August 17, 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, Commissioner Bruce E. Beckman, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt and Mayor Ron Sandack Absent: Commissioner Sean P. Durkin Non Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and Village Clerk April Holden C ommissioner Durkin arrived at 7:49 p.m.

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 - August 10, 2010 Strategic Planning - August 10, 2010 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Sandack said they would be filed as submitted.

4. Public Comments - General Comments on Matters Not Appearing on Tonight's Agenda

Linda Kunze of the Downtown Management Corporation announced the opening of the Lemon Tree grocery store last Friday in downtown Downers Grove. She thanked the Village Council, members of the EDC and the Chamber. Ms. Kunze said that the Grand Opening of Lemon Tree would be celebrated this weekend.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

COR 00-04232 A. Claim Ordinance: No. 5859, Payroll, July 30, 2010

Sponsors:Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: N/A

BIL 00-04235 B. List of Bills Payable: No. 5846, August 17, 2010

Sponsors:Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: N/A

BID 00-04226 C. Bid: Authorize the Purchase of Bulk Road Salt from Cargill Incorporated Salt Division, North Olmsted, Ohio, via the State Contract

Sponsors:Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Salt

BID 00-04228 D. Bid: Award $538,828 to Patnick Construction, Inc., Bensenville, IL, for Drainage Improvements, St. Joseph North, Subwatershed E (SW 042-10)

Sponsors:Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Storm Sewers

RES 00-04224 E. Resolution: Final Plat of Subdivision for 4500 Middaugh Avenue

Sponsors:Community Development and Plan Commission

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF SUBDIVISION FOR 4500 MIDDAUGH AVENUE

RESOLUTION 2010-59 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Subdivision - Middaugh, 4500 Middaugh

RES 00-04233 F. Resolution: Authorize a Lease Amendment with the Downers Grove Sanitary District - Downers Grove Public Works Facility, 5101 Walnut

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AMENDMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE DOWNERS GROVE SANITARY DISTRICT

RESOLUTION 2010-60 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Sanitary District

RES 00-04234 G. Resolution: Authorize a Lease Amendment Agreement with the Downers Grove Sanitary District - Curtiss Street

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AMENDMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE DOWNERS GROVE SANITARY DISTRICT

RESOLUTION 2010-61 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Sanitary District

MOT 00-04237 H. Motion: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Summary of Item:Library Board - July 28, 2010 A motion was made to Note Receipt Of this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Boards and Commissions Minutes 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: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack

7. Active Agenda

 MOT 00-04207 A. Motion: Direct Staff to Draft a Contract with Republic Services, Inc., Maintaining Current Volume-Based (Sticker) Program

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:This directs staff to draft a contract with Republic Services, Inc. maintaining the current

volume-based (sticker) program. A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Barnett, to Authorize this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote:Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Scavenger-Recycling Program, Scavenger-Garbage Collection

ORD 00-04225 B. Ordinance: Amend Downtown Business District Uses

Sponsors:Community Development and Plan Commission

Summary of Item:This amends certain Downtown Business District Uses.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT USES

ORDINANCE NO. 5147 B ill Wrobel, 7800 Queens Court, said he is pleased to see this ordinance and hopes that it offers a tool to work with the merchants with respect to off-street parking. He further hopes this is the first step for the Downtown Management Corporation to work with new and existing tenants concerning proper use of property for parking. He is anxious to see this move ahead.  The Mayor said there are two components to the ordinance: Changing the off-street parking to a special use and a text amendment to add consignment shops, dance and music studios, and martial arts/personal trainer studios as permitted uses. A motion was made by Commissioner Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Beckman, to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote:Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Central Business District, Zoning Ordinance

8. First Reading

REP 00-04204 A. Water Rate Study D eputy Village Manager Mike Baker noted that, in July, staff introduced the first presentation by the Municipal and Financial Services Group (the "Group"), which included background information and the need to establish where future rates would be set. Mr. Baker then asked the representatives from the Municipal and Financial Services Group to make their presentation.

Lisa Zitomer distributed information to the Council regarding their presentation. She said that at the last meeting they presented rate structure alternatives and the impact those would have on customers. Ms. Zitomer displayed information on a graph representing trends of customer consumption. Over the long-term there has been a 1% decrease in use due to conservation efforts. The Group recommends that the rate be increased yearly at 14% for three years, then 10% for the fourth year and 9% the fifth year.  The Village's structure currently covers the minimum charge. Ms. Zitomer then addressed rate structure alternatives and the questions of who will be paying, how much will they pay, and why should they be paying. She noted that the goals and objectives of the rate structure are cost of service recovery, maintenance of revenue stability, ease of updating information, and water conservation efforts.

Ms. Zitomer then explained that the Village has about 14,225 residential customers, with a number of meter sizes ranging from the majority at 5/8" to some as large as 10". Residential customer median usage is 10-15 ccf on a bi-monthly basis. Commercial usage includes multi-family, commercial and industrial consumers, with a wide range of usage.  Average usage was studied in terms of customer seasonal usage patterns with summer usage almost double that of winter. The minimum bi-monthly charge is $6.62 and is a fixed portion of the bill. The variable portion includes the rate per hundred cubic feet at $3.31. She noted that 7.5% of the revenue comes from the minimum bi-monthly charge.

David Hyder then addressed the fixed portion and variable portions of the structure. There are two key issues related to the fixed charge which are: 1) what costs will be covered; and 2) how will the charges be applied. In looking at the water system, typically between 70% and 80% of costs are fixed costs including customer service, billing, meter reading, administration and maintenance, etc. Currently the fixed charge is collected on a per account basis. That cost could also be based on meter size. Mr. Hyder said the variable portion is based on what is used. Currently there is a uniform structure based on the fixed rate. The alternative is to use an inclining block rate based on use.

Mr. Hyder then addressed the possibilities: A) raise the rates 14% to a $7.55 minimum; B) allocate costs based on the meter size and bi-monthly volume charge; and C) establish a fixed charge based on meter size and include the block rate structure to encourage conservation. He then reviewed the sample rates, and the surrounding community rate structures, which primarily use the minimum bill method. Some communities do charge based on meter size. He said across the country about 50% of utilities charge based on meter size. Variable charges are the most common.

Mr. Hyder then described the impact of these alternatives on commercial and industrial customers, as well as residential. He indicated that the next steps in this project are to draft a preliminary report and recommendation in September, and submit a final report and vote on the rate change in October.

Mayor Sandack reminded everyone that in July the consultants were present and the first report indicated that the financial viability of the current water system is at risk.  In order to pay for the water that the Village receives and maintain the system, the Village needs to increase income by 14% over the next three years. There are also fixed costs regardless of whether water is being turned on. Those costs comprise 70%-80% of billing. The Village's intention is to assure that they are allocating costs fairly.

Commissioner Beckman said that he has property in Michigan in an area with many vacation homes. He asked about those who pay a low amount for water usage. Mr. Hyder replied that currently 70% of the costs of providing service to a resident are fixed. With an increase in rates, the Village would only recover 15%.

Commissioner Neustadt then asked about Alternative C at a cost of $8.20 bi-monthly, and whether it takes a while for water conservation to take effect. Mr. Hyder responded that it does take time as the cost of water is so low in comparison to other discretionary bills that it is fairly inelastic. Commissioner Neustadt asked for the actual rates charged by surrounding communities.

Commissioner Schnell asked whether the Group has taken into account the increases from the DuPage Water Commission and the City of Chicago. Mr. Hyder responded that they have taken that into consideration, and have looked at everything in the system. Commissioner Schnell then asked whether the number of people using rain barrels and conservation methods helps control costs over time. Mr. Hyder replied that there is not a long track record for comparison, but he thinks it has an impact. He suggested considering providing incentives to keep costs down. Close to 50% of the costs from DuPage Water Commission are fixed. Commissioner Schnell then asked whether they distinguish between non-profit and for-profit organizations. Mr. Hyder said they evaluate based on user size. Commissioner Schnell added that the Village needs an understanding of how other communities are charging their users.

Commissioner Waldack said this was an excellent presentation and will be on the website. He looks forward to sharing this information. Commissioner Waldack added that the Village will maintain the water fund separately, and wants the minimum revenue to cover expenses. He noted that this is much more complicated than originally thought, and much more complex than the refuse contract. He asked residents to review both reports in detail and provide their comments to the Council.

Commissioner Barnett inquired about the increase in DuPage Water Commission rates. Mr. Hyder replied it increases at 10% every year. Commissioner Barnett asked how the information was obtained with respect to fixed charges. Mr. Hyder replied that staff provided input. Including all fixed costs is a policy question.

Commissioner Barnett questioned whether there is a requirement to change meters in situations where charges are made according to meter size. Mr. Hyder did not think so, and said it encourages people to right-size their meters. Commissioner Barnett said that this is a textbook example of actually paying for the use of things. He asked what the date range was for the data graph materials. Mr. Hyder said it was over the last two years.

Mayor Sandack commented that if the Village maintains the current system, it would be $2.75 million in debt in 2011, and $5 million in debt in 2015. The system is set up to purchase water from the DuPage Water Commission and then make it available to all residents. There is a significant infrastructure below and above the dirt, and it has not been priced correctly. The DuPage Water Commission is subsidizing the per unit cost of water with a decreasing annual sales tax. He said that this study was done to understand the cost of delivering water and equitably charging for the water. The Village is covering the fixed cost at 8% now, which will create a debt in the near future. The Mayor said that the Village needs to cover more of the fixed costs. He added that the reports submitted by the Group have been exemplary.  Indexes: Water Rates

MOT 00-04202 B. Motion: Accept Community Events Commission Recommendation and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Temporary Use Fees

Sponsors:Community Events and Community Events Commission

Summary of Item:This accepts the Community Events Commission recommendation regarding the facilitation model for community events and adopts an ordinance amending temporary use fees for not-for-profit organizations.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TEMPORARY USE FEES

ORDINANCE NO. 5149 M r. Fieldman commented that the Council directed staff and the Community Events Commission (CEC) to develop a model to cover direct and indirect costs of community events. The CEC has been working on the project since last December and recommends a facilitation model to assist not-for-profit (NFP) organizations in hosting their own events, and would charge for services provided to NFP organizations. Mr. Fieldman noted a Municipal Code change that includes charging a property usage fee only when it displaces an opportunity for the Village to generate revenue.

Commissioner Neustadt commented that during the review and discussion, the CEC used the Rotary Grove Fest as an example to improve the local economy, provide entertainment, provide a sense of community, increase public awareness to the Village, and provide community partnership opportunities. He indicated that it was not easy for the CEC to shift from past duties and look at this project. He said the Village has outstanding, dedicated volunteers who want what is best for the community. He thanked the Commission, staff and the local groups who provided their time and expertise.

Commissioner Waldack said he has a problem calling this facilitation. He said they need regulation, but it is not, in his opinion, facilitation. Media and public relations are facilitation activities. Things related to business and fees are regulation. There is no opportunity for sales tax derived from this event, and they should look at this. The 2009 Heritage Festival raised over $30,000 in sales tax. He thinks they should give some allowance or rebates for estimated sales tax. Commissioner Waldack said he has a problem boiling down every decision to dollars and cents and the indirect benefits of having events. He said they should have asked the CEC to come up with a better model for holding events, rather than a break-even model that doesn't take into consideration community history and indirect benefits.

Commissioner Beckman said he agrees with some of the comments made by Commissioner Waldack. This is one model that worked for the Village this year. There are other models and he hopes that the Village will look at different methods by which facilitation can occur. He suggested that the CEC explore different avenues and other methods that may be more effective in the long-term.

Commissioner Schnell commented that the Village needs to get out of the event business. She is happy to help organizations that want to have events. She expressed concern about Village deadlines and having groups get their applications in to be judged as to what is best for the community. She would like to see this component included in the process and thanked the CEC for their work.

Commissioner Barnett agreed with Commissioner Schnell regarding establishing a timetable. He then questioned Commissioner Waldack's comment regarding sales tax.

Commissioner Waldack responded that the Village has a long history of events, and they are important. There are direct and indirect costs and benefits of those events. He said that the Village is not promoting the events and the Village as they should if they only look at dollars and cents. With regard to sales tax, the 2009 Heritage Festival report showed an estimated $30,000 in sales tax raised for the Village. Commissioner Waldack said if the Village goes ahead with this model and charges for all expenses, major and minor, it should also give an allowance for estimating sales tax.

Commissioner Barnett said he would like to move forward with this model. He believes that the people who run these events need direction, and the CEC has done what the Council asked them to do. He thinks it would be a mistake to open this subject up regarding a different model. He prefers to move forward with the vote.

Commissioner Beckman said he shared Commissioner Barnett's concern regarding moving forward; however, he thinks they should always remain open to improving the way the Village does business.

Mayor Sandack said that he sees no compelling reason not to move forward. The Long Range Financial Plan will provide a bigger picture and establish where events fit in. He said there was a truncated period of time for Grove Fest to take place. One group stepped up and did it in a matter of three months. Main Street was open and sales taxes were generated. He questioned whether government should be prioritizing community events given the current economic situation. The Rotary Club did a successful job of running their event. He noted that events such as the Friday Car Show and the YMCA Saturday Market are not Village subsidized. In this one-year experience, the Village has seen the community respond. The private sector can lead and the Village sees this. He thinks changing the model mid-stream would be a disservice. The Village needs to get out of the way and be consistent and fair. The CEC was integral in getting Grove Fest done. The Mayor said that in looking at the Long Range Financial Plan they will find that the Village is $1 million off of its projections this year. There is no reason to think that next year will be better. Sales tax has been going down. He thinks they should let the community lead. This is a successful model in a short time frame. They can always revisit it. Indexes: Community Events

MOT 00-04236 C. Motion: Approve the 2011-2013 Long Range Financial Plan

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:This approves the 2011-2013 Long Range Financial Plan. M r. Fieldman said that last year this format allowed for a dialogue between the community, staff and Council, which resulted in a three-year annual plan. A meeting was held on June 29 and the Council was asked to answer a series of questions about the LRFP. The Manager said that elements of the LRFP have been updated based on the results of that meeting. He then reviewed various aspects of the LRFP. General Fund revenues have been declining since 2006, and sales tax revenues have been declining since the mid-1990s. General Fund expenses have declined since 2007. Non-personnel expenses have remained flat, while personnel expenses have increased even though the number of Village employees has decreased.

Mr. Fieldman reported there would be a $5 million gap in 2010 and that would grow to $6 million in 2012. Council and staff have addressed seven strategies to address the gap beginning in 2010. This is the first year of implementation of the plan, and it is working. The revenue and expense lines are $1 million lower than expected. The Manager said key trends and issues have been identified and they are on the revenue side. It is believed that the State income tax will decline, and telecommunications taxes will also decline along with grant funding.

The General Fund strategy for the next three years would be to: 1) contain expenses, 2) increase revenues by $500,000 and 3) maintain reserves. The point would be to capture one full year of the Home Rule Sales Tax increase, which would increase revenues. For 2012, the goal is to contain expenses, increase revenue by $500,000 and maintain reserves. For 2013 the object is to contain expenses; capture revenue recovery; adjust the levy and begin replenishing the reserves.

Regarding infrastructure and facilities, they drastically outpace the Village's funding ability. The Village has a strong financial position regarding its debt capacity, and the Village can issue debt for infrastructure needs. The policy issue is to pledge a revenue source. Mr. Fieldman said the plan is to prioritize all infrastructure and facility needs, issue debt on regular intervals, and pledge revenue sources beginning with implementation in 2012.

Commissioner Neustadt commented that the property tax levy is the most consistent source of revenue that the Village has. He asked, regarding the LRFP, whether it would be better to explore other revenue sources in the LRFP discussion, or include that at budget time. The Manager responded that the property tax is the most predictable and stable revenue source. Staff's recommendation would be to solve this on the property tax side.

Commissioner Waldack commented that he would rather see the $500,000 as part of the property taxes and would like to keep the discussion open. The gap obviously needs to be addressed.

Commissioner Beckman said he would also like to keep this open for discussion. A predictable revenue source to fulfill these basic needs can be important, but he would like to keep it open until they get into the specific budget discussion.

Commissioner Schnell said she would like to keep it open as well, and look at all options. She encouraged staff to look for ways to reduce the $500,000. They need to do more to bring that figure down. Regarding the infrastructure and revenue sources, the Council needs to make policy decisions on pledging revenue sources. Commissioner Schnell referenced the Stormwater Utility and noted that it will take a long time to implement it. She would like to start discussing that now. The staff and Council need to be creative in finding ways to pay for needs.

Mr. Fieldman responded that the Stormwater Utility report is a high priority Strategic Plan item to be presented to the Council this year.

Commissioner Barnett commented that he would like to stick with the plan. The $1 million shortage does not come from property taxes but comes from other sources. He said that staff is working hard to keep the numbers down. The Village has commitments that it cannot keep, and new revenues are likely to be consumption-based and declining. He sees no good reason to shift at this time.

Commissioner Durkin echoed Commissioner Barnett's comments. The number one complaint he hears is about the roads, because that is something people actually touch, feel and see on a daily basis. He thinks the staff has done an excellent job educating the public on stormwater issues, and he believes they need to educate people on the property tax levy increase and why it has to be done. The public needs to see what they will get for their investment. He does not want to issue new taxes. If anything, he would like to put a sunset law on the property taxes.  It may not be binding, but people have to know what the Village needs. There are potential water and garbage rate increases. He firmly believes that the Village can find $500,000 in savings somewhere in the $40 million budget. He would like them to keep it the way it is through 2011. There are creative solutions out there.

Commissioner Barnett added that the Village should explore every revenue source.

Commissioner Neustadt said that the Village has a stable revenue source, but it cannot forget to find other sources.

Mayor Sandack commented that he likes the plan as conceived, and recommends not deviating from it. There are no other revenue sources that will bring in $500,000. Being creative is a given, and it is a charge for staff and the Council. A stormwater utility, food and beverage tax, vehicle stickers or a real estate transfer tax will not render $500,000 by 2011, and, due to administrative costs, may net out to zero. He does not want to change the plan that is in effect and is working. The Mayor reminded everyone that sales taxes have been flat or slowly going down and they will continue to do so. He said that the Council has a duty to be forthright with the public and say that they will take approximately ten percent of the tax bill for the Village for Police, Fire, and Public Works. If that is too much, then service levels will have to be reduced. He said that they would have to cut people to get the additional money. Unless they say that they are willing to cut people they are kidding themselves. Mayor Sandack said the Village does not have money for community events. It does not cover water costs through the water bills. He believes it is a mistake to change the plan at this time if it is a reasonable plan. The Mayor said that the plan is working, and he would like to stay the course. It is imprudent to change mid-stream as it has only been in effect one year. They are making tough decisions regarding services to the residents. Taking more taxes from a declining revenue source will be a problem. If they want a sustainable, predictable Village with sustainable, predictable core services, there is a road map. They cannot raise revenues by $500,000 in any way other than through property tax. He thinks they should scrap the tweaking, and stick with the established game plan.  Indexes: Long Range Financial Plan

9. Mayor's Report

Materials to be Received

Materials to be Placed on File

10. Manager's Report

Director of Community Development and Planning, Tom Dabareiner, said that staff is following the pattern established for the Comprehensive Plan. He reviewed the schedule that was decided in February. The Comprehensive Plan Committee worked hard at its June meeting regarding the subarea plans. He said they are on target and may finish early. Mr. Dabareiner noted that they introduced preliminary draft chapters in July, and will introduce the rest at their August and September meetings. They will then have a draft plan in place. He encouraged people to review the materials on line, and said that the next meeting on August 24 will include discussion on the Land Use Plan and Map. That meeting will be held in the Committee Room at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Sandack thanked Mr. Dabareiner and members of the Committee. He noted that the last Comprehensive Plan was done in 1965.

The Manager then asked Doug Kozlowski to report on the mosquito control efforts. Communications Director Kozlowski said that there will be a Village-wide mosquito spray on August 18 beginning at 8:30 p.m. Clarke Mosquito Control will spray for adult mosquitoes until the morning hours. Residents are asked to keep their doors and windows closed. They can contact Clarke at 1-800-942-2555.

Mayor Sandack asked whether the Village should do community-wide calls to advise residents to close their windows, since there may be windows open with the change in temperatures. Mr. Fieldman said that the Village maintains a list of people with allergies and has shared that list with Clarke. He said that they can also do phone calls.

Commissioner Durkin asked why this is being done so late. The Manager said that they have been monitoring the number of mosquitoes. Commissioner Durkin asked whether they can fan the nozzle for a bigger spray area. Mr. Fieldman said staff would contact Clarke. Mayor Sandack said that the spraying would not dramatically reduce the mosquito population. They need to manage the expectations.

Commissioner Schnell then inquired about mosquitoes carrying the West Nile disease, and Mr. Kozlowski responded that there has been West Nile confirmed in Downers Grove and in DuPage County.

11. Attorney's Report

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting one item: An ordinance amending temporary use fees.

Mayor Sandack suggested that two alternative proposals for the Long Range Financial Plan be added to the Future Agenda.

Future Active Agenda

12. C ouncil Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Neustadt said that the Downers Grove Police Department will host a child safety-seat check on August 28 at the Downers Grove Recreation Center.

Commissioner Durkin apologized for being late to the meeting, and said he would review the tape for the portion that he missed. He then announced that the Fire Department Silent Parade would be held on October 8 this year.

Commissioner Schnell recommended that appropriate information be distributed to the public living near Fairview Avenue regarding Fairview crossing. The Village needs to clarify what will be done and the expectations. Mr. Fieldman said staff would see that is done.

Mayor Sandack thanked the Noon Lions Club for sponsoring another New Teacher's Luncheon for District 58. He then joined Linda Kunze, staff and colleagues in welcoming Lemon Tree to Downers Grove. The Mayor noted that the Maple Avenue grade crossing improvements will begin tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   

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 8:53 p.m.