July 13, 2010

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

Mayor Sandack led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Marilyn Schnell, Commissioner Bob Barnett, Commissioner William Waldack and Mayor Ron Sandack Absent: Commissioner Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Bruce E. Beckman, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt and Village Clerk April Holden Non Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and Deputy Village Clerk Linda Brown 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 of a general matter. 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. Finally, an opportunity is given for public comments and questions on items appearing on the Consent Agenda, the Active Agenda and the First Reading.

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 Council Meetings

Council Minutes – July 6, 2010 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Sandack said they would be filed as submitted.

Mayor Sandack read a Proclamation for the Grove Players on their 75th Anniversary.

Danna Durkin, president of the Grove Players, thanked the Mayor and Council and reminded them that her group will be presenting the musical “Oliver” in the fall, “Shadow Box” will be presented in the winter and “Moonlight and Magnolias” is scheduled for next spring.

Mayor Sandack then read a Proclamation congratulating Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital for treating their millionth unique patient.

Richard Heim, Vice President of Business Development, extended thanks to the Mayor and Council on behalf of Dave Fox, the president of the hospital and their entire staff. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is pleased to be of service to the community.

Capital Projects Update

Public Works Director Nan Newlon presented an update on the capital projects. She announced that a continuing labor strike has halted most construction work in the Village. Staff is monitoring the construction sites while awaiting the completion of labor negotiations. Director Newlon noted that two sidewalk projects would be presented next week for the Council’s review. There are also four streambank stabilization projects in CIP this year. Staff has gone out for RFQs (request for qualifications), and staff will then seek proposals from the qualified firms.

The Wallbank Avenue drainage project is complete. Bids have gone out for Washington Street and Sherman Street watershed improvements. They have also awarded the watermain replacement project, but will not begin construction until the strike has ended.

The Mayor said that as soon as the strike ends they will move forward immediately with continuation of construction. All other projects not affected by the strike will also move forward.

4.Public Comments – General Comments on Matters Not Appearing on Tonight’s Agenda

George Swimmer, 4905 Main Street, said he doesn’t believe the strike is an actual strike. He thinks that the Union has special projects and is working on those projects. He also read they are working on the toll road system and a school project. He read also that anything essential to public safety would be worked on. Mr. Swimmer then addressed Belmont Avenue and the work stoppage, saying he went there about 9:00 a.m. this morning and there were three men sitting with strike signs. The weather the past three weeks has been perfect for digging, and this is a digging project. In the fall it will take them weeks and possibly months to recover what they’ve lost in 2-3 weeks. As far as being able to select target sites and ideal weather, he thinks the Union can control what choices they make. He notified the Union about how dangerous Belmont crossing is, but he also wanted to express his feelings here, noting that the Metra Chairman is from Downers Grove and might pick up on his comments. Belmont is one of the most dangerous railroad crossings in Illinois. There are certain provisions in Illinois that if there are a certain number of accidents at a particular crossing, whistle blowing should be mandated. Mr. Swimmer explained that one of the biggest reasons Belmont is so dangerous is that 800 feet west of the crossing the track curves, and it is almost impossible for anyone crossing, whether vehicle or pedestrian, to see down the track past that 800 feet. He said it is also difficult for the engineer to see past that distance. In February there was a fatal accident there. So if the underpass had been complete, that accident would not have happened. Mr. Swimmer said he wanted the Council to reach out to the Unions and to Metra to get the project going. It’s beautiful weather, people want to be working and the economy needs these jobs.

Mayor Sandack said that the Belmont underpass project is important to everyone on the Council and they have spent a lot of time to get the project accomplished. He said they have passed along their feelings to the powers that be on both sides. The Council is not part of the project. The Council can try and encourage people to negotiate in good faith, but they don’t have a magic wand.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

COR00 -04200 A. Claim Ordinance: No. 5855, Payroll, July 2, 2010 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL00 -04201 B. List of Bills Payable: No. 5836, July 13, 2010 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A Passed The Consent Agenda

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

7. Active Agenda

8. First Reading

ORD00 -04210 A. Ordinance: Amend Traffic Provisions for a Four-Way Stop at the Intersection of Middaugh Avenue and Grant Street Sponsors: Public Works and Transportation and Parking Commission Manager Fieldman said both items under First Reading have to do with traffic provisions.

Director Nan Newlon explained that this ordinance was brought to staff by residents in the area of Middaugh and Grant, which is currently a 2-way stop controlled intersection. They have requested it be upgraded to a 4-way stop. A warrant analysis was conducted, and it did meet the minimum criteria for a 4-way stop due to site obstruction, excess traffic, and school proximity.

Mayor Sandack said that everyone who has reviewed this seems to agree. No objections have been made to staff as yet.

Commissioner Schnell asked that a sign be placed stating “4-way Stop Ahead” to prepare the drivers for the changed signage. Indexes: Stop Sign – Middaugh & Grant

ORD00 -04211 B. Ordinance: Amend Traffic Provisions at the Intersection of 4th Street and Victor Street Sponsors: Public Works and Transportation and Parking Commission Director Newlon said this traffic item was also requested by residents, and concerns installation of a Yield sign at 4th Street and Victor. This is currently an uncontrolled intersection. There is concern about right-of-way assignment and driver’s lack of understanding for right-of-way at this intersection. Staff said the warrant did not meet minimum criteria for a Stop sign, but did meet the criteria for a Yield sign.

The Mayor said there are still a few intersections without controls that may not meet the minimum criteria, and people get used to no controls. He thinks it’s a good thing to install the controls, it adds a layer of safety. Indexes: Yield – 4th & Victor

9.Mayor’s Report

Materials to be Received

Materials to be Placed on File

10.Manager’s Report

INF00 -04208 Annexation Analysis and Report Sponsors: Community Development Manager Fieldman said that last year’s Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) identified strategies to look at annexing properties in unincorporated areas within the Village’s planning area. The report is completed and is in the Council packets as well as on the website. He said if there are no objections, staff would like to take it to the Finance and Administrative Committee within 45 days for further study, and then bring it back to the Council. The public is invited to the Finance and Administrative Committee discussion.

The Mayor reminded everyone that the information is on the website for public review. Indexes: Annexation

INF00 -04207 A. Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services Contract Sponsors: Manager’s Office Manager Fieldman said another high priority issue of the Village’s Strategic Plan is the waste and disposal contract and the possibility of renewing with Republic Services. Negotiations have been concluded and staff wants to set up public policy discussions. It is important that everyone have ample time to look at the pricing options and be able to discuss this next week when the full Council is present.

Mayor Sandack said this is on the website now, with three options put forth by negotiations between Village staff and Republic Services. They want all the Council members present for a full policy discussion on this matter. Residents should know there is a report on the website now with information regarding the proposals before the Village Council. He encouraged the public to review the proposals and send their comments to the Council and staff.

Commissioner Schnell asked that staff summarize the three proposals and place them in the Village Corner. Indexes: Scavenger-Recycling Program, Scavenger-Garbage Collection

11.Attorney’s Report

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting two items to Council: 1) An ordinance amending traffic provisions at 4th Street and Victor and 2) an ordinance amending traffic provisions to provide a 4- way stop sign at Grant and Middaugh.

Future Active Agenda

12.Council Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Barnett noted that there is one day, four hours and thirty-six minutes until the Rotary Grovefest. The first Rotary Grovefest opens on Thursday with rides, games, a carnival, local not-for-profit booths, etc. There will be a car show on Sunday, and he encouraged everyone to come out and attend the event. Further information is available on www.rotarygrovefest.com.

Commissioner Schnell said she attended the grand opening of Kristina’s Restaurant on Main Street and it was delightful. She encouraged people to visit there, as well as all the other downtown restaurants. The remodeled buildings look awesome both inside and out. She welcomed them to the community and wished them well.

13. Adjournment

Commissioner Schnell moved to adjourn. Commissioner Barnett seconded the Motion.

Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m