Village Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 7:00 pm | Map It
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Supplemental Documents
- rEmarks received for this meeting.
- Council Questions for this meeting.
Meeting AGENDA
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Roll Call
- Allowing for Electronic Participation for the June 02, 2026 Village Council Meeting
Recognition Presentations
- A. Police CALEA Reaccreditation
- B. United States Secret Service Plaque Of Appreciation
- C. American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Gold Award
- D. Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
- E. Government Finance Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting
- F. Government Finance Officers Association Special Commendation for Long Range Planning
- G. Chicago Building Congress Award of Merit for Commercial Construction for the Civic Center
- H. American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois Merit Award for Improvements to Main Street
Proclamations
- A. Pride Month
Minutes of Council Meetings
- MIN 2025-10935 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2026
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 2026-11122 A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6657, Payroll - May 15, 2026
- BIL 2026-11089 B. Bills Payable: No. 6944 - June 02, 2026
- MOT 2026-11230 C. Motion: Approving a Contract with JLJ Contracting, Inc. for Parking Deck Maintenance
- MOT 2026-11256 D. Motion: Approving an Agreement with Air One, Inc. for the Purchase of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment
- RES 2026-11253 E. Resolution: Approving the Second Extension to the Agreement with Ray O'Herron Company, Inc. for Police Uniforms and Equipment
- RES 2026-11255 F. Resolution: Abrogating a Public Easement for 4533 Highland Avenue
Active Agenda
- MOT 2026-11229 A. Motion: Approving an Agreement with Gerardi Sewer & Water Co. for the 2026 Water Main Improvements – Contract B (WA-028B)
- ORD 2026-11236 B. Ordinance: Approving a Special Use for 5145 Washington Street to Permit a Dental Office on the First Floor of an Existing Building
- ORD 2026-11235 C. Ordinance: Approving a Special Use for 1341 Butterfield Road to Permit the Construction and Operation of a Car Wash with Variations
First Reading
- RES 2026-11254 A. Resolution: Accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Village of Downers Grove for the Fiscal Year January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025
- ORD 2026-11237 B. Ordinance: Authorizing a Special Use to Permit Construction of an Accessory Structure Before the Principal Structure is Established at 417 2nd Street View Presentation
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 authorizing a Special Use to permit construction of an accessory structure before the principal structure is established at 417 2nd Street.
Manager's Report
Council Member Report's
Mayor's Report
Adjournment
1. Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
2. Roll Call
Attendance (Present)
Mayor Barnett, Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Gilmartin, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Davenport, Commissioner Roe, Commissioner Sarver.
Council Attendance (Not Present)
None.
Non-Voting
Village Manager Dave Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, and Village Clerk Rosa Berardi
3. Recognition Presentations
A. Police CALEA Reaccreditation
Shannon Gillette, CALEA Assessor and retired Downers Grove Police Chief, congratulated the department on its achievement and provided remarks regarding the significance of the recognition. He presented the award to Police Chief Mike Devries, Deputy Chief Jim McGreal, Lieutenant Harry Andler, and Accreditation Manager Stacy Blaskovich.
B. United States Secret Service Plaque of Appreciation
James Morley, Acting Special Agent with the United States Secret Service Field Office in Chicago, congratulated the Police Department on its achievement and provided remarks regarding the significance of the recognition. He presented the award to Police Chief Mike Devries and Deputy Chiefs McGreal and McMahon.
C. American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Gold Award
Mayor Barnett provided remarks regarding the Fire Department's achievements and the significance of the recognition. He presented the award to Fire Chief Scott Spinazola and Deputy Chiefs McGivney and Pekelder.
D. Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
E. Government Finance Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting
F. Government Finance Officers Association Special Commendation for Long Range Planning
Mayor Barnett congratulated the Village Finance team on receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, an award for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and a Special Commendation for Long-Range Planning. He provided remarks regarding the department's achievements and the significance of the recognitions and presented the awards to Finance Director Robin Lahey and Accounting Supervisor Richard Cook.
G. Chicago Building Congress Award of Merit for Commercial Construction for the Civic Center
Mayor Barnett explained that, in addition to this award, the Village had already received three other prestigious architectural and construction awards. He extended special thanks to the following individuals for their work in developing the beautiful, modern, and sustainable 80,000-square-foot building that houses most Village departments and School District 58: Brian Mead of the design team at FGMA; Jeff Montenari of the construction team at Leopardo; and Village staff members Deputy Village Manager Mike Baker, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, Community Development Director Stan Popovich, Building Division Manager Nora King, Police Chief Mike DeVries, and Deputy Police Chief Jim McGreal. He then presented them with the award.
H. American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois Merit Award for Improvements to Main Street
Mayor Barnett explained that the Village partnered with School District 99 and improved pedestrian safety near Downers Grove North High School. He congratulated Public Works Engineering Director Scott Vasko for his work and that of his team and presented him with the award.
4. Proclamations
A. Pride Month
Mayor Barnett shared that when he considers proclamations, he selects topics, issues, and causes that he believes deserve greater visibility or understanding, and that, based on the commentary over the past several weeks, the community would benefit from the reminders contained in this proclamation. He read the proclamation and presented it to members of EQDG.
5. Minutes of Council Meetings
MIN 2025-10935 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - May 19, 2026
Motion: To Adopt the Village Council Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2026, as presented. Result: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Motion to Approve: Commissioner Tully.
Seconded By: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt.
Ayes: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Davenport, Sarver, Gilmartin, and Mayor Barnett. Nays: None
6. Public Comments
Ms. Lilja, a resident and licensed family childcare provider, addressed the Council regarding issues related to her licensed group in-home childcare operation and the Village's zoning regulations governing group childcare homes. She discussed the Village Council’s denial of her petition for a text amendment to the ordinance that would have allowed her to continue operating her childcare business with the number of children she had been caring for over many years and asked how the Village plans to support affordable local childcare and address potential updates to the applicable ordinances.
Jeffrey Mack, a resident, spoke against the Mayor’s proclamation in favor of Pride Month.
Ed Breiner, a resident, commended Mayor Barnett for his speech at the Memorial Day celebration. He also addressed remarks made by commissioners at the May 19th meeting, stating that many residents were deeply disappointed and offended by comments directed toward those who had voiced concerns regarding Pride-related events, certain library materials, and various Village policies, and called on the commissioners responsible to publicly apologize to the residents they disparaged.
Phil Navratil, a resident, expressed concern about the growth in the homeless population in Downers Grove, including in the downtown area and parks, noting he feared the safety of children. He suggested designated feeding locations away from parks and playgrounds, enforcement of existing overnight camping ordinances, and a broader community discussion.
Michael Kuper, resident, expressed his gratitude with the Pride Month proclamation and thanked the Mayor for his support of the LGBTQ+ community. He provided facts from the Trevor Project and additional comments in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lilian Ruiz, student at DG North High, spoke about her support of the Pride Month proclamation and the LGBTQ+ community. She thanked the Mayor for the proclamation and requested the support of the community.
Chris, a resident, expressed concerns about light pollution and the effects it can have on wildlife and humans. He requested the Village consider measures to mitigate light pollution.
Robert Ramsdell, congratulated the Village and Council on all of the awards won by the Village. He thanked the Mayor for the Pride Month proclamation.
7. Consent Agenda
COR 2026-11122 A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6657, Payroll May 15, 2026
BIL 2026-11089 B. Bills Payable: No. 6944 - June 02, 2026
MOT 2026-11230 C. Motion: Approve a Contract with JLJ Contracting, Inc. for Parking Deck Maintenance
MOT 2026-11256 D. Motion: Approve an Agreement with Air One, Inc. for the
Purchase of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment
RES 2026-11253 E. Resolution: Approving the Second Extension to the
Agreement with Ray O'Herron Company, Inc. for Police Uniforms and Equipment
RESOLUTION 2026-44
A Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Second Extension to the Agreement Between the Village of Downers Grove and Ray O’Herron Company, Inc.
RES 2026-11255 F. Resolution: Abrogating a Public Easement for 4533 Highland Avenue
RESOLUTION 2026-45
A Resolution Abrogating a Public Easement for 4533 Highland Avenue
Motion: To Approve the Consent Agenda of the June 02, 2026, Village Council Meeting, as presented.
Result: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Motion to Approve: Commissioner Tully.
Seconded By: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt.
Ayes: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin, and Mayor Barnett. Nays: None.
8. Active Agenda
MOT 2026-11229 A. Motion: Approving an Agreement with Gerardi Sewer & Water
Co. for the 2026 Water Main Improvements – Contract B (WA-028B)
Motion: To Authorize A Contract for the 2026 Water Main Improvements – Contract B (WA-028B) to Gerardi Sewer & Water Co., as presented. Result: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Motion to Approve: Commissioner Tully.
Seconded By: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt.
Ayes: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin, and Mayor Barnett. Nays: None.
ORD 2026-11236 B. Ordinance: Approving a Special Use for 5145 Washington
Street to Permit a Dental Office on the First Floor of an Existing Building
Motion: To Adopt An Ordinance Authorizing a Special Use for 5145 Washington Street to Permit a Dental Office on the First Floor of an Existing Building, as presented.
ORDINANCE 6195 Result: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Motion to Approve: Commissioner Tully.
Seconded By: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt.
Ayes: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin, and Mayor Barnett.
Nays: None.
ORD 2026-11235 C. Ordinance: Approving a Special Use for 1341 Butterfield Road
to Permit the Construction and Operation of a Car Wash with Variations
Motion: To Adopt An Ordinance Authorizing a Special Use for 1341 Butterfield Road to Permit the Construction and Operation of a Car Wash with Variations, as presented. ORDINANCE 6196 Result: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. Motion to Approve: Commissioner Tully.
Seconded By: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt.
Ayes: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin, and Mayor Barnett.
Nays: None.
9. First Reading
RES 2026-11254 A. Resolution: Accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report of the Village of Downers Grove for the Fiscal Year January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025
Jamie Wilkey, Partner at Lauderbach and Amen, LLC, complemented the Village on the results of the audit performed this year. She explained it is rare to come into an audit as clean as the Village of Downers Grove. She described the criteria necessary to receive the awards presented earlier in the meeting. She then provided a review of the Village's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Council Comments
Commissioner Tully said it was wonderful to hear the positive comments made by the auditor, noting that such feedback is rare. He recalled a time many years ago when Village audits were not as clean and said it has taken many years of hard work by many people to reach this point.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt echoed Commissioner Tully’s comments. She praised the Finance staff for their work.
Mayor Barnett said the ACFR is online for anyone that would like to review it, noting that it is a good starting point for understanding Village finances.
ORD 2026-11237 B. Ordinance: Authorizing a Special Use to Permit Construction
of an Accessory Structure Before the Principal Structure is Established at 417 2nd Street
Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented using a PowerPoint. He displayed maps of the area, the proposed site plan, and renderings of the building.
Council Comments:
Commissioner Tully read from Municipal Code regarding special uses and explained that this special meets all requirements and will not have an impact on the health or safety of the community.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt agreed with Tully regarding the fact that this does not impact the health or safety of the community. She spoke to the strange layout of this lot and given the criteria of the special use and that it is not going to be used for a second housing structure, she agrees with the P&Z recommendation.
Commissioner Davenport agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt’s comments and spoke to stormwater management not being an issue. He said he supports this.
Commissioner Sarver said the proposed development of this property is an improvement to what is currently there. She said it is appropriate and within the Village guidelines, so she supports this.
Commissioner Tully said this invokes the old flag lots and this is a better use.
Commissioner Gilmartin raised clarifying questions regarding what would happen to the pool house if the property owner at 417 2nd Street decided to sell. Mr. Popovich explained that a condition in the ordinance requires the restriction to be recorded against the properties at the County, requiring demolition of the accessory structure prior to the sale of the properties if they are not simultaneously transferred to the same entity. Commissioner Gilmartin also raised concerns about the access easement, noting that the owner of the property on which the easement is located may not be interested in having the easement continue, and asked the petitioner to explain the desire to maintain it.
Commissioner Sarver asked what kind of easement it was.
Kevin Nelson, Project Manager for Oakley Home Builders, responded stating that it is just an access easement - a 13-foot driveway easement on the north side of the property. He explained that the easement is intended to maintain access and preserve the existing driveway cut on Fairview Avenue, and stated that removal could limit future development potential. He also noted that the petitioner had spoken with the adjacent property owner following the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and committed to working with him during development to maintain his parking lot and address drainage concerns.
Commissioner Gilmartin expressed that even though it is a private agreement, it is concerning because the property owner is being asked to maintain the agreement, while the petitioner benefits the most.
Mayor Barnett asked Commissioner Gilmartin to frame his concern within the special use approval criteria. Commissioner Gilmartin explained that without the special use, the pool house could not be constructed, and that the access through the driveway easement is tied to the special use request, making him uncomfortable that another property owner bears responsibility for maintaining access that benefits the petitioner. Mayor Barnett clarified that the special use pertains specifically to allowing a non-primary structure without a primary structure and noted that the property could otherwise be developed as a standard residential lot without the special use. Commissioner Gilmartin acknowledged the clarification and stated his intent to ensure all parties impacted by the request are considered.
Commissioner Davenport argued that the proposed improvement actually lessens the need for the use of the easement compared to what is currently there, as the existing vacant home could be used as an established residence with cars coming and going, whereas the pool house would generate less traffic. He stated that the concern does not fit within the criteria by which the special use is to be judged, it meets the stands. He said he thought the improvement actually improves the situation.
Commissioner Sarver explained she’d only asked what type of easement it was because she wanted to make sure it did not legally matter what kind of easement it was for the purpose of this discussion. She asked if anyone knew how the easement was granted. Commissioner Roe responded that the access easement had likely been in place for 80-100 years because the lot is landlocked and it is the only way to access it. He said the private agreement makes the lot usable and he does not think it is the place of the Council to intervene on this because it involves a private agreement between the residents and he does not want to set the precedent that the Council will start policing private easement agreements moving forward. Commissioner Roe also shared he thought the Planning and Zoning Commission did a good job working through this, noting that the property had been vacant for 10 years and there are concerns about possible squatters, homeless individuals and partiers using this property as it is. He noted he is in support of this.
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:
- An ordinance authorizing a Special Use to permit construction of an accessory structure before the principal structure is established at 417 2nd Street.
11. Manager's Report
There was no Manager’s Report.
12. Council Member Reports
Commissioner Davenport congratulated the Village team on all of the awards and stated that the awards reflect the tremendous value provided to the community and are validation of how well things are run in Downers Grove. He thanked the Mayor for the Pride Month proclamation.
Commissioner Roe reminded all about the Highland Ave project, which had begun and would continue through the summer, noting that there will be no eastbound traffic during construction. He announced the Downers Grove Pride Fest at Fischel Park on June 6-7 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. He also encouraged participation in the Library’s US 250 self-portrait art project, noting that the deadline for dropping off self-portraits is the second week of June.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt quoted from The Open Society and Its Enemies regarding the paradox of tolerance, noting that efforts to call out hate speech are sometimes characterized as belittling while the hate speech itself is not. She emphasized that no one can tell another person how to live and that society must assert its right to not tolerate intolerance. She also stated that she is proud of the Village and downtown businesses for showing support for Pride Month.
Commissioner Sarver expressed support for the Pride Month proclamation and referenced the Judas Priest 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, in which Rob Halford stated he is the gay guy in the band and that the heavy metal community supports everybody, concluding with "love is love".
Commissioner Gilmartin reported as liaison to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and shared that in May the EDC hosted presentations, highlighting one by a group that works to help model private and public partnerships to bring affordable mixed-use housing to communities. He noted new businesses coming to Downers Grove including a Seven Brew, More Protein Bar, and Qdoba. He also reported that the EDC reviewed a proposal from the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding a fund to help hotels participate in requests for proposals for events such as swim meets and bowling competitions, with more discussion to come. He noted that an EDC board member is working to understand the economic feasibility for redevelopment of the Grove Shopping Center. Commissioner Gilmartin also thanked Mayor Barnett for the Pride Month proclamation, expressing hope that Pride Month serves as a celebration of how far things have come and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
Commissioner Tully reported as liaison to the DMC and shared that the annual meeting is being held on June 4. He said on July 4, the big America 250 Parade is happening in the Village and anyone interested in participating should reach out to the Village by June 19. He also spoke about the CALEA award and noted that the Downers Grove Police Department ranks in the top 3-4 percent of all the police departments nationwide.
Commissioner Tully addressed a request for an apology related to comments he previously made regarding opposition to the Mayor’s Pride Month proclamation. He clarified that he referred to the opposition as “political theater” because he believed there was no underlying controversy, as the proclamation has been issued by the Mayor for the past six years, and noted that considerable meeting time was spent discussing the matter. He concluded by noting that 23 days remain until Rotary Grove Fest, describing it as the largest block party event.
13. Mayor's Report
Mayor Barnett thanked Village staff for their efforts, noting that they are working very hard on behalf of the people of the Village. He shared that he regularly receives expressions of appreciation from residents for the Village’s work. He stated that isolated issues are not reflective of normal operations and noted that it is rare for a community to receive the number of awards that Downers Grove has received.
14. Adjournment
Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: To Adjourn the June 2, 2026 Village Council Meeting, as presented.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt
AYES: Commissioners Tully, Sadowski-Fugitt, Roe, Sarver, Davenport, Gilmartin and Mayor Barnett
NAYES: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Rosa Berardi Village Clerk
850 Curtiss St.
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
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Send your event information to: events@downers.us and see your event on this page.
Downtown Events

Special community and business events hosted by Downtown Management can be found on their calendar.
Other Event Calendars
- Downers Grove Public Library
- DuPage County Community Events Calendar Includes area events that meet a basic human need or provides resources that meet the essential economic needs of those in the community (i.e. job training and placement, public assistance, and temporary financial assistance).
Event Resources
See Your Event Here!
Is your organization hosting an event in Downers Grove? Are you also a non-profit, 501(c)(3)?
Send your event information to: events@downers.us and see your event on this page.
Downtown Events

Special community and business events hosted by Downtown Management can be found on their calendar.
Other Event Calendars
- Downers Grove Public Library
- DuPage County Community Events Calendar Includes area events that meet a basic human need or provides resources that meet the essential economic needs of those in the community (i.e. job training and placement, public assistance, and temporary financial assistance).
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