August 17, 2004

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 Ron Sandack, Commissioner Stan Urban, 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

Council Meeting – August 3, 2004 Workshop Meeting – August 10, 2004 Commissioner McConnell noted an error on page 11, Standing Committee Reports, of the minutes of the August 3 Council meeting. She said the last sentence should read, ”...increase in the number of DUI arrests by 30%, an increase in requests for service, and decrease in the number of domestic violence cases.”

4. Public Comments and Questions

A. Comments and Questions on Active Agenda

George Swimmer, 4905 Main Street, asked about the current version of the proposed Sign Ordinance. Attorney Enza Petrarca responded that the only change from last week is an exception for the freestanding signs being limited to eight feet as opposed to ten feet for the rest of the Village. They shall also be limited to a maximum size of 20 square feet with a limit to 8 feet in height.

Mr. Swimmer said that until a complete review of any proposed ordinance takes place a stopgap measure should apply to the Village as a whole. He said the CCA (Concentrated Central Area) includes properties of many zoning classifications. He noted it does not include the east side of Washington Street while it includes the west side. To set up a unique area without careful consideration seems fairer to some businesses than to others. Mr. Swimmer said that the current sign ordinance spells out the restrictions of the B-1 district. He said the Village needs to take a better look at the ordinance before changes take place. Any sign ordinance that dictates restrictions based upon change of ownership is almost unenforceable. Many businesses change hands, but the actual real estate stays under the ownership that had previously existed. To have a new ordinance that would have even more existing signage fall into non-compliance would not change the appearance of the Village, but would put businesses applying for a new permit at a very unfair competitive disadvantage. If the Village wants to unify and require all businesses to comply to the new sign ordinance, it should be stated at the outset. Everyone feels they will not be affected by the change. He noted that few people have attended Sign Ordinance meetings. He said that businesses that are not grandfathered in will fill the Council Chambers. Mr. Swimmer said the 20 square foot restriction for free standing signs is much more restrictive than other communities. He suggested ending the moratorium and studying the problem more carefully, or let B-1 zoning remain as it under the current Code, but restrict the rest of the Village with the ten-foot high signs.

The Mayor clarified that the old Ordinance requires changing the sign upon a change of ownership.

Commissioner Tully explained the changes that took place after the Workshop meeting. The Village is attempting to provide an interim measure that will allow new signage but restrict improper signs from being installed. He noted what exists at this time is a modified moratorium which would only apply to signs on a “go forward” basis. Mr. Swimmer said instead of making this for the Concentrated Businesses Area, the Ordinance should remain as it is for the CBA , and the changes applied to the remainder of the Village until the Ordinance is completely reviewed.

Commissioner Schnell said if the Council grandfathers everything in the Village there will not be a lot of change. She agrees with Mr. Swimmer that if everything is changed and 80% of the signs remain the same, the Council has not effected change. It’s a matter of balance. She said the Sign Committee and Council will have to study that more fully.

Carrie Swimmer, 4905 Main Street, said she feels the moratorium should simply be dropped. This has become a bigger task than anyone anticipated. She read the minutes when the Council expressed dissatisfaction with the signage in the downtown area. She said that she did not feel that the current Sign Committee is looking at other community practices. She gave examples of requirements in other suburbs. She believes the Council is going to extremes in its proposed restrictions. She referenced existing signage, saying most of the signs are at least 10 feet with a 50 square foot area, and she suggested using that as the example since there have been no negative complaints about those signs. She said that the Committee needs better direction from the Council. Ms. Swimmer said that the Committee seems to be wandering all over in terms of changing requirements and keeps changing its mind. She believes that changes are being forced without adequate direction. She believes the Council made a mistake and the moratorium should be lifted. She has no problem with signs in the downtown area.

The Mayor asked whether staff has met with the Downtown Management Board. Attorney Petrarca said their representative attended the last meeting and expressed concerns regarding the moratorium and whether the proposed sizes were too large for the downtown area. The Mayor said that the Council is not seeing many business representatives at the meetings being held.

Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, congratulated the Council on continuing to participate in the tree consortium. He said that a planting quantity of 283 trees was specified at the Workshop, and asked whether the 53 species requested by residents was in addition to or part of the 283 trees. The Mayor said he thought it was part of the 283 trees. Dr. Goodman said that the budgeted amount is $265,000 for the year, and the tree planting under consideration for this evening is about $68,000. He said that planned expenses result in a reserve of $77,852 for which expenditures have not been anticipated. Dr. Goodman said he hopes that some of that money can be used for planting more trees, should no emergencies arise. He asked for a commitment to plant more trees after the requirements are met.

Mike Baker, Assistant Village Manager, said that at the date the report was prepared and distributed to the Council, the figures were correct. He said that the budget had been reduced, and then funds were restored by the Council.

The Mayor asked whether staff looked at the fines as revenue, and Mr. Baker said that was not budgeted for, but it is a dedicated revenue source that should be put to the use of planting more trees. The Mayor suggested they simply buy 80 more trees with the extra funds. Manager Ginex said they did not have the money collected yet, and the Mayor said the funds should be there by spring.

Commissioner Schnell asked Mr. Barber to discuss the lead-time needed by the Village Forester to purchase additional trees.

B. Comments and Questions on General Matters

Laurel Bowen, 829 Clyde Drive, said that she’s been collecting signatures for months regarding teardowns in the Village, and residents have expressed their concerns to her about the situation. She referred to an article in the Chicago Tribune entitled “Nowhere to Go but Up.” She quoted a portion of that article concerning teardowns. Ms. Bowen said the Council is now considering a lot split and some lot line variances on the Lyman House property. She noted that many of the Sears Homes have been replaced already, and in some situations homes that do not fit into the community are placed on property of teardowns. Ms. Bowen said that the Plan Commission vocalized its frustration at not having the power to turn down requests for lot splits and variances, so the requests are approved, and the Council then approves what has been referred to them by the Commissions. Ms. Bowen said when the situation impacts the neighbors and the quality of life it is wrong. No consideration is being given to current residents in the neighborhoods where the oversized homes are being built on teardown lots. Residents have to deal with safety issues and construction dirt being left behind daily. This has happened with the parking deck as well. She asked how much longer this is going to continue. Ms. Bowen reviewed what other communities charge per acre for teardowns. Ms. Bowen said she received a note from a friend of hers who sold his one-story house in the Village, saying that he sold his home in record time and received an offer 13% above the asking price. He said he refused two potential buyers who planned to tear it down. The buyers are a young couple who plan to rehab the home. She noted that there are things that can be done by owners to protect their homes both before and after a sale, and she provided a phone number for people to call for more information. Those interested in preserving their home should call Andrew Fisher at the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois at 312-922-1742.

Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, provided a status report on the petition Mrs. Bowen alluded to. He said that they have 94 sheets with 1410 signings with some duplicates. He said there is great concern in the community. Dr. Goodman said they have also been handing out information on the upcoming Community Dialogue. He noted he would not be in town next week when the discussion about the Lyman House lot split occurs. Dr. Goodman then referred to the Plan Commission meeting where many people expressed concern about the future of the Lyman House and its preservation. He said the petition has three parts: 1) Cooperate to protect and preserve the Reverend Orange Lyman House, 806 Maple Ave., 2) Tighten controls on demolition permits, and 3) Create a community-based task force to study possible preservation options and make recommendations to the Village Council and Commissioners of the Park District. He explained that the developer has a signed contract dependent upon the lot being split, but it is not known what that developer intends to place on that site. Dr. Goodman said that tighter controls must be placed on demolition permits. Residents are concerned about how neighborhoods are being torn apart. He mentioned programs in other communities with demolition ordinances to use as examples. He also said that this type of restriction needs to go onto an Active Agenda as soon as possible. Dr. Goodman then added that the Village should create a community-based task force to study possible preservation options. The Community Dialogue will help but this is an extremely complicated issue. He thanked the Council for their interest.

James Cavallo, 6943 Valley View Drive, echoed some points made by Dr. Goodman and Ms. Bowen. He is pleased that the Village has organized the Community Dialogue and hopes that it is not a one-time event but an on-going event. Mr. Cavallo said there are five benefits to preservation, including preservation of the cultural heritage, providing affordable housing, retaining mature trees, providing links to the history of the community, and requiring that new homes fit in with the character of the area.

Rose Herlien, 4700 Fairview, said that she helped circulated the petition. Many people in smaller ranches are concerned about the issue. She said that she travels along Maple Avenue often and there are many cracked sidewalks caused by trucks travelling the streets.

Mayor Krajewski said that the Village is not paying for sidewalks damaged by developers, but the developers have to cover those costs. He also said that the petition is not to stop teardowns but is tied to the Lyman House.

Chris Fregeau, 1918 Elmore, said she is Vice-President of the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58. She said that the Mayor sits on their Board. She announced that the circus will be coming into town next month, and many of the businesses have been putting up signs to promote the event. The Kelly Miller Circus will be here on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at the Fairmount-O’Neill Middle School grounds. She said that 1000 tickets have already been sold, and there are 2000 left. Funds raised will go to support foundation grants and programs for District 58 schools. There will only be two performances. Tickets are available on-line or through the schools. Costs for tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. After September 10 prices will increase if tickets are available. She thanked the Mayor, Commissioners, businesses and staff. In the past two years $50,000 have been given back to District 58 schools, and she thanked everyone who has assisted by sponsoring and supporting the event.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

COR00 -01694 Claim Ordinance: No. 5543, Payroll, August 6, 2004 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL00 -01695 List of Bills Payable: No. 5538, August 17, 2004 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BID00 -01698 Bid: Award $137,955 to A&R Cement, Inc. for 2004 Sidewalk Improvement Project – Phase II Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: Bid amount with contingency is $144,853.00. The proposed work for 2004 includes the next two projects from the Village’s Sidewalk Matrix: Woodward Avenue, between Chicago and Warren; and Glendenning Road, between 39th and Ogden. A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Sidewalk Improvements 2004 Passed The Consent Agenda

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

7. Active Agenda

MOT00 -01696 Motion: Authorize Execution of Contract Change Order #15 in the amount of $16,928.00 for the Village of Downers Grove Parking Facility, Project #14-00 Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This will authorize execution of contract Change Order #15 in the amount of $16,928.00 for the CBD Parking Deck Project. Commissioner Urban recused himself as he is a lease holder in the CBD TIF District. A motion was made by Commissioner Tully to Authorize this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Central Business District – Parking Deck

RES00 -01697 Resolution: Continue Participation in the Suburban Tree Consortium and Authorize Certain Purchases for FY 2004 /2005 Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This will express the Village Council’s intent to participate in the Suburban Tree Consortium. Basically, this will require that the Village commit to a five-year projected order for trees for parkway plantings. This commitment is subject to annual budgeting limitations by the Village. In addition, this authorizes purchases from the Consortium in an amount not to exceed $69,600.00 for FY 2004 /05.

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING INTENT TO CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBURBAN TREE CONSORTIUM AND TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PURCHASES FOR FY 2004/2005

RESOLUTION 2004 -51 Commissioner Tully said if there is extra money available to plant more trees, they should do so.

The Mayor said that the fine money should be put into trees as well, and wants to make sure that there are trees for spring plantings. He asked when Ms. von der Heide would have to put in her order.

Commissioner McConnell agreed that all fine money should go into the trees.

Commissioner Tully said they need to find out the lead time needed by the Village Forester. He is hesitant, however, to spend the money they do not have yet from the fines.

Attorney Petrarca said they can amend the resolution to include fine money for tree plantings.

The Mayor said staff should not give an occupancy permit to any site without payment being made first.

Commissioner Tully said he can envision a situation where a company goes out of business and cannot pay the funds. He would prefer to have the funds collected.

Council discussed the wording of an amendment to this motion regarding assessed or collected fine money. The consensus of the Council was to use the fine money collected for trees.

Commissioner Schnell moved to amend the motion to authorize $69,600.00 in addition to money collected as fines for the purchase of new trees. Commissioner Tully seconded the Motion.

VOTE : AYES : Commissioners Schnell, Tully, Urban, Sandack, Zabloudil, McConnell, Mayor Krajewski

The Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Urban moved to adopt the Motion as amended. Commissioner McConnell seconded the Motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Urban to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Tree Consortium

RES00 -01699 Resolution: Authorize a Consulting Agreement with Crowe Chizek re: Document Management System Sponsors: Information Services Summary of Item: This will authorize an agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Crowe Chizek and Company, LLC for consulting services.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONSULTING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND CROWE CHIZEK AND COMPANY , LLC

RESOLUTION 2004 -52 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 Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Document Imaging

RES00 -01700 Resolution: Authorize a Software Maintenance Agreement with Crowe Chizek re: Document Management System Sponsors: Information Services Summary of Item: This will authorize a maintenance agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Crowe Chizek and Company, LLC for the OnBase document management system software.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND CROWE CHIZEK AND COMPANY , LLC

RESOLUTION 2004 -53 A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Sandack, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Document Imaging

RES00 -01701 Resolution: Authorize an End User License Agreement with Hyland Software, Inc. re: Document Management System Sponsors: Information Services Summary of Item: This will authorize an agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Hyland Software, Inc. for the OnBase end user license for document management system software.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND HYLAND SOFTWARE , INC.

RESOLUTION 2004 -54 A motion was made by Commissioner Sandack, seconded by Commissioner Zabloudil, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Document Imaging

ORD00 -01703 Ordinance: Sidewalk Construction and Improvements Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This will amend provisions for sidewalk construction and authorize the collection of fees for such improvements.

AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS

ORDINANCE NO . 4605 A motion was made by Commissioner Zabloudil, seconded by Commissioner Tully, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Sidewalk Construction

RES00 -01704 Resolution: Authorize an Agreement with the Village of Woodridge to Provide Water Service Sponsors: Deputy Village Manager Summary of Item: This will authorize an agreement for the Village of Downers Grove to provide water service for the Village of Woodridge.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE VILLAGE OF WOODRIDGE TO PROVIDE WATER SERVICE

RESOLUTION 2004 -55 The Mayor asked whether the Village has an agreement with Darien with regard to water and Attorney Petrarca said an agreement with Darien exists. The Mayor then asked if the two agreements (Woodridge and Darien) are the same, and Attorney Petrarca said that they are different. She believes the Village sells water to Darien, but in this agreement the water is sold directly to Woodridge residents. A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Urban, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Water Service, Village of Woodridge

ORD00 -01705 Ordinance: Amend a Moratorium Regarding the Sign Ordinance Commissioner Sandack thanked the Swimmers for their comments, as well as everyone who contributed to the discussion. He said he thinks the Village is taking a proper step to make the Ordinance more palatable as the process continues. It will not make everyone happy. He hopes that a lot more input comes in from residents and businesses.

Commissioner Tully reiterated that everyone must understand the actions by the Council have been driven by both businesses owners and residents. He said this process should have started years ago. The Council is faced with having to make a decision now to provide an interim balance until the complete Sign Ordinance has been studied. This is not easy and takes considerable discussion. He considers this ordinance to be a big step in the right direction. Additional discussion and a serious debate will have to take place relative to what happens to the signs already in place. A motion was made by Commissioner Urban to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Zoning Ordinance – Signs

8. Mayor’s Report

Materials to be Received – Minutes

Parking & Traffic Commission – July 14, 2004 Plan Commission – July 12, 2004 Public Safety Committee – June 1, 2004 A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Urban, to Note Receipt Of this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski

New Business

The Mayor asked the Village Clerk to read a resolution appointing members to the Environmental Concerns Commission.

RES00 -01706 Resolution: Appoint Members to Boards and Commissions Sponsors: Mayor Summary of Item: This is to confirm the following appointments to the Environmental Concerns Commission

Michael Gilbert appointed as Chair for a three-year term expiring 4/30/07 Dr. Gordon Goodman and Joseph Sterner appointed for three-year terms expiring 4/30/07 Laura Feste and Robert Pawlak appointed for two-year terms expiring 4/30/06 Jeffrey Lifka and Brian Freeman appointed for one-year terms expiring 4/30/05

A RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMISSION

RESOLUTION 2004 -56 The Mayor thanked the residents who applied to serve on the Environmental Concerns Commission. He said this is a new Commission; a similar board existed a number of years ago. He noted that a newly assigned member, Mike Gilbert, spearheaded environmental issues on previous Councils and thanked him for his leadership. He reviewed the backgrounds of the new members and thanked all of the residents assigned to serve on this Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Urban, to Adopt this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Boards and Commissions Materials to be Placed on File

9. Manager’s Report

Manager Ginex said he attended a press conference at 5825 Lee Street, held by DuPage County, to announce the final connections for the homes with tainted water. The project came in under budget and about a year earlier than anticipated. Congressman Biggert, Representative Bellock, EPA and DuPage County representatives as well as the State’s Attorney’s office were represented. A total of 735 homes were connected and restoration is being completed. He indicated that Village staff, particularly Dave Van Vooren and Enza Petrarca, worked tirelessly with him over the past two years, and without their help this could not have come about.

The Manager said that the buses in town will be advertising the bike race and the fine arts festival. He encouraged new businesses to take advantage of this advertising option.

The Mayor said that staff is to be congratulated for the hours spent in working with the County and State representatives to complete this water project.

10. Attorney’s Report

Future Active Agenda

11.Committee Standing Reports

Finance Standing Committee

Commissioner Zabloudil said the Finance Committee met this evening and discussed the Home Rule Sales Tax, which has been in place for about one year. The Committee discussed how this should be carried forward. In addition they discussed the budget calendar, which ties into the review of the Home Rule Sales Tax.

The Mayor asked about a TIF analysis, and Commissioner Zabloudil responded that they will be discussing this and obtaining a timeline.

Public Safety Standing Committee

Commissioner McConnell said Public Safety did not meet. She asked that the Finance Committee discuss the Town Hall meetings, and Commissioner Sandack said they did discuss ways to generate more public involvement.

Public Services Standing Committee

Commissioner Tully said the Public Services Standing Committee met earlier. He said the most expensive asset of the Village is its streets with 164 miles valued at $230-260 million. This is the equivalent of 430 football fields of streets. He said 98% of the streets are asphalt, with the remainder being concrete. Regarding maintenance, Commissioner Tully said that repairs done to streets at 14 years out cost 5 times as much as repairs done at 12 years. He then showed an example of a road core. In 2003, 31% of the streets were rated as poor, 41% as fair, with the remainder as good. In 2004, 30% of the streets were rated good and 34.6% were rated poor. He indicated there is a backlog in maintenance, but they are taking more preventive maintenance steps by using different types of materials, and better starting conditions for new streets put in by developers.

The Mayor mentioned that the Village was cutting back on infrastructure improvements in past years. Since the roadways are the Village’s most valuable asset, the maintenance issues need to be discussed.

12.Council Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Schnell said the Community Dialogue will be on September 18 from 8:00 a.m. until noon in the Downers Grove South High Cafetorium. It is an important dialogue regarding redevelopment and teardowns in the community. She thanked civic groups who put the information on their websites. In addition, many people get information from Cable TV. She thanked the volunteers for getting the information out to the people.

The Mayor encouraged residents to sign up for this day. He said 106 people have signed up so far, which is about 50%.

Commissioner Urban invited everyone to come downtown to enjoy the Pro Criterion bike race this weekend.

Commissioner Tully said that with respect to preservation, there is paramount concern about personal property rights. He said the Council has considered creating a voluntary preservation ordinance which would provide a statutory framework to be used for individuals who voluntarily want to submit historically significant buildings to that framework. Participation would be on a voluntary system. The Historical Society identifies historically significant buildings. The framework would provide some means to support historic preservation, and would run with the land. This would be a vehicle for those who are interested in historic preservation.

Commissioner Tully then said he and the Mayor spoke about the rich history of the American Legion a few weeks ago, and he has been contacted by other service organizations such as the Masons, Lions Club, Rotary Club and Jaycees. He thought it would be a good idea to showcase these organizations by allowing them to make a presentation to the Council, and further suggested that the Village provide links on the website to these service groups.

The Mayor said at the Village retreat they discussed an Architectural Design and Review Commission and he asked the status of that. Manager Ginex said the Council will receive it next week.

The Mayor asked whether the staff can provide status reports with regard to all permits. He also asked that staff speak with American Charter regarding the new sign ordinance.

Mayor Krajewski then said that the Finance Committee has discussed engaging the public in budget discussions and he wanted to make sure that was being done.

The Mayor added that today the Lions Club held its 74th new teachers luncheon, welcoming 80 new teachers to the community. Thirty of them are at District 58, 51 at the High Schools, and two at Avery Coonley. The Mayor then welcomed all of the new teachers into the community.

13. Adjournment

Commissioner Tully moved to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 2©(6) of the Open Meetings Act to consider setting of price of Village property. Commissioner Urban seconded.

VOTE : YEA – Commissioners Tully, Urban, Sandack, Zabloudil, McConnell, Schnell, Mayor Krajewski

Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried and the Council convened into Executive Session at 8:17 p.m