Minutes Archive

December 17, 2002

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, Commissioner Martin Tully, Commissioner Mark Zabloudil and Mayor Brian Krajewski Non Voting: Village Manager Riccardo Ginex, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and 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 6.

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

Workshop Meetings – 11/26/02 & 12/10/02 Council Meeting – 12/3/02 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Krajewski said they would be filed as submitted.

4. Public Comments and Questions

A. Comments and Questions on Active Agenda

1. Tom Weiler, 709 Maple Avenue, questioned the amendment to the open burning restrictions. He asked about the provision regarding the need for a permit with respect to recreational campfires, and what type of permits were required, fees involved, etc.

The Mayor said that the new ordinance has taken out the permitting requirements. If there is a permit, the Council discussed a one-time permit that could be done either on-line or over the phone for the purpose of getting educational information to those requesting the permit to assure they are aware of restrictions. There is no fee attached to the permit.

Marsha Giesler, Acting Division Chief of Fire Prevention, said they discussed this with Elmhurst. It is a one-time permit that does not require renewal. It is a means of tracking those applying for the permit and providing educational information to them. The intent is to do this through an e-permitting basis.

2. Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, commented on the different versions of the Ordinance under consideration. He said it is true that the situation is out of control and was first noted in March 2001. The recommendation or thinking at that time was to simply allow burning as it was difficult to enforce any restrictions. At that time, however, residents responded that there were health problems connected to the open burning, and eventually the subject simply died away. This past fall the issue was raised again to allow cooking fires. Again health issues were discussed in terms of the type of fuels and type of containers being used. He added that health issues still exist and the current ordinance is not enforceable. Dr. Goodman said the goal is to get the laws of the Village observed by the residents, and to educate them as to the reasons for health-driven ordinances. It is necessary to build a permit system in order to track how wide-spread the open burning is. He said he was speaking in favor of a trial permit because the community does not understand the dimensions of this, particularly in terms of the health issues. He said this should be revisited after a year’s time to review the permitting process. He also recommended having a review committee involved since this is a public safety issue.

3. Dave Schulz, 5509 Washington, said he was an employee of the US Environmental Protection Agency and has been involved for several decades in the environmental field. He has dealt with appropriate combustion mechanisms to be used by the public including wood fire boilers. He offered his opinion that wood smoke does create a potential health problem because of the small micron particles emitted from this source. He indicated that the particles can get deep into the lungs. Mr. Schulz then referred to comments he was told were made by Commissioner Sisul indicating that wood smoke will not cause health concerns unless it is in a confined space. Mr. Schulz said if that is what Mr. Sisul said, Mr. Schulz said that is not what he understands.

Commissioner Sisul interjected that he was referring to wood burning fireplaces in confined areas.

Mr. Schulz said that 70,000 people in the United States died prematurely as the result of fine particulate emissions, and said it is clearly known that there are health risks involved which are more hazardous than tobacco smoke. He recommends modifying the Ordinance to limit and restrict the amounts and types of woods that can be used to reduce the risks. Mr. Schulz said he is not sure he would recommend a permitting process as he wouldn’t want to have his neighbors burning wood. He agreed with considering a trial basis for permitting, and remove permits if fires are causing adverse impacts and complaints. He agrees that this will result in an increased use, and asked that the Village give careful consideration to widespread use of recreational fires.

The Mayor said that the Village has allowed burning as long as they are cooking food. This Council is taking a small step to eliminate some materials being burned.

4. David Ziech, 4130 Downers Drive, said he is opposed to changes in the Ordinance, saying it moves the Village back into the 50’s and 60’s. Open burning is a tradition of the past. He said that the proposed amendment provides more ambiguity than the old ordinance and is more difficult to enforce. He said that alleged cooking isn’t even an issue under the new ordinance. He asked about Section 13-13F.4 and who determines what “excessive” is as that is very ambiguous. Regarding Section 13-35F.6 he asked what is considered “offensive” and who determines that. In addition he believes the definition of approved wood is also very ambiguous. Mr. Ziech stressed the ambiguity he felt existed throughout the ordinance in general, making enforcement more difficult. He indicated that recreational fires in his neighborhood smolder all night long unattended, starting at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning and continuing for many hours. He said the proposed amendment is a step into the past.

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said that a reasonable person standard will be applied. Police officers will have discretion on a case by case basis. The case would be presented to a judge who would make a ruling.

5. Mike Kelch, 5729 Carpenter, said he favors recreational burning and has done it for years with his family. They do light cooking and do it about four to six times a year. If a neighbor asks, they will stop burning. He said he also has common sense neighbors as well. He would rather leave the Ordinance as it was, but understands that there would be benefits to place additional constraints on the Ordinance. He said the establishing of permits creates more bureaucracy.

6. John Collins, 6024 Ridge Court, said he is in favor of responsible recreational burning. He believes the proposed amendment allows for clear enforcement standards. In regards to the environment issues raised, he said 98% of particle production comes from things other than wood smoke, such as automobiles, trucks, industry, etc. Indoor fireplaces and wood stoves also produce more particles. If they are going to try to clean up the environment, there are more meaningful ways to do it instead of attacking one very small element.

7. Julia Beckman, 135 White Farm Trail, said she understands the dilemma. She is concerned and encourages including the permit to be able to track what people are doing, and to provide an educational component as well. She said that even though they have been discussing this for a while, she does not see a rush to do it. She would like to see the Village appoint a committee to review the research that’s been done over the past few years to have a broad-based approach on development of an enforceable ordinance.

8. Barry Peckhart, 1028 61st Street, said this ordinance is a good compromise. He views the permitting aspects as an additional cost with questionable value. The permits don’t tell how many fires there were or the environmental effects or factors involved. He said he felt it didn’t make sense to incur additional costs for the permitting process. People argue the health problems associated with the fires, but he said there are also health benefits of just sitting around and relaxing around the fire. He would like to see this passed without the permitting.

9. Megan Schroeder, 6036 Ridge Court, said that regarding the 98% figure mentioned, it all depends upon where the individual is in relation to the fire. She said a wood burning fire is equal to a diesel truck running for the same amount of time. She would like to see a process with the permitting and a warning sent to those seeking the permits indicating the dangers involved with the wood burning. Ms. Schroeder said there should also be a definition regarding the seasoning of wood, as well as information regarding the types of containers and sizes. Ms. Schroeder distributed additional documentation to the Council for their review on the research conducted on the hazard of wood burning. Ms. Schroeder stressed the importance of educating the public as to the numerous aspects that have to be considered including location, type of materials burned, containers, weather conditions, proximity to neighboring homes, etc. She expressed concerns for the number of children breathing in the residue from these fires since they are more susceptible to respiratory problems. Ms. Schroeder supported having a committee review the issue and make compromises.

10. Tom Weiler spoke again saying he is in favor of recreational campfires. He felt that it is possible to over-legislate some things. The Ordinance as proposed without the permit gets to the problem. He said to his knowledge the vast majority of people who spoke on this issue are in favor of recreational campfires, and he does not believe recreational campfires are a problem. He would be opposed to any committee created to investigate an issue that’s been opposed by ten or fifteen people.

The Mayor said the Council is aware that attendees at meetings don’t necessarily represent the community as a whole. They attempt to get a better overview of the community feelings on issues.

11. Ms. Schroeder asked what on the new Ordinance helps those who have real health issues and cannot tolerate smoke. She said that for 30 years you couldn’t burn in the Village. The Mayor said he thought they have burned in the Village for 30 years.

Ms. Schroeder asked what part of the ordinance would protect those people. Commissioner Tully said it is a general nuisance ordinance and the “offensive and objectionable” section gives the officer the ability to make a determination based upon the objective evidence.

Ms. Schroeder said she would like to see them come back and look at this in view of health issues. The Mayor said if it creates problems based upon complaints received, the Council will review it again.

Ms. Schroeder said if they cannot tell where the smoke is coming from, how will the police be able to determine where to go. Commissioner Tully said basically you would have to identify the alleged perpetrator.

Commissioner Gilbert said that there is a need and desirability for an environmental impact committee. There are many environmental concerns to be considered besides just this particular issue. He said they should set up an environmental impact commission on the technical side as well as the citizens’ side of the issue. They have to balance the technical side with the day-to-day living activities. He sees this proposed ordinance as a vast improvement on what already exists. He suggested setting up the Environmental Impact Commission and placing it on an active agenda in either January or February.

B. Comments and Questions on General Matters

There were none.

5. Public Hearings

Tax Levy (Revised) 2002-03 Mayor Krajewski called the public hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. He said this public hearing has been called by the Village Council pursuant to the Illinois Truth in Taxation Law to consider the proposed 2002 tax levy of the Village of Downers Grove. The Village previously conducted an initial public hearing on December 3, 2002. This second public hearing is to address the change to the first Truth in Taxation notice which inadvertently failed to include the debt service for the 2001A Water Bonds. Notice of this hearing was published in the Downers Grove Reporter and a copy of the notice and the proof of publication have been presented and are made a part of the official recording of this hearing.

The Mayor then summarized the procedures for the hearing. He asked Trisha Steele, Acting Financial Services Director, to summarize the proposed 2002 tax levies.

Trisha Steele, Acting Director of Finance, said the purpose of the hearing is to review the revision of the Tax Levy. Last year the Village sold bonds for the automated meter reading system. The G.O. bonds must be included in the Truth of Taxation notice. She said that including the bonds is an increase of $517,455 from the initial public hearing.

Commissioner Tully asked for clarification of G.O. bonds. Ms. Steele said that General Obligation bonds are secured by taxes of the Village.

The Mayor said the Fairview Avenue debt service is on the Truth and Taxation notice and asked whether there is a shortfall there. Ms. Steele said there is a shortfall that has to be subsidized and she will obtain that information.

Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, said it would help him to summarize the total tax levy associated with debt service, and what amount of that has been abated in the previous year. He said it also looks as though the Council will be approving ordinances abating a portion of the debt service revenue for the current year. He asked the total debt levy and the fraction to be abated.

The Mayor said that there may be a Motion to table the abatements since they have until February to vote on that. He said that in the past, all have been abated. Dr. Goodman said he understood Library bonds have not been abated, and the Mayor said that was correct.

Deputy Village Manager Dave VanVooren said the Truth in Taxation notice published in the paper had four components. The second component was to establish the levy for the operational fund for the Village and Library which totals $7,470,000, or an increase of 5.5%. Item 3 totaled a debt service of $2,815,000 which represents a 308% increase over last year’s extended taxes for debt. He said that there are six abatement ordinances on schedule that would abate roughly $2.2 million of that amount. He added that actions do not have to be taken on the abatements until February.

There being no further discussion or questions, The Mayor adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:40 p.m.

6. Consent Agenda

COR00 -01116 Claim Ordinance: No. 5459, Payroll, December 13, 2002 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL00 -01117 List of Bills Payable: No. 5458a, December 17, 2002 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A Passed The Consent Agenda

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

7. Active Agenda

MOT00 -01127 Motion: Approve 2003 Heritage Festival Budget Sponsors: Tourism and Events Commission Summary of Item: Motion to concur in the 2003 Heritage Festival budget recommendation submitted by the Downers Grove Tourism & Events Commission.

This will concur in the recommendations of the Tourism & Events Commission related to the 2003 Heritage Festival budget. The projected budget includes $440,190.00 in expenses for the Heritage Festival, including fireworks and parade. Commissioner Tully said that at the last workshop, funding for the fireworks of the Heritage Festival was discussed, and he thought that might be an ideal attraction for a corporate sponsor.

The Mayor said that about $60,000 of the budget comes from Corporate and individual sponsors.

Commissioner Gilbert said that the Heritage Festival Committee has always stayed away from corporate sponsorship, and they may have to move in that direction in the future. They did not want the event to become a single entity event.

Commissioner Schnell said that in addition to budget cuts, they should look at areas for revenue enhancement, such as the cost of booths, or other areas.

Commissioner McConnell said she wanted to see this tabled as well, and is looking forward to new ideas. Part of the issue is to try and make it self-sufficient. This is not a criticism of what has been done historically, but they are merely asking the committee to attempt something different. A motion was made by Commissioner Sisul, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, to Table Indefinitely this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Heritage Festival 2003

MOT00 -01128 Motion: Authorize 2003 Class “A” Scavenger License with BFI Disposal Services Sponsors: Manager’s Office Summary of Item: Motion to approve and authorize issuance of a 2003 Class “A” Scavenger License for Allied Waste Industries d/b/a BFI . The Village Manager, Village Clerk and staff are authorized to take such steps as may be necessary to issue this license.

Application has been made by Allied Wast Industries d/b/a BFI for a Class “A” Scavenger License. Finding that BFI complies with the applicable requirements of the Municipal Code, adoption of this motion will approve and authorize issuance of a Class A Scavenger License to BFI for 2003. This license allows BFI to serve all premises within the Village. BFI is currently under contract with the Village to provide single-family scavenger, recycling and yard waste services through March 31, 2003. A motion was made by Commissioner Gilbert, seconded by Commissioner Zabloudil, to Authorize this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Scavenger-Recycling Program, Scavenger-Garbage Collection

RES00 -01129 Resolution: Authorize Lease Agreement with First United Methodist Church Sponsors: Manager’s Office Summary of Item: This will authorize a lease agreement with First United Methodist Church to provide 50 parking spaces for the period of December 1, 2002 through November 30, 2003. The Village will pay $1,000.00 per month as a rental fee.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

RESOLUTION 2002 -101 A motion was made by Commissioner Zabloudil, seconded by Commissioner Schnell, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: First United Methodist Church

ORD00 -01076 Ordinance: Amend Open Burning Restrictions Sponsors: Police Department Summary of Item: This will amend open burning provisions.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING OPEN BURNING RESTRICTIONS

ORDINANCE NO . 4465 The Ordinance voted upon requires no permitting.

Commissioner Gilbert asked if page 3, section F403 .4 applies to larger bonfires. Village Attorney Petrarca said that was correct, and does not apply to what is under 13.35.

Commissioner Schnell said she is in favor of the Environmental Committee. She reviewed the TCD I which had an environmental committee which dealt with clean air and the effects of burning on the environment. She said they discussed obtaining a device to measure the particulate matter in the Village. She said that some of these devices, which she researched, are relatively inexpensive and can measure the particulate matter in the air. She said her husband researched other environmental issues on the Internet and found that one of the things Boy Scouts are required to do for their environmental badges is to measure the matter in the air. She said that perhaps the committee could look at that as well. Commissioner Schnell said that she will be voting no on this particular ordinance because she believes in permitting. She thinks the Elmhurst Ordinance works because of the permitting process. She said this could be done on-line. When a resident acquires a permit they are given rules and regulations as well as educational material for appropriate burning. Without the permitting, the educational aspect of this issue is lost.

Commissioner Sisul said he was surprised when the environmental committee was done away with. He said they could reinstate that committee. He also said it would be helpful to sample the air in the community. Studies are not site specific enough. He likes the idea of involving the Boy Scouts as a community project. Commissioner Sisul said he has not seen anything that says the Elmhurst program is successful, and he does not support permitting.

Commissioner McConnell said that environmental concerns are valid and deserve continued attention. She would support establishing a committee. She is not convinced that there will be a huge increase in the number of fires, however. She said the Village does not have the capacity and resources to implement permitting, especially free permitting. She is not in favor of permitting at this time. The Ordinance is clear and gives officers direction. Commissioner McConnell said the Village is a town of respectable and responsible citizens by and large.

Commissioner Zabloudil said that this was brought to the Council’s attention by the Police Department for assistance in enforcing the ordinance. He said that the changes made will make it more restrictive by specifying containers, the type of fuel to be burned, etc. He said that information from the permitting process would be helpful, however, he doesn’t see much value in it. He said he believes this is the right step and in the right direction and he supports the proposed Ordinance.

Commissioner Tully said this has been debated for more than a year and a half. The debate on this issue pits air quality concerns with recreational and personal liberty issues. The volume of information that the Council has received has been tremendous. He does not think establishing a committee would add much to the debate. The purpose of the amendment originally was intended to eliminate burning refuse and yard waste as part of the Clean Air Act. An accepted practice was the burning of dry seasoned wood in 1970. The proposed amendment brought to the Council by Deputy Police Chief Bluder was to eliminate the loophole of burning garbage, refuse and yard waste. The proposal was to define what fuels could be used, and the current ordinance before the Council does that in his opinion. He also feels the current ordinances provides a compromise on the ban of outdoor burning or no ban at all. He sees it as a very reasonable and fair compromise. The Ordinance can be enforced and does not over-legislate in his opinion. It would also protect those that find the burning offensive. Commissioner Tully said he was in favor of permitting, but is not convinced that it would be helpful given the cost and burden. He said the trial should be not to have permitting for a period of a year, and consider permitting after that time. He then suggested changes regarding the definition of approved wood to amend the definition to include construction materials and chemically treated or pressure treated wood. In Section 13.35.g he would move to include chemically treated or pressure treated wood. Commissioner Sisul seconded Commissioner Tully’s Motion to Amend.

Commissioner Sisul asked if there was a problem with the proposed amendment, and Village Attorney Petrarca said there was no problem.

Commissioner Schnell said that Elmhurst’s ordinance says “no lumber.”

Commissioner Gilbert said he said that the definition was seasoned dried wood cut for fuel, which he thinks is clear enough.

The Mayor thanked the residents for their input into this issue. The intention of the ordinance is to close the loophole that exists in enforcement of the Ordinance. This will be placed in the Village Corner and the spring newsletter to let residents know what the regulations are.

Roll was called on the amendment and passed unanimously. A motion was made, seconded by Commissioner Tully, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Nay: Commissioner Schnell Indexes: Open Burning

RES00 -01130 Resolution: Authorize an Amendment to an Agreement with the Orchard Brook Homeowners Association A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Lacey Creek, Orchard Brook Homeowners Association

ORD00 -01118 Ordinance: Village of Downers Grove 2002 Aggregate Tax Levy Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will establish the 2002 Downers Grove Tax Levy in the amount of $6,759,538.76 for the Village of Downers Grove and $3,526,387.00 for the Library.

VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE 2002 AGGREGATE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO . 4466 A motion was made, seconded by Commissioner Tully, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01119 Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of May 2002 and Ending on the Thirtieth Day of April 2003 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area Number One Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will establish the 2002/03 Special Service Area Number One tax levy in the amount of $7,423.60.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF MAY 2002 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL 2003 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER ONE

ORDINANCE NO . 4467 A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Sisul, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01120 Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of May 2002 and Ending on the Thirtieth Day of April 2003 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #2 (Downers Grove Downtown Special Service Area) Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will establish the Special Service Area #2 (Downtown Special Service Area) tax levy in the amount of $221,000.00.

ORDINANCE NO . 4468 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 Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01121 Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of May 2002 and Ending on the Thirtieth Day of April 2003 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #3 (Prince Pond Special Service Area) Sponsors: Finance A motion was made by Commissioner Gilbert, seconded by Commissioner Zabloudil, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Tax Levy – 2002/03 Mayor Krajewski asked for a motion to table Ordinances 00-01122 through 00-1126 and Ordinance 00-1131.

Commissioner Sisul moved to table the ordinances outlined by the Mayor. Commissioner Gilbert seconded the motion.

Commissioner Schnell said for public information purposes she thought it important to provide a date as to when these ordinances would be acted upon.

Staff indicated they would have to inquire from the County as to the deadline for the abatement of the ordinances.

Commissioner McConnell said that the Finance Committee will look at this in January and bring it back to the Council.

ORD00 -01122 Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2002 Tax Levy Related to the Fairview Avenue Debt Service Sponsors: Finance Table Indefinitely Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01123 Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2002 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 1999 Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will abate the 2002 tax levy for the General Obligation Bond, Series 1999 in the amount of $379,065.00.

AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2002 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS , SERIES 1999 Table Indefinitely Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01124 Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2002 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2000 Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will abate the 2002 tax levy for the General Obligation Bond, Series 2000 in the amount of $433,718.76.

AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2002 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS , SERIES 2000 Table Indefinitely Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01125 Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2002 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2001 Sponsors: Finance Table Indefinitely Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01131 Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2002 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Water Bonds, Series 2001A Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will abate the 2002 tax levy for the General Obligation Water Bond, Series 2001A in the amount of $517,455.00.

AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2002 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION WATER BONDS , SERIES 2001A

ORDINANCE NO . 4480 Table Indefinitely Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy – 2002/03

ORD00 -01126 Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2002 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2002 Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This will abate the 2002 tax levy for the General Obligation Bond, Series 2002 in the amount of $264,732.50.

AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2002 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS , SERIES 2002 Table Indefinitely Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy – 2002/03

8. Mayor’s Report

Materials to be Received – Minutes

Library Board – November 13, 2002 Parking & Traffic Commission – November 13, 2002 Plan Commission – November 5, 2002 Public Services Committee – October 29, 2002 A motion was made by Commissioner Sisul, seconded by Commissioner Gilbert, to Note Receipt Of this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Gilbert, Commissioner Sisul, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski

Materials to be Received – Monthly Reports

Materials to be Placed on File

9. Manager’s Report

10. Attorney’s Report

Future Active Agenda

11. Standing Committee Reports

Finance Committee

Commissioner Zabloudil said the Finance Committee met and spoke about the fund balance policy. They reviewed the Treasurer’s report for November and will be discussing this again on January 7. In addition, they discussed a budget update and Mr. Baker gave a review of dates. He said that they discussed actions in Springfield which have impacts on the Village. Commissioner Zabloudil said the Committee also discussed refinancing the 1996 Library Bond Issues, to permit a savings of $200,000-$210,000 through the refinancing. Regarding abatement of the tax levies, the Committee discussed getting a closer perspective on the budgets prior to the abatements. In addition, stormwater revenue was discussed and recommendations were made concerning fee structures.

Mayor Krajewski said the Village Council’s next meeting will be on January 7, 2003. The meeting will be to discuss the budget, parking and water funds in an informal Workshop setting.

12. Council Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Gilbert said that Katie Killacky of Downers Grove South High School will be appearing on “The Practice” on January 5th and 12th. She was part of the speech team and is a 6-time Illinois State Speech Champion.

Commissioner Gilbert then suggested the Council begin reviewing height restrictions in the building code to simplify the method of determining height. He said that it takes a lot of staff time to determine and he suggested it be reviewed.

Commissioner Sisul said that the Land Use Task Force has addressed this issue in the new Zoning Ordinance. He said that others have brought this issue up as well in the past.

Commissioner Sisul then referred to the previous Environmental Committee saying he recalled that they disbanded due to lack of issues to cover.

Commissioner Schnell wished everyone Happy Holidays and encouraged everyone to shop Downers Grove.

Commissioner McConnell mentioned that the Character Counts decals seen on many public vehicles are a way to remind everyone of the character values and ethics we should all live by. She said they were paid for by the Pancake Breakfast proceeds. She said that the use of the logo is free to the organization. She then echoed Commissioner Schnell’s wishes for Happy and safe Holidays to everyone.

Commissioner Tully asked that stormwater utilities be added to the informal agenda for January. He also wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Mayor Krajewski added his wishes for happy holidays to everyone in the community.

13. Adjournment

Commissioner Sisul moved to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 2©(1) of the Open Meetings Act to consider personnel and pursuant to Section 2©(11) to consider litigation pending . Commissioner Gilbert seconded.

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

Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried and the Council convened into Executive Session at 8:30 p.m.