March 01, 2005


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 Absent: Village Manager Riccardo Ginex Non Voting: Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, Village Clerk April Holden and Deputy Village Manager David Van Vooren

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

Executive Session Minutes for Approval Only – February 1, 2005 Council Meeting – February 15, 2005 Workshop Meeting – February 22, 2005 Commissioner McConnell asked that a correction be made to the February 15 Council meeting regarding publication of the brochure, “Everyday Choices for a Healthier Life.” Mayor Krajewski said the minutes would be filed as corrected.

4. Public Comments and Questions

A. Comments and Questions on Active Agenda

1. Beverly Lashus, 7729 Rohrer Drive, said they have been very pleased with BFI and have established a rapport with the employees working in their area. They have been good to the neighborhood and respond when there are problems. She asked if they are voting on Onyx tonight.

The Mayor said this was discussed at last week’s Workshop. Ms. Lashus said she was not pleased that the residents have only one week to respond. She saw this in the newspaper mid-week.

Commissioner Schnell said that just because there is a Motion to be made, it does not mean that is the Motion that will be made. Ms. Lashus said she hoped the Council would consider more than just a few cents in cost.

Commissioner Tully clarified that this bid has been handled in the same time frame that most other issues are handled. Items are workshopped one week prior to the vote. Normal notice is given, and there is the one-week waiting period.

Ms. Lashus asked what the best way is to respond when they are only reading about the issue on a Thursday. Commissioner Tully said telephone, or e-mail, or come to the public meeting, as she has done this evening.

2. Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, commented on three items. First he congratulated the Council on moving ahead with the additional tree purchases. He said he is also pleased to see the Resolution regarding the water rate change by the DuPage Water Commission. Finally, he has listened to the discussions regarding the waste hauler, saying he is comfortable with the Onyx proposal and bid. He said it is part of the Consent Agenda that is normally voted upon without any discussion. He suggested in light of all of the discussion and interest it might be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Active Agenda.

The Mayor said he thought that it might be pulled off the Consent Agenda vote and handled separately.

B. Comments and Questions on General Matters

There were none.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

Commissioner Schnell moved to remove Item BID 00 -01872, a bid to award a contract to Onyx Waste Systems, Inc. to provide refuse, recycling, and yard waste services from the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Tully seconded the Motion.

AYES : Commissioners Schnell, Tully, Urban, Sandack, Zabloudil, McConnell, Mayor Karjewski

NAYS : None

Mayor Krajewski declared the Motion passed.

COR00 -01867 Claim Ordinance: No. 5573a, Payroll, February 18, 2005 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL00 -01868 List of Bills Payable: No. 5564, March 1, 2005 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BID00 -01870 Bid: Approve Change Order #1 (final) in the Amount of $24,171.11 for Fairview Avenue Water Main Replacement Project Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Water Main Improvements

BID00 -01871 Bid: Approve Change Order in the Amount of $52,400 to Suburban Tree Consortium for Parkway Tree Supply and Planting Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Tree Consortium, Forestry – Tree Consortium, Forestry – Trees and Shrubs, Trees and Shrubs Passed The Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda as amended was passed. 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

BID00 -01872 Bid: Award Contract to Onyx Waste Systems, Inc. to Provide Refuse, Recycling, and Yard Waste Services Sponsors: Manager’s Office Summary of Item: This contract begins April 1, 2005. Commissioner Schnell said that based on comments made last week, and received in e-mails, she believes the time frame is too short for a smooth transition without involving an enormous amount of our staff time. She said that no one she heard from is unhappy with BFI . She would like to see a two-year extension with BFI ’s contract and during that time look at other haulers.

Commissioner McConnell said that both are good vendors. The time frame is short. She said she is comfortable with what Onyx is doing to prepare for a 30-day implementation, even though no commitment was made to them. There has been a lot of focus on both companies and much information has been provided. Over the life of a 5-year contract, a savings of $1.2 million is of benefit to the residents. She has heard no facts that Onyx cannot provide the same service as BFI . However, she would be amenable to a two-year extension to the BFI contract. She added that she believes that much of the discussion that has been shared is innuendo and not fact.

Commissioner Tully said that there are a number of open issues that were discussed last week. He is not sure they could not be addressed by Onyx. The Council is always looking for ways to deliver superior services to the residents and keep the costs in line. That is why the competitive bidding process is inherent to the operation. He said he has serious concerns with the reality of having to transition such an important service in 30 days. He appreciates Onyx’ honesty last week when asked about the transition phase. He is not willing to roll the dice on a 30-day smooth transition.

Commissioner Sandack said he appreciates staff’s efforts. Onyx came in with a fine proposal, but the window is too short and is undoable. He also appreciates Onyx’ candor. He said he doesn’t want this to be the test case. BFI has done a tremendous job and they have done an excellent job for the residents. He appreciates Onyx’ bid, and looks forward to a better price down the line.

Deputy Manager Van Vooren asked if he understands that the Motion is to approve the bid, which the Mayor said was correct. He then asked whether the Council wants staff to return with a two-year extension with BFI . He said the ordinance for an extension would be approved the following week.

Commissioner Schnell said her understanding was, in talking with Manager Ginex, that BFI was amenable to a two-year extension. During that time the Village may bid this out again.

Mike Baker, Assistant Village Manager, said that staff spoke with BFI to determine whether they were amenable. It has gone no further than that. If the Council opts to vote against the contract with Onyx, there would have to be further discussion and negotiations with BFI .

Manager Van Vooren pointed out that the Village’s contract with BFI ends on April 1, 2005. Action taken this evening would require staff to come back with a proposal relative to an extension with BFI .

Commissioner Sandack said that BFI was a bidder in the process, and he believes there are alternatives.

Commissioner McConnell said they should make sure they have an alternative, asking whether the BFI contract has an automatic extension in it. Village Attorney Petrarca said there is no extension. Mr. Baker said that is what would have to be discussed with BFI .

Commissioner Schnell asked staff for confirmation that staff has had preliminary discussions with BFI as to whether or not they would be amenable to a two-year extension, and BFI has not told staff that they would not be amenable. Mr. Baker said that was correct.

The Mayor said it is unfortunate that the time frame is down to 30 days, and a new vendor must be in place by April 1. . A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Urban, to Approve this file. Mayor Krajewski declared the motion failed by the following vote: Votes: Nay: Commissioner Sandack, Commissioner Urban, Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Zabloudil and Mayor Krajewski Indexes: Scavenger-Recycling Program, Scavenger-Garbage Collection, Refuse, Recycling, Yard Waste Services

7. Active Agenda

MOT00 -01874 Motion: Authorize Execution of Contract Change Order #21 in the amount of $82,719.00 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 #21 in the amount of $82,719.00 for the CBD Parking Deck Facility, Project #14-00, based upon the correction of omissions, errors, changed conditions and facility enhancements. Commissioner Urban recused himself from this item 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 Abstain: Commissioner Urban Indexes: Central Business District – Parking Deck

ORD00 -01875 Ordinance: Rezone Property Located at 1850 Ogden Avenue from M-1, Light Manufacturing District, to B-3, General Services and Highway Business District Sponsors: Planning and Community Development Summary of Item: At their meeting of December 17, 2004, the Plan Commission unanimously recommended that the property located at 1850 Ogden Avenue be rezoned from M-1, Light-Manufacturing to B-3, General Services and Highway Business District.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE , ILLINOIS, CODIFIED AS CHAPTER 28 OF THE DOWNERS GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE , AS AMENDED TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1850 OGDEN AVENUE

ORDINANCE NO . 4654 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: Rezone 1850 Ogden Avenue – M-1 to B-3

ORD00 -01876 Ordinance: Authorize a Special Use for an Automobile Dealership with Variations Sponsors: Planning and Community Development Summary of Item: At their meeting of December 17, 2004, the Plan Commission unanimously recommended that a Special Use be granted for the property located at 1850 Ogden Avenue for an automobile dealership.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP WITH VARIATIONS

ORDINANCE NO . 4655 Commissioner McConnell said she intends not to vote in favor of this due to the variation on the front yard greenspace. She is in favor of the concept but they have not provided the minimum 5% threshold.

Commissioner Schnell said she just received the landscape plan, and she doesn’t see anything in the plan that would improve the appearance of sufficient greenspace.

Commissioner Sandack said he would be voting in favor of this as he thinks it is exactly what the Ogden Avenue Master Plan envisioned. He believes this adds value and improves the Ogden Avenue corridor.

Commissioner Tully said this would be a good project. He would like to have discussion on the new landscaping plan they received this evening. He said this is an identified redevelopment opportunity on Ogden Avenue, and the concept and use is entirely consistent with the Master Plan. However, the only question is whether the streetscape/beautification of the Plan are being met here. He noted that there are other options that are being made available in the plan. He is not thrilled with the request for a variance, and asked whether there was a way to continue working on this. He doesn’t want to delay the project; however, it is an important aspect of the Master Plan and he would like it to be a win situation for the petitioner, Village and residents.

Mayor Krajewski said that he is OK with this proposal, noting that staff has worked with the petitioner on this for months.

Commissioner Schnell said she thought that last week they discussed the petitioner terracing the wall with plants on the lower level; however, the landscape plan shows a flat wall. She’d like to see this worked on for better aesthetics.

The Mayor asked about the timeframe.

Manager Van Vooren said that the owner is under constraints relative to closing and extensions relative to the opposition on the parcel. With regard to the landscape plan it would be a component of the incentive agreement.

Commissioner Urban asked staff about the wording on the landscape plan regarding approval by the Village Forester.

Village Attorney Petrarca said that the Ordinance had been amended to add a condition based on the Council’s concerns expressed last week.

Commissioner Urban said this would be a method of checks and balances, and Attorney Petrarca said that was correct. She said they also included the vertical landscape element. Commissioner Urban said he thought that was an important element, that the Village staff will be directly participating in the completion of the landscape plan. He thought to hold it up another day was ludicrous.

The Manager said that perhaps instead of the Village Forester it should be the Village Council making the final approval, and Commissioner Urban agreed.

Commissioner Tully asked what the Forester or Village Council would be approving specifically. Manager Van Vooren said that in the plan they can document out what will be planted there.

Wayne Pesek, 313 Oakbrook Road, Oakbrook, said he was an agent for the ownership at Pugi. They have had an initial conversation with Commonwealth Edison regarding the care and maintenance of their property which is adjacent to the east of the subject property. They hope they can have an agreement or understanding that will enhance the ComEd parcel. Regarding the variance to the front yard, he said that they need to be reminded that the topography of the site will eliminate a view of any landscaping at the top or plateau of the site. They want their site landscape theme to be consistent with the Master Plan and to serve as a model for other businesses along the street. They would be prepared to withdraw the 5% variance with respect to the front yard and they will achieve it in some fashion. He said it will be subject to the height of the wall. Until they work with IDOT and Public Works they do not know what the height of the sidewalk will be. Mr. Pesek said that time is important. They are under contract for the site, and this is their commitment to the Village.

Commissioner McConnell asked for clarification that they are willing to commit to the 5% in the front yard. Mr. Pesek said he believed they were only about 430 square feet shy of the requirement. Commissioner McConnell asked the attorney whether they can amend this. Mr. Pesek said there will be ornamental fencing. He also said they are optimistic about working with ComEd. He said they may be back asking the Village to assist in garnering the support of ComEd.

Manager Van Vooren said that some of the plantings are within the right-of-way of the State road. The State will have the final say regarding plantings of that magnitude.

Attorney Petrarca said that they would need to amend to delete Section B, and leave Condition 7.

Commissioner Urban said he would like to change this from the Forester to the Council.

Commissioner Schnell said she wants to avoid a straight wall visual impact. Further west on Ogden Avenue there are places with retaining walls which are not particularly pleasing.

Commissioner Tully thanked the petitioner for their cooperation and flexibility.

Commissioner McConnell moved to remove item B from the Ordinance. Commissioner Schnell seconded.

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

Mayor Krajewski declared the Motion carried. A motion was made by Commissioner Urban, 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: Special Use – 1850 Ogden Avenue

RES00 -01877 Resolution: Authorize Execution of a Sales Tax Rebate Agreement with Downers Grove Imports, Ltd., d/b/a Pugi of Chicagoland Sponsors: Deputy Village Manager Summary of Item: This will authorize execution of a sales tax rebate agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and Downers Grove Imports, Ltd. d/b/a Pugi of Chicagoland.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SALES TAX REBATE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND DOWNERS GROVE IMPORTS , LTD . D/B/A PUGI OF CHICAGOLAND

RESOLUTION NO . 2005-06 The Mayor thanked staff for the 75/25 sharing split. He said there is nothing locking Pugi into spending $4 million. In the future he would like to tie them into spending what they need to spend, and asked if there is anything that ties them into building the actual design that the Council saw.

Manager Van Vooren said that the design is part of the Incentive Agreement, and there are also time frames which, if not met, will nullify the agreement.

Mr. Pesek said that what they have presented to staff and the Mayor and Council is the imaging concept of Mazda and is a mandate by Mazda.

The Mayor said he is concerned that they spend what they say they are going to spend. 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: Sales Tax Rebate

ORD00 -01878 Ordinance: Increase the Number of Packaged Beer & Wine Liquor Licenses Sponsors: Liquor Commission Summary of Item: At their meeting of February 3, 2005, the Downers Grove Liquor Commission recommended increasing the number of packaged beer and wine licenses by two.

AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PACKAGED BEER & WINE LIQUOR LICENSES

ORDINANCE NO . 4656 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: Liquor Ordinance Amendments

ORD00 -01879 Ordinance: Amend Stormwater and Flood Plain Provisions Sponsors: Public Works and PSRT Summary of Item: This will make certain amendments to the Stormwater and Flood Plain Ordinance.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING STORMWATER AND FLOOD PLAIN PROVISIONS

ORDINANCE NO . 4657 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: Stormwater and Flood Plain Ordinance

RES00 -01880 Resolution: Abrogate a Certain Portion of a Public Easement in the Village of Downers Grove Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This will authorize the abrogation of the wetland conservation easement and a 10-foot drainage easement on Lots 1 and 2 of the Banchory Court Subdivision.

A RESOLUTION ABROGATING A CERTAIN PORTION OF A PUBLIC EASEMENT IN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

RESOLUTION 2005 -07 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: Subdivision – Banchory Woods, Abrogation – 1754 Banchory Court

RES00 -01881 Resolution: Authorize Acceptance of a Grant of Easement for Drainage and Utility Purposes Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This will authorize the acceptance of a grant of easement for drainage and utility purposes on the property commonly known as 1754 Banchory Court.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT OF EASEMENT FOR DRAINAGE AND UTILITY PURPOSES

RESOLUTION 2005 -08 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: Subdivision – Banchory Woods

ORD00 -01882 Ordinance: Amend Certain Plan Review Fees Sponsors: Fire Department Summary of Item: This will make certain amendments to those fees paid to the Village for plan examination fees.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN PLAN REVIEW FEES

ORDINANCE NO . 4658 A motion was made by Commissioner Urban, 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: Fire Prevention Fees, Plan Review and Permit Fees

ORD00 -01883 Ordinance: Adopt and Approve Publication of the Village of Downers Grove Zoning Map Sponsors: Planning and Community Development Summary of Item: This will approve and authorize publication of the 2005 Village of Downers Grove, IL Zoning Map, corrected to 12-31-04. Pursuant to state law, the Village is required to approve and publish its Zoning Map on an annual basis.

AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND APPROVING PUBLICATION OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE ZONING MAP

ORDINANCE NO . 4659 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: Zoning Map

RES00 -01884 Resolution: Support Actions by the DuPage Water Commission and Urge the Commission to Implement Recent Actions by Passing a Budget that Includes a Water Rate Reduction Sponsors: Village Attorney Summary of Item: This will lend Village of Downers Grove support to the DuPage Water Commission budget which includes a water rate reduction.

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RECENT ACTIONS BY THE DUPAGE WATER COMMISSION AND URGING THE COMMISSION TO IMPLEMENT THE RECENT ACTIONS BY PASSING A BUDGET THAT INCLUDES A WATER RATE REDUCTION

RESOLUTION 2005 -09 The Mayor said a list of the communities that have adopted this Resolution will be forwarded to the Council members. 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: DuPage Water Commission

8. Mayor’s Report

Materials to be Received – Minutes

Environmental Concerns Commission – January 13, 2005 Human Services Commission – February 2, 2005 Liquor Commission – February 3, 2005 Parking & Traffic Commission – December 8, 2004 Zoning Board of Appeals – January 26, 2005 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 Materials to be Received – Monthly Reports

New Business

Proclamation

The Mayor proclaimed March, 2005 as National Athletic Training Month in the Village of Downers Grove.

Mayor Krajewski said that when they discuss the budget next week, they may want to discuss the water fund and how a $.20 reduction will effect the fund.

In terms of the Budget process, the Mayor said they spent the past two Saturdays going through the budget and feels they need more discussion.

Commissioner McConnell recommended meeting after the March Coffee With the Council. Attorney Petrarca said that a budget meeting is scheduled to follow the March 15 Council meeting. The Mayor said he would prefer to have a Saturday meeting. Commissioner Tully recommended having a meeting on both March 15 and 19.

The Mayor asked when the January Treasurer’s report will be ready, and Manager Van Vooren said it is done, and due February 20, 2005.

Mayor Krajewski asked about the Sales Tax Agreements that have come through, and asked that possibly the staff may want to involve the Finance Committee in these discussions.

The Mayor said there was a resident attempting to get a recycling bin, and he found out that they are only given out to new residents. He asked why they cannot give them out. Mr. Baker said that historical practice is to give out one recycling bin to residents. The Mayor asked that staff look into selling them or providing them at the Village Hall, since that is the first place people will probably come.

9. Manager’s Report

10. Attorney’s Report

Future Active Agenda

11.Committee Standing Reports

Finance Standing Committee

Commissioner Zabloudil said the Finance Committee met earlier in the evening and discussed the debt policies and audit responses to RFPs. He said the Committee recommended looking at Sikich, Gardner and Company as the recommended auditor.

The Mayor said there were some issues with bonds recently with the omission of local bidders, and asked that this be reviewed.

Commissioner Zabloudil said that they touched on this a bit, and are looking to codify this to eliminate this type of occurrence in the future.

Public Safety Standing Committee

Commissioner McConnell said that the Public Safety Committee met yesterday and focused on the Fire Department budget issues. They were provided with a 3-ring binder of information as to how the Chief and Deputy Chiefs spend their time. They also looked at the overtime costs for the past few years. Mr. Baker will be putting together additional information in regard to overtime costs. She said that it doesn’t make sense to recommend more staffing for this year, but will be reviewing the situation for next year.

Regarding capital improvements and facilities issues, Commissioner McConnell said that they discussed how to maintain the existing facilities while a plan is being put in place. They made a commitment this year to spend $110,000 for maintenance. She said they are looking to see where upgrades and repairs are in the budget. Commissioner McConnell said that the roof is done on Station 3, and the kitchen and shower are under bid as well. There is a rumor on the street that the Chief and Deputy Chiefs are working on their Masters’ degrees while at work, and that is not true, as they are not working on Masters’ degrees. She added that the new fire truck has arrived at Station 3.

The Mayor said that the fire operation is 24/7. Commissioner McConnell said it is not usual for top managers to work the shift work. In response to Mayor Krajewski, she said she was told that the Chief and Deputy Chiefs are not working on their Masters’ degrees.

Public Services Standing Committee

There was no Public Services meeting. Commissioner Tully said they may want to take up the Stormwater Master Plan. He volunteered to look at that.

12.Council Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Schnell said on March 23 there will be a follow-up Dialogue meeting regarding residential redevelopment. Invitations have gone out to those who signed up for the first Dialogue, but it is an open meeting and will be held at Lincoln Center.

Commissioner Tully said that the Education Foundation of District 58 is holding their Laughter for Learning fund raiser on March 5 at the Tivoli Theater at 7:30 p.m. It will benefit the 13 schools in District 58.

Commissioner Tully said that the Ogden Avenue Master Plan was adopted in 1999. He recommended reconvening the Ogden Avenue Subcommittee of the EDC to review the past five years of the Plan and determine revisions related to costs, etc. The Mayor asked the EDC to reconvene the Subcommittee.

The Mayor asked staff to check the last budget meeting on the Ogden Avenue TIF and review the five-year plan numbers and the spreadsheets. Mr. Baker said he would see that accurate numbers are provided.

Mayor Krajewski then congratulated the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club for their Taste of the Town. He said 600 people participated, and the event was sold out two months in advance.

13. Adjournment

Commissioner Tully moved to adjourn. Commissioner Urban seconded.

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

Mayor Krajewski declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m

©2024 The Village of Downers Grove | All Rights Reserved