1. Call to Order
Village Clerk Rosa Berardi called the meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 7:00 pm. in the Betty Cheever Council Chambers of the Downers Grove Civic Center.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Village Clerk Berardi led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
Council Attendance (Present): Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Gilmartin, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Davenport, Commissioner Sarver, Commissioner Roe
Council Attendance (Not Present): Mayor Barnett
Non-Voting: Village Manager Dave Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, and Village Clerk Rosa Berardi
A. Motion: Appoint an Acting Mayor for the July 8, 2025 Village Council Meeting
MOTION: To Appoint Commissioner Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt as Acting Mayor for the July 8, 2025 Village Council Meeting.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Davenport
AYES: Commissioners Tully, Davenport, Gilmartin, Sarver, Roe and Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt
Village Council Comments
Commissioner Gilmartin spoke about his concerns with the lack of an appointment of a Mayor Pro Tem. He noted he had no issue with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt leading this meeting. He said he will introduce a new business item at the next Council meeting to revise Section 2.17 of the Municipal Code in an effort to change the appointment process. He said the goal of his suggested changes is to ensure a Mayor Pro Tem is appointed in a timely fashion, to retain the Mayor’s right to appoint a Mayor Pro Tem, to ensure the Council has the opportunity to confirm that appointment as the Code requires, and to establish a clear automatic fallback process that mirrors the emergency succession ordinance.
Commissioner Tully said he looks forward to future discussions, whether through governance discussions or as a new business item.
Village Clerk Berardi declared the motion carried by roll call vote and Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt presided over the remainder of the meeting.
3. Minutes of Council Meetings
MIN 2024-10526 A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - July 1, 2025
MOTION: To Adopt Village Council Meeting Minutes of July 1, 2025, as presented.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin
AYES: Commissioners Tully, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt
4. Public Comments
Janet Winningham, a resident, requested the Council increase fees charged to restaurant owners for outdoor dining. She also expressed concerns about the contract with Hitchcock Design Group for the design of the Main Street Train Station and Linda Kunze Plaza on the Consent Agenda.
Bill Alrich, Accessible DG member, invited everyone to an information session about bringing a 708 Board to the Downers Grove Township on June 16, at 6:00 p.m., at the Downers Grove Public Library. He also inquired about the inclusion of affordable housing in the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.
5. Consent Agenda
BIL 2024-10654 A. Bills Payable: No. 6882 - July 8, 2025
MOT 2025-10818 B. Motion: Approve a Contract with Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) to
Design the Main Street Train Station and Linda Kunze Plaza
MOT 2025-10824 C. Motion: Approve a Contract with Davis Construction Company of Monee, Illinois, for the 2025 ROW Accessibility Improvements
MOTION: To Adopt the Consent Agenda of the July 8, 2025 Village Council Meeting, as presented.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin
AYES: Commissioners Tully, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt
6. Active Agenda
ORD 2025-10819 A. Ordinance: Authorizing an Extension of Special Use Ordinance No. 6044 for 5133 Main Street to Permit Multi-Family Units on the Second Floor and a Parking Variation
MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION OF SPECIAL USE ORDINANCE NO. 6044 FOR 5133 MAIN STREET TO PERMIT MULTI-FAMILY UNITS ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND A PARKING VARIATION, as presented. ORDINANCE 6129
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin
AYES: Commissioners Tully, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, and Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt
7. First Reading
MOT 2025-10825 A. Motion: Approve a Contract with A Lamp Concrete Contractors of
Schaumburg, Illinois, for the 2025 Water Main Improvements Contract B Project
Director of Engineering, Scott Vasko, presented this item via PowerPoint.
Village Council Comments
Commissioner Tully thanked staff for working through the Knottingham situation and for seeing this come to fruition.
Commissioner Gilmartin asked for more information about the lining versus replacement. Mr. Vasko explained the lining is cheaper. He shared that the plan will be to install the new main and get water services onto the new main, so the old one can be taken out of service and then lines. This will result in two services to supply residents.
Commissioner Davenport asked about the line going further to the east and if it is being lined. Mr. Vasko said yes. Commissioner Davenport also asked if there is an existing easement to address this going through private areas. Mr. Vasko confirmed there is and there is also an existing line - the lines will be interconnected once the project is complete.
Commissioner Sarver asked about the bidding process. Mr. Vasko said when looking at bid tabs, there was a $200k - $300k difference in cost or the lining and it was not understood why, as both contractors were using the same company, but that was the main reason for the difference.
Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugit said she is happy to see the Village have more control over this area.
REP 2025-10822 B. Report: Mosquito Spraying Discussion
Village Manager Dave Fieldman explained that the Council showed an interest in hearing more about mosquito spraying policies. He introduced Village Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Jason Michnick to present via PowerPoint. Mr. Michnick reviewed key recommendations from the Environmental Sustainability Plan, emphasizing on improving biodiversity, enhancements to green procurement practices, reduction in environmental impacts, and stronger connections with natural environments. He discussed the spread of West Nile Virus, the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) recommended by the U.S. EPA and IDPH, and the potential impacts of pesticide use. He outlined the Village’s current mosquito abatement policies and presented the Council with three options moving forward: continue the current IPM approach, establish a defined threshold for ULV spraying, or implement operational changes to the IPM program.
Manager Fieldman noted that the operational changes mentioned by Mr. Michnick are changes that the Village plans to make, unless otherwise directed by the Council.
Village Council Comments
Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt expressed enthusiasm about this discussion and noted she initially raised this topic with Staff. Commissioner Sarver agreed it was an important issue and voiced concern that the focus was mostly on pollinators, while dangers to dogs and humans were overlooked. She noted increasing evidence linking pesticides to cancer in both canines and humans, and questioned the safety of botanical chemicals, citing limited evidence that they are any safer than synthetic ones. She also raised concerns about individual homeowners hiring private companies to spray chemicals on their property, which could lead to harmful interactions.
Commissioner Tully emphasized the need for coordination with neighboring communities, as each has its own mosquito abatement program.
Mr. Michnick explained that mosquito sampling is limited in the Village and only provides a snapshot - underscoring the importance of inter-community cooperation. Manager Fieldman noted that surrounding municipalities also use Clark for spraying, citing efficiency.
Commissioner Tully highlighted the need for balance and noted that the Village receives resident complaints both when mosquito spraying occurs and when it does not. He supported the proposed operational changes and was open to adjusting spraying schedules.
Commissioner Davenport inquired about the number of mosquito traps in town, confirmed by Mr. Michnick to be two. The Commissioner suggested increasing the number of traps to better target high-risk areas. Commissioner Tully added that different mosquito species have varying travel ranges, and Manager Fieldman said Staff would look into these suggestions.
Commissioner Davenport raised a concern about newer homes being airtight and using air intake systems, suggesting residents should be notified in advance of mosquito spraying so they can shut their systems off. Manager Fieldman responded that the Village typically gives notice a few days in advance and uses multiple communication channels, including social media, email, text, and voicemail, making it one of their most robust messaging efforts.
Commissioner Sarver inquired about the ability to opt out of mosquito spraying, and Manager Fieldman confirmed that residents can contact Clark directly to do so. This is also expressed in the Village’s messaging communications.
Commissioner Gilmartin asked about the conditions under which spraying occurs and how often it happens. Manager Fieldman explained that the Village usually sprays once a year, around August, though some years require two sprays. Commissioner Gilmartin asked whether the Village uses heat maps, and Manager Fieldman said no, the Village typically uses the DuPage County Health Department maps. Commissioner Gilmartin asked if/when criteria is met, the entire Village is sprayed, except for pollinator zones and opted-out residences, to which Manager Fieldman confirmed. Commissioner Gilmartin inquired about sterilizing male mosquitoes as an alternative method, to which Mr. Michnick said has not been discussed with Clark. Commissioner Gilmartin expressed interest in raising the threshold for spraying, supported expanding mosquito trap coverage, agreed with offering an opt-out option, and favored the use of botanicals, which he believes are safer. He voiced support for all the proposed changes.
Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt expressed interest in learning more about botanical pesticide options. While she would prefer to avoid spraying altogether, she said she is open to a more organic and limited approach, if necessary. She noted that research does not strongly support spraying as a method to reduce the spread of West Nile Virus, and emphasized the effectiveness of personal protection measures. She said she supports the Village exploring alternative mosquito abatement techniques.
Commissioner Davenport inquired about data showing whether spraying has led to a decline in West Nile cases. Manager Fieldman confirmed that the County collects relevant data.
Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt expressed concerns that sample sizes are often too small for conclusive results and questioned the reliability of some studies, referencing a Louisiana study published in an instant-access journal.
Commissioner Sarver echoed concerns about the quality of research, the use of botanical pesticides and stressed the importance of considering broader ecological impacts.
Commissioner Gilmartin also showed interest in botanical pesticides and emphasized the need to understand whether spraying is effective against other diseases, agreeing with Commissioner Tully that a balanced approach is necessary.
Public Comments
Mary Blanchard said she did not know there was an opt-out option and requested this be included in the Village’s public messaging. She also suggested the Village develop talking points to address both residents who support spraying and those who oppose it. She expressed appreciation that the Council is taking a closer look at the issue.
Janet Winningham returned to the podium thanked the Council for asking the questions they did, particularly about the effects on dogs and humans.
8. Manager's Report
Manager Fieldman said Staff looks forward to presenting a complete draft of the Comprehensive Plan at the July 15, 2025, Village Council Meeting.
9. Council Member Reports
Commissioner Sarver informed all that there is a new coffee shop and a new bagel shop coming to town.
Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt thanked all for the discussion of the evening and said she looks forward to the governance discussions.
10. Mayor's Report
11. Adjournment
Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: To Adjourn the July 8, 2025 Village Council Meeting.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Tully
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Gilmartin
AYES: Commissioners Tully, Gilmartin, Davenport, Sarver, Roe, Acting Mayor Sadowski-Fugitt
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosa Berardi
Village Clerk
