removal Act),. He cited Part B, stating that removal under that section is in addition to any other method of removal provided by law. He said that the Village Council has the authority regarding the removal of this Trustee, and misconduct is not necessary. The Commissioner referenced the comments made to due process and said that Mr. Nienburg has not taken advantage of attending any of the meetings over the last month to make a statement. With reference to the statements made about the Library not having every book in stock, Commissioner Hosé said it would be impossible for them to have every book ever written in stock and the process used to send out for books works well. He also spoke of the removal of Mr. Art Jaros from the Library Board of Trustees in the past for reasons less severe than this. The Commissioner added that those who are making this about viewpoint are wrong and when looking back at Library Board meetings, he noted that Bill did not use decorum or cordiality. He said that Bill is a poor representative of the Village, and of the Council that appointed him. He continued by stating that Bill stood by and did nothing while others screamed obscenities at the Library staff, and that is enough of a reason to remove him. He said supporting those who are trying to drive staff away is an attack on the institution and it needs to be protected . Commissioner Hosé shared his opinion that in the end Mr. Nienburg has been attempting to change the mission of the Library and he has been unsuccessful. He said he and his family have never felt unsafe at the Library and that the staff and Board members have asked for escorts to their cars, which is wrong. He said that people can disagree and still be friends, but the actions Bill has taken cannot be without consequences. Commissioner Hosé said that he supports this motion.  

Commissioner Davenport said the Village Council has no authority to hire or fire the Libarary staff, it is out of their purview. He spoke of his history serving on different Boards throughout the Village and now on this Council. He said Mr. Nienburg’s actions have overshadowed his work thus far. He said that some of the conduct of the Board President is also wrong. He explained that there was a lack of decorum and trust of the residents, and the Village Council has taken a hands off approach in the past, but now he thinks the Village Council should take control. The Commissioner suggested the Library Board have their meetings in the Council Chambers, limit their terms to four years instead of six, and add a seventh member to the Board. He said he is most interested in making the Library Board of Trustees an elected body. He said Trustee Nienburg has not conducted himself in a manner worthy of the public’s trust. Commissioner Davenport said this is not about Bill’s differing points of view, as removing him because of his viewpoints would be just as wrong as keeping him solely because of them. Commissioner Davenport said he is in support of this motion and will be voting to remove Mr. Nienburg from the Board. 

Commissioner Gilmartin said he thinks that the Library Board taking action to vote to remove Mr. Nienburg during a meeting he did not attend is not something to speak of, because Mr. Nienburg missed many meetings. He spoke of the annual budgets of both the Village and the Library, stating that they both look great and he looks forward to getting back to the work of the Village. The Commissioner said that the Council has taken time to consider this, he has been watching the Library meetings since November of 2022, he has spoken with many residents, and he attempted to meet with Mr. Nienburg, but his attempts were unsuccessful. Commissioner Gilmartin said what he has heard from the Library Board and staff is concerning and when making his decision, he tried to approach it from a Human Resources lens. He reviewed his reasoning for his decision, asking himself if Mr. Nienburg was an effective member of the board, if his actions as a Trustee supported the premise of effectiveness, and lastly, if Mr. Nienburg had the ability or willingness to change.  Commissioner Gilmartin said that Trustee Nienburg was approached by the Mayor and several Council members asking him to tone down his rhetoric in order be more collaborative. He expressed his opinion that Mr. Nienburg’s communication to the Council has been of denial , defiance, blame and victimhood. The Commissioner shared that he is compelled to support this resolution, given the lack of support Mr. Nienburg has received from the balance of the Library Board, in addition to Mr. Nienburg;s lack of effectiveness and willingness to change.

Mayor Barnett said that no one wanted to be there doing what they were doing.  He agreed with Commissioners Glover and Tully, and said that because the Council appoints the Library Board members, this decision fell on the Village Council. He shared that he does not want to own the decision that will be made at this meeting, but because the Library Board did not set aside their differences over the last 18 months to work collectively, there was no other option. The Mayor said that the Board should revisit the timing of their meetings when all are of the members cannot be in attendance. He also shared that the Village Council changes the dates of Village Council meeting when certain topics are discussed based on when all of the members can be present. Mayor Barnett said there is a problem with the Board and the way they are managing themselves, and he would prefer this resolution was taken back to the Library Board with the Council working to mediate. The Mayor expressed that he does not support this resolution.  

Commissioner Tully spoke of a time when there was a prior censure that took place and good conversation was had that resulted in the individual who was being censured actually voting in favor of it.

Mayor Barnett thanked all for coming and called for a brief recess at 9:42 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 9:53 p.m.

8. First Reading

ORD 2024-10338 — A. Ordinance: Providing for an Amendment to Ordinance #5952 and The Village of Downers Grove Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

Village Finance Director Robin Lahey presented and explained that FY 2023 budgeted expenses ended the year below budgeted levels in four of the Village’s Funds. The amendments were requested for the General Fund, in the amount of $4,300,000, the Health Fund, in the amount of $600,000, the Motor Fuel Tax Fund, in the amount of $45,000, and the Library Capital Replacement Fund, in the amount of $5,000. 

Village Council Comments/Questions

Commissioner Tully asked what some of the drivers of the successful General Fund were last year. 

Village Manager Dave Fieldman explained that some of the Village’s major revenue sources came in significantly over budget and included revenue from Sales Tax, Income Tax, Home Rule Sales Tax, and Food and Beverage Tax. Manager Fieldman added that with the current interest rate, interest earnings were also a contributing factor.   

9. 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 providing for an amendment to Ordinance #5953 and the Village of Downers Grove Budget for Fiscal Year 2023.

10. Mayor’s Report

There was no Mayor’s Report. 

11. Council Member Reports 

Commissioner Hosé explained that there were still a few tickets left for the Grove Foundation’s Passport to Dining

Event of April 18th were available at Anderson’s Book Store. He said that anyone interested in attending could also reach out to him or Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt for tickets. 

Commissioner Davenport congratulated the following Downers Grove residents for finishing the Boston Marathon:

Nicholas Allchin, Michael Chico, Paul Lipinski, Matthew Longino, Daniel Mucciolo, Jennifer Norgaard, Carolyn Olsen,

Michael Platzke, Tim Poeschel, Volker Rose, Anise Silva, and Walter Wendel.

12. Manager’s Report

INF 2024-10350 — A. Information: Guiding DG Discussion - Community Engagement Update

This item was moved to the beginning of the meeting, just after Roll Call.  

INF 2024-10351 — B. Information: Priority Action Item Update

Manager Fieldman presented a Priority Action Item (PAI) update via PowerPoint. He stated that four of the items had been completed and all of the others were progressing normally and on schedule, with one exception, the Meadowbrook Center Project. He said that though it was behind schedule, the Zoning Application had been submitted and their attorney was working with Village Attorney Petrarca on the details. Manager Fieldman went on to explain that the Civic Center Project was on schedule and nearing completion, with interior and exterior construction wrapping up, the furniture being installed, and Village staff preparing for the relocation. He then spoke of the series of plans incorporated in Guiding DG (presented by Nick Davis with Houseal Lavigne earlier in the meeting) and he also noted the work being completed on the Fairview Focus Area Plan. Manager Fieldman gave a shout out to the Village’s Sustainability Coordinator Jason Michnick and his work with both the Environmental Concerns Commission and the Delta Institute (the consultant on the Environmental Sustainability Plan). Manager Fieldman concluded with status updates on the Bike and Ped Plan, Downtown Streetscape Plan, Downtown Outdoor Dining Plan, Lead Service Replacement Line Project, DEI Practices, Video Gaming, and the Meadowbrook Tax Increment Financing District and Redevelopment Plan.   

Deputy Village Manager Mike Baker then showed a video that showcased the progress made on the Civic Center Project.

Manager Fieldman stressed that Village staff was working on a transition plan that focuses on informing the public of how to interact with the Village during the transition process. He explained the transition to the new Civic Center was on schedule and would take place in a phased approach over a couple of weeks. He concluded by stating that more details would be forthcoming in the weeks to come.  

Village Council Comments/Questions

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt spoke of the panel she was a part of that morning and through a conversation with the Village Manager of Woodridge, she learned that Woodridge had been in some similar situations as Downers Grove. She said they built a new Police Station and also had a similar situation with their Village Social Worker (having been in place years ago, being removed, and the brought back). She said it was interesting to know that some of Downers Grove’s neighboring communities are facing many of the same things we are and have had a lot of the same success. 

Manager Fieldman thanked Woodridge Village Manager Al Stonitsch and his team for sharing information about their transition to the new Police Department. He said that a lot of that information was incorporated into our Village’s Transition Plan. 

13. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To adjourn the April 16, 2024, Village Council Meeting.                               

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt 

AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Sadowski-Fugitt, Davenport, Tully, Glover, Gilmartin, Mayor Barnett NAYES: None

Mayor Barnett declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Rosa Berardi Village Clerk