January 15, 2008
1. Call to Order
Mayor Ron Sandack called the regular meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Downers Grove Village Hall.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Cub Scout Pack 227 assisted Mayor Sandack in leading those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
Present: Commissioner Martin Tully, Commissioner William Waldack, Commissioner Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Bruce E. Beckman, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt and Mayor Ron Sandack Absent: Commissioner Marilyn Schnell Non Voting: Village Manager Cara Pavlicek, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and Village Clerk April Holden 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 presiding officer will ask, at the appropriate time, 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. Remarks should be limited to five minutes, and asked that individuals refrain from making repetitive statements.
Mayor Sandack 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 – December 11, 2007 Council Meeting – December 18, 2007 Workshop Meeting – January 8, 2008 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Sandack said they would be filed as submitted.
Police Swearing-In Ceremony
Police Chief Robert Porter officiated at the swearing-in ceremony for Police Officers Gregory Mayyou and Nicholas Linklater.
Bi-Weekly Update – Fire Station 2 Construction
Ed Disler, Owner’s Representative, reported that several milestones have occurred, including the beginning of the drywall installation. The roof for the building is 100% watertight. He showed slides of the status of construction saying that the masonry has been completed on the south façade on the main entrance. They anticipate the beginning of installation of the ceramic tile in a week. He noted that installation of the drywall ceiling for the apparatus bay will begin soon, and as of now they are ahead of schedule on the interior work.
The Mayor noted that they have made substantial progress in construction since the last update.
2007 Holiday Recognition Program
Mary Scalzetti, Director, Community Events, announced the winners of the 2007 Holiday Recognition Program. She noted there were 13 nominees. Mayor Sandack presented awards to the winners.
First Place: The Lewis Family, 1331 68th Street Second Place: The Nuccio Family, 1623 71st Street Third Place – The Carter Family, 4018 Venard Honorable Mention – The Kasinesz Family, 5543 Fairmount Honorable Mention – The Luke Family, 5702 Katrine
Ms. Scalzetti thanked the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club for judging the entries.
4. Public Comments and Questions
A. Comments and Questions on Active Agenda
1. Bill Wrobel, 7800 Queens Court, commented on the development at 4929 Forest, saying he spoke on behalf of the Downers Grove Coalition for Managed Redevelopment and reflected on their efforts in 2007, noting they prepared a handbook which was distributed in 2007 to appropriate parties. Mr. Wrobel then referenced an article in The Sun regarding building regulations, as well as an interview with Newt Gingrich regarding the necessity of providing incentives in order to accomplish anything.
2. Mark Thoman, 1109 61st Street, thanked the staff and Council for providing a good definition on recycling facilities.
3. Thomas Le Cren, 545 Chicago Avenue, commented on the 4929 Forest Avenue, saying that there is something wrong if you cannot tell the difference between brick and stucco. He said that the Village should use penalties when necessary. He indicated that if the building is stucco or faux stucco there will be big problems. Developers need to obey ordinances, and if they cannot abide by the rules they should be made to go to Court.
4. Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, had several comments. He said he was pleased to see the Council moving forward with regard to the recommendations of the Community Grants Commission. He also congratulated the Council on adjusting and moving forward with the definition of a recycling facility to match the request of the public. Dr. Goodman then said he was pleased to see the request to waive the one-week waiting period to move forward with an RFP associated with the Heritage Festival Thursday Night Concert. The problem he has is that this has now been thoroughly governmentalized and now requires a bond. This is a standard RFP and he does not see this as appropriate for a non-profit organization for this type of event.
The Mayor said that it is not possible to individualize every item, but they can work with staff on it.
5. Frank Falesch, 820 Prairie, commented on 4929 Forest, saying the developer should have come to the Council before making the changes. If he had submitted the changes they probably would have been approved. One big item in Mr. Falesch’s opinion is that there is no access for handicapped people, which is a big problem. He still feels this should be approved however.
B. Comments and Questions on General Matters
1. Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, asked the Council about the application of salt, since there is a great residue of salt along his street and outside Village Hall. He asked how the staff decides when and how much salt is to be used. The Mayor said that Robin Weaver will prepare a report on that process and make it available.
2. Mr. Le Cren, 545 Chicago Avenue, asked about the Main Street and Maple Avenue lot, which should remain a parking lot forever.
The Manager said that the adopted budget included money to enhance the parking lot but not replace it. Mr. Le Cren responded that they should include a sign welcoming people to the business district. He said that the property is zoned Business and he would like to see the Future Land Use Map changed to reflect green space. He filed a FOIA , and received information requested, saying that he was treated well.
5. Public Hearings
6. Consent Agenda
Commissioner Tully moved to remove item d., MOT 00 -03146, a motion authorizing the Village Manager to negotiate contracts for engineering design services for FY08 stormwater projects from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Commissioner Durkin seconded the Motion.
VOTE : YEA – Commissioner Tully, Durkin, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack; Mayor Sandack
COR00 -03143 A. Claim Ordinance: No. 5725, Payroll, January 4, 2008 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A
BIL00 -03144 B. List of Bills Payable: No. 5706, January 15, 2008 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A
MOT00 -03145 C. Motion: Approval of Scope of FY08 Stormwater Projects Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This approves the scope of 14 high priority stormwater projects that will be designed in 2008. A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Stormwater Projects FY08
MOT00 -03148 E. Motion: Authorize Award of Grants as Recommended by the Community Grants Commission Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This authorizes approval of awards of the following grants as recommended by the Community Grants Commission:
D.G.S.H.S. Mustang Band Boosters, Marching Mustang Music Bowl – $6,500 D.G. Kiwanis Club, Annual Easter Egg Hunt – $700 D.G. Concert Association, Concert Series: Artists Showcase West – $11,000 D.G. Area American Association of University Women, Used Book Sale – $3,350 New World Repertory Theatre, “Inspector Calls” & “The Emperor’s New Clothes” – $6,000 The West Town Chorus, 2008 Five Concert Series – $6,230 D.G. Downtown Management, Hospitality Sunday & Santa Parade – $3,500 D.G. Friends of the Library, 9th Annual Storybook Character Parade – $500 D.G. Rotary Club, Halloween Window Painting – $2,000 Grove Players, 2008 Production & Audience Development Campaign – $7,920 D.G. Area Newcomers Club (NEW), Justin Roberts Children’s Concert $1,500 West Suburban Humane Soceity, Barkapalooza Walkathon and Pet Expo – $3,000 Midwest Ballet Theatre, Nutcracker Guest Artists and Costumes – $7,000 D.G. Choral Society, 2008 Concert Season & Outreach – $15,000 Senior Suburban Orchestra, D.G. Programming for 2008 – $5,000
Total – $79,200 A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Community Grants
BID00 -03149 F. Bid: Award $230,574 to Homer Tree Care, Inc., Lockport, IL, for Tree and Stump Removal Services Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Tree and Stump Removal
BID00 -03150 G. Bid: Award $31,052.28 to T.L.C. Group, Ltd., Clarendon Hills, IL, for Mowing Services Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Turf Maintenance
RES00 -03151 H. Resolution: Authorize Execution of Registration with US Communities Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF REGISTRATION BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND US COMMUNITIES
RESOLUTION 2008 -01 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Office Supplies
MOT00 -03152 I. Motion: Approve a Purchasing Contract for Office Supplies from Office Depot through the Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with US Communities Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: This approves a contract for office supplies from Office Depot through an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the Village and US Communities. A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Office Supplies
RES00 -03153 J. Resolution: Authorize Participation in Joint Purchasing Act Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN A JOINT PURCHASING ACT
RESOLUTION 2008 -02 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Electric Services
RES00 -03154 K. Resolution: Authorize an Addendum Agreement with the Downers Grove Rotary Club Sponsors: Community Events and Community Events Commission Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ADDENDUM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE DOWNERS GROVE ROTARY CLUB
RESOLUTION 2008 -03 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Heritage Festival 2008
RES00 -03155 L. Resolution: Authorize an Extension to the Contract with Century Post #503 Veterans of Foreign Wars Sponsors: Community Events and Community Events Commission Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND CENTURY POST #503 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
RESOLUTION 2008 -04 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Heritage Festival 2008
MOT00 -03156 M. Motion: Amend Professional Services Agreement with Geocon for Construction Materials Testing Services for Fire Station 2 Sponsors: Deputy Village Manager Summary of Item: This authorizes execution of an amendment to a professional services agreement with Geocon of Oak Forest, Illinois, for construction materials testing. The revised contract shall be increased from $35,000 to an amount not-to-exceed $50,000. A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Planned Development #43-Fire Station No. 2
MOT00 -03157 N. Motion: Authorize Employee Training Institute Days Sponsors: Human Resources Summary of Item: This authorizes the closure of Village offices to the public on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 18, 2008, and Veterans’ Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2008, which will allow for the scheduling of two Employee Training Institutes in 2008 to provide professional development opportunities to large portions of its employee workgroup. A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Employee Training
MOT00 -03163 O. Motion: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions Summary of Item: Community Events Commission – November 15, 2007 Library Board – November 28, 2007 & December 19, 2007 Liquor Commission – December 6, 2007 Plan Commission – December 3, 2007 Stormwater and Flood Plain Oversight Committee – November 8, 2007 Stormwater and Flood Plain Oversight Committee – December 6, 2007 A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Boards and Commissions Minutes Passed The Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Durkin that the consent agenda be passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack
7. Active Agenda
MOT00 -03146 D. Motion: Authorize the Village Manager to Negotiate Contracts for Engineering Design Services for FY08 Stormwater Projects Sponsors: Public Works Summary of Item: This authorizes the Village Manager to negotiate contracts with pre-qualified engineering firms for design work related the the FY 2008 stormwater projects. The Mayor said he asked that this item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately due to the Council’s full disclosure provisions. One of the firms, GC, made a contribution to his campaign from Dan Loftus.
Commissioner Neustadt said he, too, received a campaign contribution from Dan Loftus.
Commissioner Tully said this action is simply to authorize the Manager to negotiate contracts with the firms. This will then come back to the Council for action. A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Authorize this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Stormwater Projects FY08
ORD00 -03158 A. Ordinance: Annex 4412 Cross Street to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois Sponsors: Community Development Summary of Item: This authorizes the annexation of the property located at 4412 Cross Street.
AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING 4412 CROSS STREET TO THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE , ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO . 4952 A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file. * *Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Annexation
ORD00 -03159 B. Ordinance: Rezone 4412 Cross Street from R-1, Single Family Residence District (Unincorporated DuPage County), to B-3, General Services and Highway Business Sponsors: Community Development Summary of Item: This rezones 4412 Cross Street from Village R-1, Single Family Residential, to Village 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 4412 CROSS STREET
ORDINANCE NO . 4953 A motion was made by Commissioner Durkin, seconded by Commissioner Beckman, to Adopt this file. * *Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Rezone 4412 Cross – R-1 to B-3
ORD00 -03004 C. Ordinance: Amend the Zoning Code Definition of “Recycling Collection Facility” Sponsors: Community Development and Plan Commission Summary of Item: At their meeting of December 3, 2007, the Plan Commission recommended an amended definition of Recycling Collection Facility.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE DEFINITION OF “RECYCLING COLLECTION FACILITY ”
ORDINANCE NO . 4954 A motion was made by Commissioner Beckman, seconded by Commissioner Waldack, to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance – Recycling Collection Facility
ORD00 -03160 D. Ordinance: Approve a Final Planned Development Amendment to Planned Development #8 to Permit a Restaurant with Drive Through and Outdoor Cafe Sponsors: Community Development and Plan Commission Summary of Item: At their meeting of December 3, 2007, the Plan Commission recommended to approve a final planned development amendment to Planned Development #8 to permit a restaurant with drive through and outdoor cafe.
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A FINAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT #8 TO PERMIT A RESTAURANT WITH DRIVE THROUGH AND OUTDOOR CAFE Items 00-03160, an ordinance approving a final planned development amendment to Planned Development #8 to permit a restaurant with drive-through and outdoor cafe; 00-03161, an ordinance authorizing special uses for Planned Development #8 to permit a restaurant with drive-through and outdoor cafe; and 00-03162, a resolution approving the final plat of resubdivision for the 63rd Street Dunkin Donuts Subdivision, were tabled at the request of the petitioner. Manager Pavlicek said staff and the petitioner concurred on tabling these items.
The items were tabled to a date uncertain. A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Table Indefinitely this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Planned Development #8-Meadowbrook, Special Use – 63rd Street – Meadowbrook Shopping Center, Subdivision – Dunkin Donuts 63rd Street
ORD00 -03161 E. Ordinance: Authorize Special Uses for Planned Development #8 to Permit a Restaurant with Drive-Through and Outdoor Cafe Sponsors: Community Development and Plan Commission Summary of Item: At their meeting of December 3, 2007, the Plan Commission recommended that Special Uses be granted on property located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center for a restaurant facility with a drive-through and outdoor cafe.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SPECIAL USES FOR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT #8 TO PERMIT A RESTAURANT WITH DRIVE -THROUGH AND OUTDOOR CAFE A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Table Indefinitely this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Planned Development #8-Meadowbrook, Special Use – 63rd Street – Meadowbrook Shopping Center, Subdivision – Dunkin Donuts 63rd Street
RES00 -03162 F. Resolution: Approve the Final Plat of Resubdivision for the 63rd Street Dunkin Donuts Subdivision Sponsors: Community Development and Plan Commission Summary of Item: At their meeting of December 3, 2007, the Plan Commission recommended approval of the Final Plat of Resubdivision for the 63rd Street Dunkin Donuts Subdivision.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF RESUBDIVISION FOR THE 63RD STREET DUNKIN DONUTS SUBDIVISION A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Table Indefinitely this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Planned Development #8-Meadowbrook, Special Use – 63rd Street – Meadowbrook Shopping Center, Subdivision – Dunkin Donuts 63rd Street
MOT00 -03147 G. Motion: 4929 Forest Avenue Building Modifications Sponsors: Community Development Summary of Item: This is to concur with the Community Development Director’s determination that the 4929 Forest Avenue Condominium Building depicted in the revised plans dated December 11, 2007, substantially conforms with the approved plans attached to Special Use Ordinance No. 4760 as Group Exhibit A. Commissioner Waldack said that there is quite a history on this site, and if this is denied more than just the developer would be affected. He said that when his family first moved to Downers Grove in 1985 they had issues with a reputable builder, and Code Enforcement made the builder conform to the regulations. Last week the Council criticized the Village’s Building Department for the lack of review. He said there needs to be a review. The developer came to the Village asking for a special use and variances since the site was in the downtown area. The developer presented a certain product to the Village. Commissioner Waldack said that Community Development has been involved with the site over time and had to stop construction to get the builder’s attention. The exterior of the building was discussed numerous times, and staff told the developer that the exterior wasn’t acceptable. He reviewed some of the actions that have taken place over the months. The developer went against his own plans and if he had come earlier to the Village, the Council may have been willing to work with him. This is not the fault of Community Development. The Village has not heard from the developer. As for the material used, some people said that this is cosmetic in nature; however, it isn’t. He said that it is cheaper. Commissioner Waldack referenced a report on the materials used, saying it is not stucco, and requires an internal draining system because it can result in the development of mold. In this case the developer decided to bypass Community Development and use Exterior Insulated Finish System (EIFS), a synthetic stucco. Commissioner Waldack said that people are waiting to move into their homes. He thinks the Village does have an option, which would be to approve this and give the people an occupancy permit. He believes the developer deserves not to get what he asked for. The occupancy permits can be allowed with the stipulation that the builder conform and replace the material with brick, with no other building permits allowed.
Commissioner Tully said that in his view they need to consider the present situation and how the Village came to this situation separately. The Council is being asked to approve an amended design since the work has already been done. He is sympathetic to the expressions of frustration. Numerous instances occurred where compliance was sought and the work stopped. The developer did not “get away with murder.” It is not unusual to have changes occur in the field. Usually the Council is asked to approve changes in advance rather than after the fact. He said that he has not yet heard anyone state that there were code violations. He is confident that these changes would have been approved if brought to the Council initially. Commissioner Tully said that the petitioner is asking for modifications. As to fines on the developer, there have been successful efforts by staff to force compliance and work was stopped. Perhaps more could have been done; however, there are no Code violations. If they force compliance with the original design, Commissioner Tully asked who they would be punishing, the developer or the occupants. He believes it is not exactly appropriate to demand a pound of flesh. He is not insensitive to the frustrations, but questions whether the current design is in substantial conformance to the Code. He thinks that it is, and he is in favor of approving this. He then asked Commissioner Waldack to repeat his proposal.
Commissioner Waldack said he proposes to allow the issuance of an occupancy permit with the stipulation that the synthetic stucco material be replaced with brick as originally designed, and no additional building permits be issued until compliance.
Commissioner Tully said he understands Commissioner Waldack’s point, and asked whether this conditional language can be affixed legally.
The Mayor said that Commissioner Tully has accurately described the matter. Penalizing and burdening the project further does no good in his opinion. The potential owners of these units would be impacted, and there are no life safety issues or public safety requirements at issue. He believes it to be an aesthetic issue. There are two items that don’t comply-1) the EIFS or synthetic stucco, and 2) the roofline, which he said is more troubling to him. He thinks it is best to not harp on the past, but rather improve the Village’s process to prevent this from occurring again. In this situation they are discussing aesthetic issues. He doesn’t think vilifying is needed. He hopes they learn a lesson from this. He said that the Village has not been run over, and he believes the staff reacted very appropriately. Adding any additional encumbrances would not do any good at this point.
Commissioner Waldack moved to allow the issuance of occupancy permits for 4929 Forest with the stipulation that the EIFS material be replaced with brick according to the original plan within one year’s time and no additional permits be issued until that has been completed.
The Motion failed for lack of a second.
Commissioner Waldack said he tried. The choice now is either to kill the project or allow it to go through and avoid any collateral damage. He will support the original motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Durkin, seconded by Commissioner Beckman, to Accept this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Special Use – 4929 Forest Avenue
8. Mayor’s Report
REP00 -03165 Report: Standing Committee Referrals Sponsors: Mayor Mayor Sandack said there are no changes to the Standing Committee Chairs or to the composition of the Standing Committees. He indicated that next year these will likely change. The tentative schedule includes a joint meeting of Public Safety and Public Services regarding traffic calming possibilities. Staff initiated this concept.
Commissioner Tully said he is honored to serve on Public Safety with Commissioner Neustadt. Traffic calming has been discussed for some time, and he is glad to see the proposed joint meeting. He said that he believes there is already a policy regarding the implementation of traffic calming measures, which was adopted some time ago. He asked if they are to develop a matrix for areas needing or requesting traffic calming devices. He wants the Committee discussion to be efficient.
Manager Pavlicek said that staff will provide an agenda with the background and research to review the policy.
Commissioner Durkin noted that $100,000 has been allocated for traffic calming equipment devices in the FY-08 budget.
The Mayor said that there should be at least quarterly meetings, which will be noticed for public attendance and participation. Indexes: Standing Committees Materials to be Received
Materials to be Placed on File
9.Manager’s and Directors’ Reports
Village Clerk Holden said that early voting began yesterday, January 14, and will continue until January 31. Hours for voting are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. She said that since early voting began about 273 people have voted.
Waive the One-Week Waiting Period to Consider New Business
Commissioner Durkin moved to waive the one-week waiting period to consider new business with respect to authorizing an RFP for the 2008 Heritage Festival Thursday night benefit concert. Commissioner Beckman seconded the Motion.
VOTE : YEA : Commissioners Durkin, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack, Tully; Mayor Sandack
NAY : None
Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.
MOT00 -03164 Motion: Authorize RFP for Heritage Festival Thursday Night Benefit Concert Sponsors: Community Events and Community Events Commission Summary of Item: This authorizes release of an RFP for the 2008 Heritage Festival Thursday Night Benefit Concert.
The Manager said that staff has prepared an RFP proposal for the Heritage Festival Thursday Night Concert. This is the first time this has been opened up to a competitive process. If the Council is comfortable acting on this, the staff can investigate the bonding requirements and insurance requirements. She noted that they are working with not-for-profits and some of the regulations may not apply.
Commissioner Tully moved to authorize release of an RFP and selection of a not-for-profit organization to administer a Thursday Night Benefit Concert in connection with Downers Grove Heritage Festival activities with the following amendment added to page 16, number 2 of Section III , Detail Specifications, as follows: “No. 2. Vendor shall describe in detail the mission of its NFP organization and its local heritage, purpose or cause proposed to be advanced by the proceeds of the concert. Only organizations whose mission is the advancement of activities or efforts that preserve or protect structures, monuments or tangible items that are documented and recognized as part of the history of Downers Grove will be considered.” Commissioner Durkin seconded the Motion.
Commissioner Tully said that the original intent of the Thursday Night opening night concert was to raise awareness of organizations or entities whose efforts are to preserve the Village’s heritage.
The Motion passed as amended. A motion was made by Commissioner Tully, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Authorize this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Tully, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Heritage Festival 2008
10. Attorney’s Report
Future Active Agenda
11.Council Member Reports and New Business
Commissioner Waldack said he attended the opening of the Family Shelter Services, saying it is a wonderful facility that is needed.
Regarding “report cards,” Commissioner Waldack said that he asked for this with regard to people inquiring about particular builders. He noted that the Village cannot recommend a contractor to individuals, but people can obtain information through the FOIA .
Commissioner Waldack then commented on the transportation bill recently passed by the State legislature, and the free rides for senior citizens. He suggested that people contact their legislators and render their opinions. He thinks it is a disservice to seniors in DuPage County, as the free rides are only on fixed routes. If the idea is to expand transportation in DuPage County, is an organzation like Pace more likely to increase their fixed routes knowing that there will be an additional cost and less fare box on those routes.
Commissioner Beckman said that he was impressed with the significant funding and the facility in general at the opening of the Family Shelter and Counseling Services. He noted the kitchen facilities especially. He believes they will make a definitive contribution to the community.
Commissioner Durkin thanked the residents, staff and officials for the fund raising for the Downtown Management Corporation.
The Mayor thanked teachers of St. Mary’s School, and Pierce Downer School for having him meet with their 3rd and 4th grade classes. He was impressed with the questions the children asked him and how well prepared they were. Mayor Sandack then recognized Pack 227 saying they met with him earlier and asked many questions in relation to receiving their community service badges. He added that he attended the open house for the Family Shelter Services as well and noted the in-kind contributions that were made for this facility. He said that the community should take great pride in agreeing to embrace this organization.
Proclamation
The Mayor then proclaimed January 8, 2008 as 1846 Blodgett House Day, and urged residents to support the fund raising efforts to relocate the Blodgett House.
12. Adjournment
Commissioner Tully moved to adjourn. Commissioner Durkin seconded.
VOTE : YEA – Commissioners Tully, Durkin, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack, Mayor Sandack
Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m
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