July 08, 2008

Mayor Sandack called the Workshop meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall. The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Present:Mayor Ron Sandack; Commissioners Marilyn Schnell, Martin Tully; William Waldack, Sean P. Durkin, Geoff Neustadt, Bruce Beckman; Acting Village Manager Dave Fieldman; Village Attorney Enza Petrarca; Village Clerk April Holden

Absent:None

Visitors: Press: Catherine Leyden, Downers Grove Reporter Residents: Tom Le Cren, 545 Chicago; Robert King, 946 Maple; Frank Falesch, 820 Prairie; Andy Clark, 1226 62nd Street; Tim Meaney, 420 Franklin; Bill Wrobel, 7800 Queens Court; Lisa Stach, 3736 Candlewood; Marge Earl, 4720 Florence; Greg Bedalov, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, 2001 Butterfield; Laura Crawford, Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, 2001 Butterfield Staff: Tom Dabareiner, Director, Community Development; Robin Weaver, Interim Director, Public Works; Mike Millette, Assistant Director Public Works; Judy Buttny, Director, Finance; Robert Porter, Police Chief; Kurt Bluder, Deputy Police Chief; Doug Kozlowski, Director, Communications; Mike Baker, Assistant Village Manager; Megan Bourke, Management Analyst

Mayor Sandack explained that Council Workshop meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are video taped live and for later cable cast over cable channel 6.

The Workshop meeting is intended to provide Council and the public with an appropriate forum for informal discussion of any items intended for future Council consideration or just for general information. No formal action is taken at Workshop meetings.

The public is invited to attend and encouraged to comment or ask questions in an informal manner on any of the items being discussed or on any other subject. The agenda is created to provide a guideline for discussion.

MANAGER

1. Active Agenda and Informational Items

FY 08 Budget Update and Discussion .

Acting Village Manager Dave Fieldman said the General Fund is the largest fund and the operating fund for the Village. The information provided was current as of May 31, 2008. He reviewed and compared the General Fund budget revenues and expenses for FY08 and FY07 . The FY08 Revenue budget is $41.3 million as compared to $41.1 million in FY07 . FY08 Expense budget is $42.3 million as compared to $40.8 in FY07 . Revenue Year to Date (YTD) is $14.5 million as compared to $14.0 million at this time in FY07 ; and Expense YTD is $14.3 million vs. $13.7 million at this time in FY07 .

The Sales Tax budget is $13.3 million. Sales tax revenue is down 6% for the first quarter of FY08 . Economic projections suggest that sales tax revenue will be down 10% for FY08 . Fuel costs are up 40%.

The Village experienced an increase in snow and ice operations this year resulting in possible overtime costs of $125,000 to $230,000. The budget provides for a 5% vacancy allowance in total staffing. There has been reduced staff turnover resulting in a possible variance of $400,000 to $500,000. Total revenue and expense projections could result in a budget shortfall of $1million to $2 million.

Mr. Fieldman discussed strategies to address the Village’s financial condition. They include reducing fuel consumption, evaluating vacant positions to determine if they can be consolidated or if staff can delay filling them, eliminating discretionary purchases, reducing out-of-state training, reviewing all operating expenses for cost saving opportunities, auditing utility tax revenues to ensure accuracy, eliminating selected budgeted projects, and using cash reserves. Mr. Fieldman reiterated that the revenues and expenses appear to be on track at this time, but it is prudent to adopt a more conservative approach given the current state of the economy.

The Mayor said staff has been carefully monitoring expenses and revenues for several months. The Council will address any policy decisions that may need to be made. He commended the staff for being proactive and doing more with less. He said the Village has a diligent cash reserve policy. It would be imprudent to use cash reserves until and unless all other opportunities have been explored.

Commissioner Neustadt said this is looking forward. Many of the solutions can be used this year and in future years. He said it is important to carefully look at utility, phone and fuel costs. Decisions regarding cash reserves can be made at a later time.

Commissioner Waldack thanked staff for bringing this forward. He noted that the budget is constantly being monitored and budget hearings are open to the public. He said budgets are based on assumptions that can change, such as fuel costs and personnel levels.

Commissioner Schnell thanked staff for this work. She noted that the Village has been through this before and this is why we have cash reserves, should they be needed. She asked for a report on the CNG vehicles and fuel costs. She asked for overtime information for the police and fire departments. She also expressed a concern that the home rule sales tax be tracked closely as it is a source of revenue for the bond debt payment.

The Mayor indicated that in addition to the home rule sales tax, a portion of property taxes and funds from the former Stormwater Detention fund are used for bond debt payments.

Mr. Fieldman noted that the debt service is $4 million and staff has identified $4.7 million of revenue for the debt service.

Commissioner Beckman asked if the strategies outlined are to be implemented immediately. Mr. Fieldman said they are being implemented for the balance of this year and beyond.

Commissioner Beckman noted that as a service organization, employee salaries make up a big part of the budget. He asked how much of the total shortfall will be made up by a delay in filling vacancies. Mr. Fieldman said he estimates it to be about $400,000.

Commissioner Durkin asked about looking at all means of cash investments.

Judy Buttny , Finance Director, said Council approved a cash investment policy earlier this year, and staff is in the process of implementing this policy.

Commissioner Durkin asked that information about cost-saving efforts be provided on our website.

Commissioner Tully applauded staff and Mr. Fieldman for being proactive. He asked if fuel conservation methods can be done on a permanent basis. Mr. Fieldman agreed. Commissioner Tully asked that personnel costs be reviewed during the budget hearings. He noted that utility tax audits have been raised in the past and should be done regardless of budgetary concerns. He agreed with reviewing non-essential purchases and other non-essential budget items.

The Mayor said this matter was brought forward for information purposes and it makes sense to do this type of review on a quarterly basis. Council and staff need to be cognizant of operational expenses. Staff has done a good job of raising awareness.

Integrated Branding and Marketing Initiative. The Manager said staff has been working with North Star Destination Strategies. North Star was selected by an RFP process to develop and implement a community-wide brand and integrated marketing initiative in the amount of $95,400. He said $100,000 was budgeted for this item. Staff recommends deferring the contract at the present time and including it in the budget discussions for the FY09 budget.

The Mayor suggested that it may be better to discuss branding following the TCD 3 and Comprehensive Plan initiatives.

Commissioner Beckman asked when the expenses would actually be incurred, if this were approved. Mr. Fieldman said most of the expenses would occur in FY08 .

Commissioner Schnell asked if staff will continue the in-house production of quality printed material, such as the recent financial report. She noted the image component of branding. She also asked if street signs would be delayed if this is deferred.

Mr. Fieldman said the Communications staff would continue to do publications and public relations work. Staff will review the impact of deferring this with respect to the street signs.

Commissioner Waldack agreed with the Mayor that TCD 3 and the Comprehensive Plan are preludes to the branding initiative. He said it would not do any good to have a branding policy if it was not implemented. The cost includes not only the initial work but implementation as well. He supports this recommendation.

Amendment to the Transfer Ordinance Ceding the Village Bond Cap Authority to IHDA . The Manager said staff recently met with IHDA regarding the affordable housing program in Downers Grove. IHDA recommends a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program, which allows homebuyers to receive a reduction in their federal income tax in an amount equal to 20% of their annual mortgage interest payments. IHDA feels this program will be successful in Downers Grove.

Commissioner Beckman asked about staff time and expenses in implementation.

Mr. Fieldman said there is none other than preparing the ordinance and the green sheet for this meeting.

Commissioner Neustadt asked if IHDA recommended this program based on the people wanting to move into Downers Grove. Mr. Fieldman said that is correct. He said IHDA expects to be able to do seven or eight mortgages with this program.

Commissioner Waldack asked if the median income limit of $83,000 is still in effect. Mr. Fieldman said it is.

In response to Commissioner Schnell, Mr. Fieldman said this program will be marketed through real estate agents, brokers and mortgage brokers who will explain how the program works and funnel buyers through IHDA .

Red Light Camera Enforcement System. The Manager said staff is looking for direction with respect to whether we should proceed with this program and the level of review of the program. He asked Police Chief Bob Porter and Deputy Chief Kurt Bluder to discuss this item.

Police Chief Bob Porter said this was discussed at strategic planning sessions. The Police Department has researched this matter. He noted that traffic enforcement is one of the biggest issues the Police Department faces.

Kurt Bluder , Deputy Police Chief, provided an overview of red light camera enforcement. Benefits of the program include reduction of vehicular accidents, reallocation of Police Department resources, and enhanced enforcement at key intersections. Deputy Chief Bluder said there were 1,991 accidents in 2003. Three locations account for 12% of the accidents: Butterfield & Finley, Highland & 31st, and 75th & Lemont.

Shortcomings of the program include public perception in that people see it as a means to generate revenue. Further, there is a customer service issue with respect to lack of human contact. Additionally, there are legal concerns. A 30 -day grace period prior to issuing actual citations is required. Citations are issued to the registered owner, not the driver. Violations are considered civil penalties. Municipalities must pass a local ordinance prior to installing a camera system and must have a means to administratively adjudicate the violations.

Deputy Chief Bluder reviewed the procurement options and provided an overview of area agencies that use the system.

The Mayor said this issue brings forth strong feelings. It is appropriate to discuss this matter. Council needs to make a policy decision. He said he has received a few e-mails and asked that Mr. Thoman’s e-mail be made part of the record.

Mark Thoman , 1109 61st Street, sent an e-mail acknowledging the sincerity of Chief Porter and his department in their desire and effective efforts to provide residents a safe and secure Village. His comments should not be taken as an attempt to portray the Chief or his department as anything less than completely dedicated public servants. Regarding this matter, the Chief’s report recommending the red light cameras for safety reasons fails because only the IIHS and red light camera companies will provide any evidence the red light cameras reduce crashes. The two base studies have been discredited by several state and federally funded studies that have found either no statistical change, or an overall increase in crashes and injuries at camera intersections. In fact, they result in a net increase in accidents within 100 feet of a red light camera intersection and increased overall injuries as a result of those accidents. In terms of potential revenue generation, one needs to know where to put the cameras. Mr. Thoman suggested that this matter be aligned to a more pertinent section of the strategic plan. Claims that the red light cameras reduce accidents are only alleged claims and the statistics are misleading. Red light cameras have a documented history of increased overall accident/injury rates within 100 feet of an intersection and, as such, will increase time and personnel demands on the Police Department responding to accidents, rather than reduce those demands. The administrative hearing process is time-consuming. After expenses the Village might collect slightly over $5,000 per month before personnel expenses. Mr. Thoman recommended that Council direct staff to do additional research on this matter and included citations for reference materials. He said he is not opposed to red light cameras as a temporary revenue source, but he is skeptical that they will do anything to enhance safety at our busiest intersections.

Commissioner Durkin asked how quickly the system takes pictures. Deputy Chief Bluder said the cameras are high-tech and take rapid fire pictures.

Commissioner Durkin asked for information regarding the fatalities and severity of accidents in the three high accident areas. He also asked as to the fines. Deputy Chief Bluder said the fines would be $100.00.

In further response to Commissioner Durkin, Deputy Chief Bluder said the Police Department would establish parameters of violations and could change the parameters.

The Mayor said staff is asking if there is interest in continuing this discussion and at what level.

Commissioner Durkin said he supports continued discussion because some areas are hard to patrol. He views this as a controlling device. He expressed no preference for the body that should review this next.

Commissioner Schnell said this was discussed last year at the strategic planning session as a way to protect people. It is a safety issue and she does not view it as a way to generate revenue. If the Village saves lives, then we have done our duty. She would like to pursue this matter. She thanked the Police Department for bringing this forward as this is a way to protect residents and drivers. Because this matter is controversial, she suggested sending this to the Transportation & Parking Commission (T&P) as it will give the public an opportunity to learn more and participate in the discussion.

Commissioner Beckman said it will serve the community well to have an opportunity to listen and to share their views about this program. He asked how the intersections to be equipped with this equipment would receive notification.

Deputy Chief Bluder said there would be large, perhaps multiple signage.

Commissioner Beckman asked as to the financial benefit of this to the community. Chief Porter discussed the difficulty of determining the cost of responding to an accident.

Commissioner Waldack said this is not a revenue generating process to him. This is about safety. He asked about the accident data. Chief Porter said the accident data Council received is actual data.

Commissioner Waldack referenced safety concerns, traffic delays as a result of accidents and people ignoring traffic signs. He said this is an excellent plan and he would agree to forward this to the Public Safety Standing Committee or the T&P Commission.

Commissioner Neustadt asked if the Village’s sworn officers would review the violations if the Village opts for the lease/“turn-key” agreement. Chief Porter said our traffic officers would review the films and set the parameters.

Commissioner Neustadt said he is in favor of referring this to T&P for review. This is a great program and it has proven itself elsewhere.

Commissioner Tully said what is before the Council is whether to pursue this and where to refer it. This system is available as either a lease or a purchase. There are no upfront costs. Users pay a monthly fee and can generate revenue that offset the costs. He said Council is having a discussion about this now and he is not sure as to the purpose of another meeting. He also said he is not sure this falls within the purview of the T&P, and noted that T&P has a full agenda. The Public Safety Standing Committee agenda is open and can be flexible as to when it meets. It can also be discussed at the strategic planning sessions scheduled later this week. He said he does not see any reason to send this to any other body at this time; it should stay at the Council level.

The Mayor said he believes this is a public safety issue. However, philosophically, he feels that this system results in some loss of privacy and society, a “Big Brother” mentality, and questions as to where this is going and what’s next with policing. The program takes this matter out of the hands of officers and puts it in the high tech realm that will issue a ticket based upon the car, not the driver. He would not like to see officers off the street, in the police station, reviewing cameras. He does not see this as a revenue generator. He is concerned that if Council does not take a step back, they will hear from people about this.

The Mayor also discussed practical difficulties in that the roads identified for this program are state or county roads and those agencies will want a cut of the revenues. The Mayor said he agrees that this matter should continue at the Council level although he could agree to have the Public Safety Standing Committee hear this matter. T&P has a full agenda. He further agreed that this should be discussed at the strategic planning session. He expressed concern as to whether this is a Downers Grove solution.

Commissioner Beckman asked under what context this would fall within the strategic plan. The Mayor said it would be part of public safety. Commissioner Beckman said this might be a little too micro. He said he shared the Mayor’s view in terms of concern about “Big Brother,” although he did not hear that in the context of this presentation. He heard safety.

The Mayor said that under the auspices of public safety all kinds of technology can be utilized, including putting these on every public asset so we wouldn’t need officers. We give discretion to the professionals because they are trained, and this would be taken out of their hands.

Commissioner Tully said the Citizen’s Summit will be an opportunity to have the public hear about this. He said this is a policy issue and it should stay before the Council.

Commissioner Durkin asked if the ticketing is different from what the State is doing on the tollway in work zones. Chief Porter said it is the same although a tollway violation is a moving violation and would go on the person’s record.

Commissioner Durkin agreed this matter should stay with at the Council level.

Commissioner Schnell said this was discussed last year at the strategic planning session and was ranked high enough to get funding. The advantage of going to T&P is that it allows for public input. At a minimum this needs to be workshopped by Council.

Commissioner Waldack said he does not have a problem with the policy of putting a device in high traffic/accident areas. He agreed it could be discussed at the Citizen’s Summit. He said he feels there is a considerable amount of detail and it would be better to have this reviewed by a smaller committee.

After polling the Council, Mayor Sandack said this matter will be kept before Council.

Total Community Development 3 Scope Discussion. The Manager said staff is looking for a definition of the scope of activities to be conducted as part of the Total Community Development (TCD) 3 process. Recently staff discussed negotiating a contract with Houseal Lavigne Associates for facilitation of TCD 3 . He asked Mike Baker to discuss this matter.

Mike Baker , Assistant Village Manager, said Downers Grove has gone through the community development process twice in the past – once in the late 60s and again in the mid-90s. He reviewed the goals to maximize valuable community input in long-term decision making, and to structure a process that effectively transitions into the Comprehensive Plan update. The proposed list of steps includes planning and coordination, strong on-line presence, community and stakeholder workshops, and summary and synthesis of information. This process is anticipated to go through May 2009.

Commissioner Schnell thanked staff for the information they provided. She said it provides a better understanding of the process. She said it is a very good process to get superficial concerns of residents and is a great way to engage residents in a quick manner. Her concern is in calling this TCD 3 as it does not allow residents to be engaged in discussions over time to explore issues they feel passionately about. She does not see that opportunity in this process. People who want to be seriously engaged do not have the opportunity to do that in this process. TCD 2 was sold as an opportunity to get engaged long-term. This does not provide long-term opportunities. She does not want the public to perceive this as one thing only to find it is not. She has reservations and feels we need to be sure the public understands the opportunity and the limitations.

Commissioner Waldack agreed with Commissioner Schnell. There is an opportunity for surveys and on-line information, but no debates, and no opportunity to challenge one’s opinion. The sidewalk matrix was the outcome of TCD 2 . Engaging citizens is a component part of TCD 3 . We need to continue to work to build the community. He said he has nothing against the consultant, but would like to see more workshops and more engagement of residents.

Commissioner Tully asked how much is budgeted for this in this fiscal year. Mr. Baker said $55,000 is budgeted.

Mayor Sandack said that although he hears Commissioners Schnell and Waldack and does not disagree with the sentiment, he does not agree with a structureless meeting. He reviewed the various opportunities for citizen engagement that are outlined in the proposed list of steps for TCD 3 . He said he does not know how better to structure this. With respect to being superficial, the Mayor said having meetings from January through March for neighborhood focus groups is not superficial in his opinion. He said he thinks there is structure in this proposal and it is more suited for a TCD 3 in 2008 and 2009 than it would be for a TCD 1 in 1965. The TCD 2 model fit well at the time, but may not fit today. There is purposefulness to having a different structure for a different time. This structure is suited to elicit meaningful community involvement at whatever level those in the community and residents have to offer. Advertising this is critical as getting people to participate in local government is not easy. It is important to invite people as openly and proactively as possible, be neighborly and as communicative as possible and seek out opinions. He feels this structure provides for that. He feels that people will look at this and see that there are many opportunities to be heard.

Commissioner Schnell said she does not see in this that people will be part of developing solutions, but she is willing to support this. She hopes the consultant will address this.

Commissioner Beckman said he hopes there are thousands of people wanting to participate, but often it is the same people that participate. To offer an on-line means to encourage participation is good.

Commissioner Waldack asked about the number of people who have applied for boards and commissions. They may be interested in a meeting such as this.

Prairie Avenue Reconstruction and Resurfacing.

Project Status. The Manager said Prairie Avenue is scheduled for reconstruction and resurfacing. There have been delays in land acquisition and as a result, staff has prepared a plan for staged construction, to which IDOT has agreed. The staged construction separates the three phases for individual letting and will allow the utility improvements to commence before the rest of the contracts have been secured. In order to commence this year, Council must approve a utility improvements construction contract with Trine Construction of West Chicago, Illinois, and an addendum to the engineering and design services agreement with GC Engineering of Downers Grove. Staff is requesting the one-week waiting period be waived so these matters can be approved tonight and allow this work to be done this year.

Utility Improvements – Waive the one-week waiting period.

Addendum to Engineering and Design Services Agreement – Waive the one-week waiting period.

Commissioner Neustadt said this is a great thing to do. It is a high priority project. He travels this road and he hears from residents that this is one of the bigger projects that needs to be completed as it is used by many people as a thoroughfare. He understands that the plan is to do this such that extra work will not have to be done as land acquisition takes place.

In response to Commissioner Durkin, Mr. Fieldman said the improvements near the intersection of Prairie and Main may not take place until 2009, but if the land acquisitions are completed the work could be done this year. If it has to be done over two years, staff will do it with minimal repatching.

Commissioner Durkin asked if the overhead lines could be buried. Mr. Fieldman said it is cost prohibitive and was not included in the original scope.

Commissioner Beckman said there is a chance that some of the roadway may have to be temporarily resurfaced. He asked as to the chances of that happening. Mr. Fieldman said it depends on how quickly the Village can get the land acquisition completed and how quickly IDOT can let the contract and move forward. The worse case scenario is that the intersection of Prairie and Main gets done in 2009. Staff has a contingency plan to make sure the road is passable the balance of this year no matter what happens.

3. Consent Agenda Items

Bid: Barneswood Storm Sewer Replacement. The Manager said this is to request award of a contract for the Barneswood Storm Sewer Replacement to Vian Construction of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, in the amount of $32,779.00. The amount is under budget and Vian is the lowest, most responsive bidder.

Bid: Rooftop Condensing Units Replacement Purchase . The Manager said this is to request the approval of the purchase of two rooftop condensing units with Jacobazzi Heating and Air Conditioning of unincorporated Downers Grove, Illinois, in the amount of $20,700.10. The amount is under budget and Jacobazzi is the lowest, most responsive bidder.

Commissioner Beckman asked if the one-week waiting period would be waived to act on this request tonight.

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said staff will request the waiver under the attorney’s report.

Commissioner Durkin asked about a maintenance program for equipment.

Manager Fieldman said he will provide information to the Council.

Fee Waiver Request for Downers Grove South High School Located at 1436 Norfolk Street. The Manager said this is a request to authorize a waiver of permitting, plan examination, and inspection/testing fees in the amount of $23,511.00 as requested by Community School District 99 for improvements to the site of Downers Grove South High School located at 1436 Norfolk Street. This is in accordance with the Village Council’s Fee Waiver Policy.

Resolution to Support the Chicago Olympics Bid. The Manager said this resolution demonstrates the Village’s support for Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics in the City of Chicago and surrounding region.

Commissioner Durkin said he attended a meeting of the DuPage Mayors and Managers where this matter was discussed. The 2016 Committee presented information and asked all the DuPage communities to support this resolution. Commissioner Durkin said he supports this and feels it will be a win-win proposition for the Village in terms of economic development.

Commissioner Beckman agreed and referenced an article discussing the economic impact of this to communities such as Downers Grove.

MANAGER ’S AND DIRECTORS ’ REPORTS

DuPage Water Commission – Water Rate Increase

Mike Baker , Assistant Village Manager, provided information regarding future water rate increases. He explained that the Village is a charter member of the DuPage Water Commission and purchases potable water from the Commission at a wholesale rate and re-sells the water to customers of the Village’s water system. Water is pumped from Lake Michigan to the DuPage Water Commission’s distribution system by the City of Chicago. In its 2008 budget, the City of Chicago imposed rate increases on the sale of water for three years beginning on January 1, 2008. As a result, the DuPage Water Commission will pass along the increases to its member communities over a three-year period.

The Village currently pays for water at a rate of $1.25. Effective October 1, 2008, that rate will increase 15% to $1.45. By 2010, the water will increase to $1.93. Based on the Village’s level of consumption, the rate increase will cost the Village an additional $100,235 through the remainder of this fiscal year. Rate increases were not discussed as part of the FY08 budget and staff does not recommend changing the rate at this time. Water rate adjustments will be considered as part of the FY09 budget process.

Mayor Sandack suggested additional workshop and information sessions in the future. Eventually this increase will affect Village customers.

Commissioner Beckman asked if the Village is required to buy all our water through the City of Chicago.

Mr. Baker said the water originates with the City of Chicago. We purchase the water through the DuPage Water Commission, which is the sole source. We cannot combine this water with any other source.

Commissioner Schnell suggested that information about this be made available to the public.

Mr. Baker said customers won’t see an impact until perhaps 2009.

ATTORNEY ’S REPORT

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting two items to the Council: 1) An ordinance approving the transfer of volume cap in connection with private activity bond issues, and related matters; and 2) A resolution supporting the City of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Attorney asked the Council to consider a motion waiving the one-week waiting period to consider new business.

Commissioner Tully moved to waive the one-week waiting period to consider the items outlined by the Attorney. Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

VOTE : AYES : Commissioners Tully, Durkin, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack Schnell; Mayor Sandack

NAYS : None

Mayor Sandack declared the Motion passed.

A. Resolution authorizing execution of an addendum to an agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and GC Engineering, Inc. (Illinois). This authorizes execution of an addendum to an agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and GC Engineering for professional engineering services in relation to the Prairie Avenue Reconstruction Project.

Commissioner Tully moved to adopt “A Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Addendum to an Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and GC Engineering, Inc. (Illinois), ” as presented. Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

Commissioner Tully said this authorizes an additional $62,160 to do engineering work to separate the projects in order to ensure that the utility improvements and road resurfacing will be completed during the 2008 construction season, and to provide additional engineering efforts to aid in presenting information to residents with respect to the required right-of-way acquisitions for the intersection improvements at Prairie and Main.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ADDENDUM TO AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND GC ENGINEERING , INC. (ILLINOIS)

RESOLUTION 2008 -74

VOTE : AYES : Commissioners Beckman, Waldack, Durkin, Neustadt, Schnell; Mayor Sandack

NAYS : None

Mayor Sandack declared the Motion passed.

B. Motion to award a contract to Trine Construction of West Chicago, Illinois, for utility improvements and pavement patching in connection with the Prairie Avenue Reconstruction Project. This authorizes execution of a contract with Trine Construction for utility and pavement improvements in connection with the Prairie Avenue Reconstruction Project in an amount not to exceed $501,824.60.

Commissioner Tully moved to award a contract to Trine Construction of West Chicago, Illinois, for utility improvements and pavement patching in connection with the Prairie Avenue Reconstruction Project. Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

VOTE : AYES : Commissioners Tully, Durkin, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack, Schnell; Mayor Sandack

NAYS : None

Mayor Sandack declared the Motion passed.

C. Bid to award a contract to Jacobazzi Heating and Air Conditioning of unincorporated Downers Grove, Illinois, in the amount of $20,700.10 for the purchase of two rooftop condensing units. This awards a contract to Jacobazzi Heating and Air Conditioning for the purchase of two rooftop condensing units for the Village Hall.

Commissioner Tully moved to award a contract to Jacobazzi Heating and Air Conditioning of unincorporated Downers Grove, Illinois, in the amount of $20,700.10 for the purchase of two rooftop condensing units. Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

Commissioner Schnell noted that the units are at least 38 years old and have lasted a long time.

VOTE : AYES : Commissioners Tully, Durkin, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack, Schnell; Mayor Sandack

NAYS : None

Mayor Sandack declared the Motion passed.

VISITORS

Robert King , 946 Maple, spoke about the fireworks display launched from the parking deck during the Heritage Festival. Afterward, his yard was covered with debris and plastic cartridges. He is shocked and appalled that the Village allows fireworks from such a congested area. He strongly urged the Village stop this potentially disastrous action. It does not add to the Heritage Festival.

The Mayor noted that the Fire Marshal inspects this, and this is insured, but staff will look at this again.

Bill Wrobel , 7800 Queens Court, commented regarding the red light enforcement. He commended Chief Porter and Deputy Chief Bluder for presenting a complete analysis of this matter. He urged the Council to support their recommendation. He further asked that the same approach be used as that for traffic calming. He said there was an accident at Elizabeth and Knottingham and the police, fire department, public works and water department all responded. There are many hidden costs involved in an accident.

With respect to the presentation about the water rates, Mr. Wrobel said he appreciates that the rates will be kept the same. He referenced past cuts in the water rates and noted that the Council kept the rates the same.

The Mayor noted that there is constant maintenance to the water system.

Tom LeCren , 545 Chicago Avenue, thanked Council for supporting the sign ordinance as it was written. He said it is working well. Regarding participating in meetings, he noted that he has worked hard to elect people he feels can do the job and then lets them do their work. With respect to TCD 3 , he said there are many senior citizens that do not have a computer. He suggested an audio means for participation. With respect to the Heritage Festival layout, Mr. LeCren expressed concern about response in the event of a fire.

Mr. Fieldman said the booths were laid out in a way to allow access by the Fire Department.

Frank Falesch , 820 Prairie, noted there is no sidewalk between the Police Department and Curtiss Street. Further, he said the DuPage Water Commission only meets once a month and Liz Chapman is trying to get things organized.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Commissioner Waldack said he had a conversation with Mr. Fieldman about report cards. He would like to see information about this. He thanked staff who participated in making the 4th of July parade fabulous.

Commissioner Waldack said he likes the idea of a fuel surcharge on moving violations and doubling the fines for violations while using handheld cell phones. He would like staff to look at these matters. The Mayor suggested this be discussed at the strategic planning session.

Commissioner Waldack discussed the new buses. He referenced a recent news story by Phil Rogers of NBC 5 who reported on the cost of commuting from his suburban home to downtown Chicago. He compared costs of driving to the costs of using public transportation. Mr. Rogers used the Downers Grove parking deck and the Main Street Metra Station to illustrate the public transportation route. Using mass transit resulted in a savings of about $2,500 per year. Commissioner Waldack suggested that next time Mr. Rogers should use our new air-conditioned buses.

Commissioner Schnell thanked staff for the 4th of July parade and thanked residents for their attendance.

Commissioner Beckman noted that Every Day’s a Sundae provided wonderful hospitality before the parade.

Commissioner Durkin congratulated Mary Scalzetti for a great parade.

Commissioner Tully said it was a wonderful parade.

Mayor Sandack said staff did an excellent job.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further discussion, the Workshop meeting was adjourned at 9:33 p.m.

April K. Holden Village Clerk