June 20, 2000 - Council

1. Call to Order

Mayor Brian Krajewski called the regular meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Downers Grove Village Hall.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Mayor Krajewski led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Michael Gilbert, Commissioner Thomas Sisul, Commissioner Marilyn Schnell and Mayor Brian Krajewski Non Voting: Village Clerk April Holden

Mayor Krajewski said he would like to remind everyone present that the Council meeting is broadcast over the local FM radio station, WDGC . In addition, a tape recording and videotape of the meeting are being made using Village owned equipment. The videotape of the meeting will be used for later rebroadcast of the Council meeting over the Village cable television Channel P/21.

The Council will follow the rules of conduct for this meeting as provided in Sec. 2.5 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code. These offer the public the opportunity to comment at several points in the meeting. First, immediately following approval of the minutes of the past meetings, an opportunity will be given for public comments and questions on the active agenda items for this evening’s meeting. Following this, an opportunity is given for public comments and questions on any subject. Finally, if a public hearing is scheduled for this meeting, an opportunity is given for public comments and questions related to the subject of the hearing.

The Mayor stated that at the appropriate time the presiding officers will ask if there are any comments from the public. If anyone wishes to speak, the individual should raise their hand to be recognized and, after acknowledgment from the presiding officer, approach the microphone and state their name and address. He stated that remarks be limited to five minutes, and asked that individuals refrain from making repetitive statements.

The Mayor said there are agendas located on either side of the Council Chambers, and he invited the audience to pick up an agenda and follow the progress of the Council meeting.

3. Minutes of Workshop and Council Meetings

Council Minutes – June 6, 2000 Workshop Minutes – June 13, 2000 Commissioner McConnell said she gave her comments to the Manager. Commissioner Schnell said she would forward her comments to the Clerk.

There being no further additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Krajewski said they would be filed with the corrections noted.

4. Public Comments and Questions

A. Comments and Questions on Active Agenda

1. Dave Tatterson, 1240 Gilbert, said he read in the paper that District 58 will have a referendum to raise taxes. He said he wanted to comment on the creation of the TIF district along Ogden Avenue from the residents’ point of view. He said it doesn’t appear to be a very bright prospect for residents. He said if we have a TIF district there it will raise the taxes if the referendum passes. If the referendum does not pass, it will put a further financial strain on District 58, which will not help the quality of the schools.

Mayor Krajewski said the TIF is another tool the Council has. This is to have a study done. He said the Village’s Redevelopment Director has been in contact with the School Districts. He said there are vehicles such as intergovernmental agreements which may rebate back to the School Districts their portion of the taxes. If the Council was interested in a rebate and in moving ahead with a TIF district, both District 58 and 99 would have their taxes rebated back to them so there would be no effect on them. The report will serve as a tool in the redevelopment of Ogden Avenue. The Mayor said the Village is not creating a TIF district tonight. This is to ask a consultant to do a study to see what it would look like. The District 58 Superintendent has provided staff with other intergovernmental agreements other school districts have used with the creation of TIF districts.

Mr. Tatterson asked if the Council was willing to commit to a rebate to the School District at this point. The Mayor said the Council needs the report first. The TIF is just one tool to look at in the redevelopment of Ogden Avenue. Sales tax incentives and other tools may also be considered.

Mr. Tatterson said he understands that the Council will be spending $40,000 more tonight on studying this issue. He said he has reservations as to whether this money is being used wisely. He said he would prefer not to spend a lot of money on something that may or may not be done.

Commissioner Schnell said she thought Kane McKenna said they would be looking at alternatives as it related to the school districts as well as other agreements. They would not only be looking at the TIF but at ways to work with other governmental bodies to make the TIF work better. The Council will be getting information as to how this will benefit everyone. They will be looking at reports and at what other communities have done to work in cooperation with school districts that are in the same financial straits as ours. She said the Council is getting more than TIF information. They will get information as to whether this is a harm or benefit to the school districts. She said this information the Council needs to make a good decision.

Commissioner Gilbert asked Mr. Tatterson to forward any suggestions for funding the redevelopment of Ogden Avenue other than through the TIF district.

Mr. Tatterson said this is an issue of priorities. He asked what was more important—the redevelopment of Ogden Avenue or the school systems. He said the Park District has $15 million to spend. He said the Council hires consultants for $50,000 as if it were nothing. He questions the priorities in this community. He said every time the Council votes on an issue such as this they send a message to the public as to what is important.

Commissioner Gilbert said no one on the Council thinks $50,000 is nothing. He said he also thought Mr. Tatterson was making an assumption that there is a choice that has to be made between Ogden Avenue and the school districts’ funding issues. He said he was not sure he agreed with that assumption.

Mr. Tatterson said if the TIF is put in place and if it is not rebated, the school’s portion is not rebated back to the school district, then the taxpayers will bear the burden.

Commissioner Gilbert said that was a broad statement that might not necessarily be true, which is why the Council is considering hiring a consultant. It is not a given that the school districts would be harmed in the long run by the TIF district, nor is it a given that the Council will or will not establish a TIF district. He said he thinks the issue of hiring a consultant is a very wise choice on the Council’s part. There are issues surrounding TIFs and financing packages for redevelopment of any area in town that are beyond the expertise of this Council and staff in general.

Mr. Tatterson said he hopes the Council keeps taxpayers in mind.

The Mayor said Districts 58 and 99 rely on their portion of property tax they are getting from the values of the properties in Downers Grove. The taxes they receive are not sufficient to cover their expenses, which is why they are looking at a referendum.

Mr. Tatterson said that was his point. If the referendum passes and the Council implements a TIF district on Ogden and does not rebate to the schools, this will raise taxes on the residents of Downers Grove to pay for the redevelopment of Ogden Avenue.

The Mayor said when a property is redeveloped, like Burpee Seed, it generates taxes that go into the school district due to the assessed value of the property. When the downtown TIF is over, the downtown will have an assessed value that is much higher than when the TIF was implemented. Those properties will then help the school district.

Mr. Tatterson said that would be after 23 years. He asked the Council not to raise taxes.

The Mayor said that comment was in conflict with Mr. Tatterson’s earlier comments regarding the referendum for District 58.

Mr. Tatterson said he has voted for every school referendum the District has requested. He said many did not pass. He said it is a touchy issue and the School District has a difficult financial situation. He said the TIF on Ogden has the potential to make it worse.

2. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, said he wanted to comment on several items on the agenda.

He said he was pleased to read the proposed resolution regarding the subsidy for the senior taxi program allowing for $100 per month coupon with a 70% subsidy and no cap on individual trips. He said there was a very good presentation as to why that was important and is pleased to see the Council moving in that direction.

Regarding the sidewalk installation plan, he said the Council was presented with bids Alternate 1 and 2, which differ in terms of the type of sidewalk along Elmore. The staff recommendation is Alternate 1, which would be a concrete rather than a bituminous sidewalk. Dr. Goodman recommended looking at a portion of the sidewalk being bituminous on the eastern portion of Elmore. Dr. Goodman said he was not clear as to why the sidewalk could not be concrete with portions of it bituminous where it is really needed. He said he hoped this adjustment could be made during the construction phase. He asked the Council to look at the possibility of some bituminous along Elmore rather than an all or nothing approach.

The last issue regards the lot split on Maple Avenue. He said the issue is that the Village does not have any protection for historic structures or for trees. He said Bolingbrook has a tree protection ordinance. He said the community is very concerned about keeping its trees. He said he gave the Manager a copy of a portion of their ordinance, which was in force before 1992 and last amended in 1992. It provides for the protection of trees meeting particular size requirements. The permitting procedures are very reasonable. He said there is also a provision in the development code, which would correspond to our Subdivision Control Ordinance that covers the details of landscaping and replacement of these trees. Dr. Goodman said if a tree has to be removed for a development such as at 702 Maple, this ordinance would provide for its replacement with a comparable tree so that the character of the street would continue. He said he faxed the Manager a copy of a portion of Bolingbrook’s tree protection features. He said he made a copy of the rest of the development code section and presented it to the Council. He said he hopes the Council has decided there is already a comparable tree replacement policy on the public right-of-way in those places where trees will have to be removed as part of the sidewalk program. He said he thought this information would be helpful in that connection as well. He said he would be glad to work with the Manager on more details if necessary.

Mayor Krajewski asked Dr. Goodman if he was familiar with any other communities with similar ordinances. Dr. Goodman said he was working on a list.

Commissioner Schnell said staff referred to a part on Elm where asphalt would be used to save a tree. She said she thought the Village Forester recommended one or two parts on Elmore as well and asked the Manager to look into this and how it affects the bid.

3. Christine Fregeau, 1918 Elmore Avenue, said the engineers have been on Elmore at least 14 times. She said she thought the butuminous in one area was more for aesthetics because they thought concrete would be less damaging to trees than the trucks that would have to be brought in when using butuminous. She said they would looking at it not from just a budgetary point of view, but also in light of the impact on the trees. Concrete can be made to go around trees and in that particular area on the east end of Elmore, two alternative plans have been laid out for the homeowner awaiting her approval.

Commissioner Schnell said she knew the engineers discussed using some asphalt on Elmore because of the trees.

Ms. Fregeau said there was some discussion as to how this would impact the overall look of the street.

Ms. Fregeau said, in looking at the packet, she saw a proposed timetable for the TIF . She asked it that was current or the one from last year.

Attorney Blondin said that was the current one.

Ms. Fregeau said District 58 did not expect to review and comment on the study until it was completed. She said as a parent in District 58 and seeing the budget constraints she has a concern, which she understands could be addressed by other alternatives. She read that there are other options for tax considerations.

The Manager said the timelines are somewhat dependent on the study.

The Mayor said he thought there were a few areas where bituminous was used around trees. The Manager said staff has experimented with it.

4. Tom Weiler, 709 Maple Avenue, said he wanted to voice his opposition to the resolution proposing a variance for the lot split at 702 Maple Avenue. He said he sent each of the members of the Village Council a letter previously. He said it was his understanding that the Subdivision Control Ordinance was passed providing for the 75 foot width for subdivision of lots because the Village did not have an historic preservation ordinance. This provided for an easier way to try and preserve some of the larger lots and historic homes in the Village. He said the ordinance should be strictly construed in this case so as to prohibit the subdivision of the lot at 702 Maple Avenue. He said he understands that the house in question has deteriorated over the years and that it would take a substantial amount of money to rehabilitate it. He said he does not believe that the owner of the property should be able to reap the benefit of the neglect of the property so that the property is worth more as two lots with no home on it than it is with one dilapidated historic home. He said Downers Grove does not have an historic preservation ordinance. He said we should try to preserve the heritage we have. He would like to see the Subdivision Control Ordinance upheld and the resolution voted down. B. Comments and Questions on General Matters

There were none.

5. Public Hearings

There were none.

6. Consent Agenda

COR00 -00146 Claim Ordinance: No. 5335, Payroll 6/2/00 and No.5336, Payroll 6/16/00 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL00 -00147 List of Bills Payable: No. 5337, June 20, 2000 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BID00 -00148 Bids: $27,309.63 to SoftChoice Corporation for NT Licenses; $34,250 to PHN Ltd., Wheaton, for Architectural Services – VOC move to Police Department; $21,125 to Terry’s Ford, Peotone for Police Squad Car Sponsors: Information Services, Deputy Village Manager, Police Department and VOC A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Computers, Computer Licensing, VOC , Police Department, Police Equipment Passed The Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Sisul, that the consent agenda be passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Gilbert and Mayor Krajewski

7. Active Agenda

RES00 -00144 Resolution: Lot Split – 702 Maple Avenue Sponsors: Plan Commission and Planning Services Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said at their meeting of May 2, 2000, the Plan Commission recommended that a lot split be granted to permit the lot split for 702 Maple Avenue. Exceptions will be authorized to permit lot widths of 69.87 feet and 74.01 feet for the resulting lots with the condition that the existing residential structure be razed before issuance of any building permits.

A RESOLUTION APPROVING LOT SPLITS WITH AN EXCEPTION AS REGARDS LOT WIDTH FOR THE PROPERTY AT 702 MAPLE AVENUE

RESOLUTION 2000 -29 Commissioner McConnell said she spent time looking at this and toured the house. She also looked at the past exceptions and talked to a number of historic preservation people. She said she believed that, based on all the current ordinances as well as the information the Council received, the petitioner meets the requirements of the ordinance. She said she hopes the buyer will try to keep with the character of the surroundings, which would be beneficial to all. She said she remains concerned about the concept of historic preservation more generally. She said she is looking forward to what the Village Manager and staff will present to the Council for their review including past history as well as opportunities there might be in the future particularly incentive type activities related to restrictions.

Commissioner Schnell said she agreed with Commissioner McConnell regarding preservation. She said we need to look at what was done in the past, at what other communities are doing, and at involving the community in what Downers Grove wants for this community. She said whenever possible, we should try to preserve our history.

Commissioner Schnell said this was a very difficult case. She said she also toured the house. She said she agrees that it should not be rewarded because it is deteriorated. However, when looking at the exceptions being asked for in this particular case, they are very minimal in comparison to some of the exceptions that have been approved in the past. There are not many variations being asked for here and she thinks that if the Council denies it, they might have a court of law tell them that they are out of bounds. She said it is consistent with what they have done in the past and very consistent with the types of lots in the area. She said most of them are 50 feet and these lots will be almost 70 feet wide each. She said when standing on the front lawn of the property and looking down Maple, she saw a beautiful neighborhood and a diverse neighborhood. There are beautiful, historic homes as well as ranch houses. She said she hopes that the developer of this property will take that into consideration and put up two houses that are very consistent with the character of the neighborhood and keep as many trees as possible. She said she agrees that it is necessary to look toward the future and what can be done to preserve our past while still protecting property rights.

Mayor Krajewski said there were two issues—teardowns as well as historical preservation.

Commissioner Schnell said there are many communities grappling with the issue of teardowns. The Council has discussed this in the past and will probably be discussing it in the future due to the number that are occurring. She said the issue is to preserve property rights while still preserving the character of the neighborhood. She said the Council needs to look at what other communities are doing, look at the ordinance again to see if it is as strict as it could be to protect as much as possible within the confines of the law.

The Mayor said Naperville has discussed this issue. They have a temporary ordinance that was overturned in court because it infringes on the property owners’ rights. Naperville is appealing the decision.

Commissioner Schnell said all the surrounding areas are looking at this issue. She said it is a difficult issue but something that the residents are telling the Council they want the Council to look at.

Commissioner Sisul thanked Mr. Weiler for coming before the Council. He said it was helpful as were comments from a resident in Geneva. He said the Council recognizes the sensitivity of this area as it is probably the Village’s most historic area. He said the Council would like to do what it can to try to maintain it. He said he does not think the Council can take the actions presented by some citizens in this particular case. Commissioner Sisul further thanked Dr. Goodman for his thoughts on tree preservation. He said many trees have been lost on Maple and it would be nice if the arch that was once there could be maintained. He said he was prepared to move forward on this matter.

The Mayor said he has reviewed the last eight lot splits. The ordinance requires a 75-foot lot size but includes five exceptions. He finds this meets these exceptions.

Commissioner Schnell said one of the reasons the Council went to a 75-foot lot width size was to get away from R-4 zoning with a 50-foot lot width requirement. The Council wanted lots that were at least 10,500 square feet with a frontage of 75 feet. She said they were trying to get away from R-4 and be more consistent with R-3 zoning because the R-3 lots are bigger and gave a better feel for the community. A great deal of thought went into the exceptions because they wanted to do what was right for the community while protecting property rights.

The Mayor said this lot meets these exceptions. The lots resulting from this lot split will be bigger than those in the neighborhood.

Commissioner Schnell said one of the things she looks at is whether the lots resulting from the lot split will be consistent with the majority in the neighborhood. These will be bigger.

Commissioner Schnell said the Council appreciates the citizen input. She said the comments have made it clear that residents want the Council to look at a preservation ordinance. A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Sisul, to Adopt this file. * *Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Sisul and Mayor Krajewski Nay: Commissioner Gilbert Indexes: Lot Split

ORD00 -00145 Ordinance: Vacate Alley Right-of-Way Sponsors: Plan Commission and Planning Services Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said at their meeting of January 4, 2000, the Plan Commission unanimously recommended that an alley between Highland Avenue and Main Street at Rogers Street be vacated, contingent upon reservation of temporary easements for utilities until alternative facilities were installed.

AN ORDINANCE VACATING A CERTAIN PORTION OF A PUBLIC RIGHT -OF-WAY IN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE (ROGERS ALLEY BETWEEN HIGHLAND AVENUE AND MAIN STREET )

ORDINANCE NO . 4202 A motion was made by Commissioner Sisul, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, to Adopt this file. * *Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Schnell and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Vacation, Vacation – Alley

MOT00 -00155 Motion: Authorize Agreements to Purchase Equipment for the Village’s Operation Center Sponsors: VOC Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said approval of this motion shall authorize purchase of various equipment for the VOC transfer to the Police Department as follows:

1. Four (4) Zetron Digital PC Radio Consoles for the total cost of $116,420.50 from United Radio, Bridgeview, Illinois. 2. Four (4) position console furniture for a total cost of $40,717.00 from Dispatch Products, Angola,Indiana. 3. One (1) generator from Onan Cummins in the amount of $26,410.00. 4. UPS (uninterrupted power source) in the amount of $26,172.00 from SEPS . 5. Trenching and telephone line work in the amount of $54,353.76 from Ameritech. 6. Recording equipment in the amount of $13,000.00 from DictaPhone. 7. LEADS line from the State of Illinois in the amount of $500.00.

The Village Manager and staff are authorized to execute such documents and take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the terms of this motion. These purchases are made consistent with all bid documents received by the Village from the vendors identified herein. A motion was made by Commissioner Gilbert to Authorize this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: VOC Commissioner Schnell moved to waive the customary one-week waiting period to consider new business. Commissioner Sisul seconded the motion.

Vote: YEA – Commissioners Schnell, Sisul, McConnell, Gilbert, Mayor Krajewski

RES00 -00150 Resolution: Amend Taxi Subsidy Program Sponsors: Director of Redevelopment Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said this will amend the Village Council policy concerning the taxi fare subsidy program for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to provide the discounted rate taxicab coupons. The monthly cap is $100.00 and the $10 per trip restriction has been eliminated.

A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE TAXI FARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

RESOLUTION 2000 -30 Mayor Krajewski said this will become effective July 1.

Commissioner McConnell said item #2 of the resolution references budgeting a certain amount. She wants to make sure this is monitored so the Village does not get caught short. She asked that the Council be sure to get reports monthly to track the program.

Mayor Krajewski commented that it has been a long time since this subsidy was increased. He thanked the seniors for participating in the survey. He said it was very helpful. He said the majority of the seniors use the program for medical purposes and to go to the grocery store. A motion was made, seconded by Commissioner Schnell, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Taxi Program

MOT00 -00152 Motion: Approve Agreement with Kane, McKenna & Associates, Inc. Re: Evaluation of the Proposed Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Financing District Sponsors: Director of Redevelopment and Manager’s Office Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said this will authorize an agreement with Kane, McKenna & Associates to finalize the eligibility analysis and prepare preliminary redevelopment plan documents for the Ogden Avenue TIF . This will not approve the Ogden Avenue TIF nor convene a Joint Review Board. Rather, this will perform an evaluation as to whether or not such a TIF should move forward. In the event the Council does determine to move forward, additional ordinances and resolutions will be required at a future time.

The motion is to approve an agreement with Kane, McKenna & Associates, Inc. as outlined in their proposal dated June 9, 2000, in relation to an evaluation of the proposed Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Financing District. The Village Manager and staff are authorized to execute such documents and take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the terms of this motion. Commissioner McConnell said the Council has heard the concerns about District 58. She said to be sure to take any extra steps that might be appropriate in regard to this issue.

The Mayor said staff is in constant contact with both superintendents. It is his understanding that they have been working well together. A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Sisul, to Approve this file. * *Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Gilbert and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Ogden Avenue TIF Commissioner Schnell moved to waive the customary one-week waiting period to consider new business. Commissioner Sisul seconded the motion.

Vote: YEA – Commissioners Schnell, Sisul, McConnell, Gilbert, Mayor Krajewski

MOT00 -00156 Motion: Accept Bid for Sidewalk Improvement Project #02-00 Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said this shall award the Sidewalk Improvement Project to M&C Scavelli, Inc. in the amount of $367,020.00, plus a 5% contingency in the amount of $18,351.00. Additional sidewalks shall be added to the contract in an amount not to exceed the approved budgeted amount of $600,000.00.

The motion is to award Project 02-00, 2000 Sidewalk Improvement Project, to M&C Scavelli, Inc. in the amount of $367,020.00, plus a 5% contingency in the amount of $18,351.00. Additional sidewalks shall be added to the contract in an amount not to exceed the approved budgeted amount of $600,000.00. The Village Manager and staff are authorized to execute such documents and take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the terms of this motion. The Mayor said Dr. Goodman mentioned an alternative to the bid for a portion of the sidewalk to be bituminous. He instructed staff to bring a change order to the Council for this option if it is appropriate.

Commissioner Schnell said perhaps the consultant for the pedestrian walkway would have data on alternatives to concrete. He may know of different types of materials that could be used, or of pathways. A motion was made by Commissioner Sisul, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, to Accept this file. * *Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Schnell and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Sidewalk Construction

8. Mayor’s Report

Materials to be Received – Minutes

Library Board – 5/24/00 Zoning Commission – 1/13/00

Materials to be Received – Monthly Reports

Code Services for April 2000; VOC for May 2000 A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Sisul, to Accept this file. * *Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Gilbert and Mayor Krajewski Materials to be Placed on File

9. Manager’s Report

There was none.

10. Attorney’s Report

Village Attorney Blondin said he was presenting one item to the Council.

Future Active Agenda

ORD00 -00151 Ordinance: Amend Concentrated Business District Definition Sponsors: Zoning Commission Summary of Item: Mayor Krajewski said at their meeting of January 13, 2000, the Zoning Commission unanimously recommended adoption of this ordinance which will amend the boundary definition of the Concentrated Business District.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CONCENTRATED BUSINESS DISTRICT DEFINITION

ORDINANCE NO . 4203 Indexes: Central Business District

11. Council Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Gilbert said he spoke at a press conference regarding the cleaning of the coal-fired power plants in the State of Illinois. He said Dr. Goodman has been very active in this issue. The issue started in Downers Grove with a memo circulated in the Council packet and ended in an ordinance being passed by the Village in support of the cleaning of the coal-fired power plants. He said he has researched this issue on the internet and it is a very dangerous atmosphere. The more he reads the more concerned he becomes over this issue. He encouraged people to take a look at this issue very closely and to write your congressman. These plants were excluded from the Clean Air Act because they were to become obsolete. Now they have been sold and utility companies are buying the power back from the people who own them. They are not at all obsolete. They continue to be used when they should not be.

Commissioner Gilbert said there are two days until Heritage Festival. The presale tickets sales have been very strong. They are almost sold out and can only be purchased until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday night or as long as they are available for $19.00 for 40 tickets. Thursday night is all you can ride for $12.00. The rides will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Council will have a booth at Main and Burlington. He encouraged people to stop by.

Commissioner Sisul said he mentioned to the Manager that, due to the construction at North High, the students cannot cross Main Street at the crosswalk. He asked that staff look into a crosswalk near the funeral home. The Village Manager said he would look into it.

Mayor Krajewski thanked Commissioner Gilbert and Dr. Goodman for participating in the press conference Thursday. As was stated, the power plants were exempt from the Clean Air Act because it was thought they would become obsolete. They operated at about 40% capacity when ComEd was using them due to the nuclear plants and other sources of energy. The sale of the plants was for approximately $4.2 billion. In order to recoup their investment, the people that now own these plants need to operate the plants at 100% capacity. He urged the residents to look at this issue and talk to their representatives about making them comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act.

The Mayor said Council will have a booth at the Heritage Festival. He said many Council members will also be at other booths as there will be many civic organizations participating. He wished them all good luck.

12. Adjournment

Commissioner Schnell moved to adjourn. Commissioner Sisul seconded.

VOTE : YEA – Commissioners Schnell, Sisul, McConnell, Gilbert, Mayor Krajewski

Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.