September 07, 2010

1. Call to Order

Present: Commissioner Marilyn Schnell, Commissioner Bob Barnett, Commissioner William Waldack and Commissioner Bruce E. Beckman Absent: Commissioner Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt and Mayor Ron Sandack Non Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and Village Clerk April Holden Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Schnell called the regular meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Downers Grove Village Hall.

Convene into Executive Session – Ante Room

Commissioner Barnett moved to go into Executive Session pursuant to Section 2©(5) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the purchase of property and pursuant to Section 2©(11) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss pending litigation. Commissioner Beckman seconded the Motion.

VOTE : AYE – Commissioners Barnett, Beckman, Waldack; Mayor Pro Tem Schnell

The Mayor Pro Tem declared the Motion carried and the Council convened into Executive Session in the Ante Room at 6:00 p.m.

Reconvene into Open Session – Call to Order – Council Chambers – 7:00 p.m.

The Mayor reconvened the Council 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 Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Bruce E. Beckman, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt and Mayor Ron Sandack Non Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, 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 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 17, 2010 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Sandack said they would be filed as submitted.

Proclamation

Mayor Sandack proclaimed the day of September 7, 2010 as St. Joseph School Day in recognition of its 100th Anniversary in the Village of Downers Grove. They are having their gala celebration on Friday evening, and tickets are still available.

Capital Projects Update

Public Works Director Nan Newlon provided a capital projects update. Two sidewalk contracts are underway. She said roadway maintenance is also underway, as well as the bikeway contract through IDOT , including additional signage on bikeway routes.

Ms. Newlon then said that the Lacey Creek and St. Joe’s 59th Street streambank projects will be presented to Council next week. Washington Park and McCollum Park are significantly complete. The 8th and Cumnor stormwater project is undergoing final restoration. The Washington and Sherman projects are just getting underway, noting that there have been new EPA requirements established regarding industrial pipe material.

The Mayor asked about the road projects saying some residents have e-mailed concerns about specific road problems. He said the projects are listed on the website, and asked if upcoming projects will also be posted.

Mr. Fieldman responded that the staff has completed a report and intends to include road segment repairs as part of the 2011 budget.

Commissioner Waldack asked about sidewalk patching and why some new sidewalks fail earlier than expected. Ms. Newlon said her experience is that tree roots usually cause early heaving. Commissioner Waldack said he wants to be sure that staff knows the reasons for failure and that the contractors’ report cards are completed so we know that it is not due to poor workmanship.

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

1. Tammi Karam, 949 Burlington, said that parking in the downtown area is becoming an issue-not as much of a shopper issue as employee/business owner issues. She does not believe the Village is proactive or active about the situation. She urged enforcement of the parking issues in the downtown area.

Mayor Sandack responded that a lot of the abusers are the businesses themselves, and the Village needs to find the right mix. He said that the Village will continue to look for solutions and would like to see solutions and enforcement come from Downtown Management Corporation as well, perhaps in funding of a downtown officer.

Commissioner Neustadt noted that Officer Sembach has sent out a letter to business owners to reinforce the employee parking spots designated for businesses, and parking enforcement officers do recognize cars belonging to business owners. The Village will do the best it can to keep up enforcement downtown, given the resources available.

Commissioner Durkin said that if the signs are up it is the Village’s responsibility to enforce them. He would like to budget a traffic study within the next few years. He asked about the cost of tickets downtown, suggesting that a tiered approach may be a deterrent. Mr. Fieldman said staff would provide a report.

Commissioner Schnell commented it is an educational process for business owners not to park on the street or in front of their store. If parking is by business owners, then we do not have a vibrant downtown, but rather a gridlocked downtown. Business owners need to realize it is not in their best interests to park in the street or in front of their stores.

Commissioner Beckman said that they need to have a balanced approach, and he believes that a tiered ticket approach could be a deterrent to shoppers.

2. Bill Wrobel, 7800 Queens Court, addressed parking on the sidewalk at 1028 Curtiss, and was advised to call the Police Department. He said he is interested in the area around the Library book return. The alley there is also used for parking vehicles. He agrees that parking downtown is a problem that needs further study, and he has spoken with Linda Kunze about these concerns. Mr. Wrobel noted that parking on the sidewalk along Ogden Avenue is also a problem.

3. Frank Falesch, 820 Prairie Avenue, said that there are bad sidewalks along Washington Street that are not safe. He inquired as to the extent of the storm sewer work on Washington Street. Mr. Fieldman said that staff is aware of the problems with the sidewalk issue on Washington. Ms. Newlon then responded that the storm sewer work is coming down Washington Street and will end at the Park.

Mr. Falesch noted that Washington was repaved two years ago. He also referenced Rogers Street, saying this was poor planning

4. Greg Bedalov, President, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, announced that there are nine days until the Third Annual Taste of Downers Grove being held on Thursday, September 16 at 2001 Butterfield at 4:00 p.m. He invited everyone to attend. There will be 13 restaurants participating.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

COR00 -04238 A. Claim Ordinance: No. 5861, Payroll, August 13, 2010; No. 5863, Payroll, August 27, 2010 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL00 -04239 B. List of Bills Payable: No. 5848, September 7, 2010 Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

MOT00 -04243 C. Motion: Authorize Payment to Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation for Tourism Related Activities A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Economic Development Corporation

RES00 -04245 D. Resolution: Authorize a Second Rider to Network Services Agreement with Comcast Business Communications, LLC Sponsors: Information Services Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SECOND RIDER TO NETWORK SERVICES AGREEMENT NO . IL-12031-092706-01 BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND COMCAST BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS , LLC

RESOLUTION 2010 -62 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Computers, Internet Access Provider, Internet Service Provider

RES00 -04249 E. Resolution: Authorize an Extended and Renewed Employment Agreement Sponsors: Village Attorney Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EXTENDED AND RENEWED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

RESOLUTION 2010 -63 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Village Manager

RES00 -04248 F. Resolution: Authorize Participation in a State-Wide Joint Purchasing Agreement with Sprint Solutions, Inc. Sponsors: Finance Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION ALLOWING THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE TO PARTICIPATE IN A STATE -WIDE JOINT PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH SPRINT SOLUTIONS , INC.

RESOLUTION 2010 -64 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Telephone System

MOT00 -04244 G. Motion: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions Summary of Item: Library Board – August 11, 2010 Transportation and Parking Commission – June 9, 2010 Zoning Board of Appeals – May 26, 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: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack

7. Active Agenda

ORD00 -04183 A. Ordinance: Amend Taxi Cab Licensing Provisions Sponsors: Village Attorney Summary of Item: This amends certain provisions for taxi cab licensing.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TAXI CAB LICENSING PROVISIONS

ORDINANCE NO . 5148 Commissioner Waldack said he had a number of concerns when this was first presented, and he thanked the Village Manager, Village Attorney and the Village Clerk for taking the time to discuss this with him. He said that they need to solve parking issues, stating this is not to generate funds. Taxis need to operate in a competitive environment and operate across the borders and must meet many different municipal requirements. It is a huge bureaucracy. This will enable taxi companies to cut down on their duplicative efforts. He thinks this is a good start and can be reviewed at a later date.

The Mayor commented that staff’s intent is to engage in ordinance simplification whenever possible. This is an opportunity for streamlining and should be encouraged. He said suggestions made by Commissioner Waldack for some of the wording of this ordinance were helpful. A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Neustadt, to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Taxi Program

MOT00 -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 Commissioner Waldack said he finds this ordinance detrimental and divisive, and not in keeping with Village heritage and tradition. He cannot support this and would have preferred providing a mission that would create partnerships and strengthen the community as a whole. Instead, they were instructed to develop a business model treating residents as customers and not owners.

Commissioner Beckman commented that he intends to support this motion; he also suggested that the Community Events Commission find an alternative means to continue conducting events. He suggesting reviewing the Westmont Special Events Corporation model and see whether it can be adopted to the Village’s purposes.

Commissioner Neustadt expressed his agreement with Commissioner Beckman, saying that some additional work can be done. With regards to Commissioner Waldack’s comments, Commissioner Neustadt said that he thinks this model does everything opposite of Commissioner Waldack’s comments. The Village partnered with a very large not-for-profit organization, the Rotary Club, and had an extremely successful event in downtown Downers Grove. Monthly meetings were held beginning in January, and included the participation of the public and other not-for-profit groups to put a model in place. He appreciated their hard work and the opportunity to get work started.

The Mayor said he agreed with Commissioner Beckman as well, saying that he doesn’t want this to thwart innovation. He does not find this model to be divisive and detrimental, but rather sees it as inclusive and partnership driven. Grove Fest and the Ice Festival were very successful. The Village can no longer subsidize events in today’s economic environment, and the Village needs to be innovative. The Village will look for further innovative ideas, and he sees this as a step forward. A motion was made by Commissioner Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Beckman, to Authorize this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Nay: Commissioner Waldack Indexes: Community Events

MOT00 -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. The Mayor noted that this concerns the 2011-2013 Long Range Financial Plan (hereinafter “LRFP”) as originally put forth concerning only property tax increase, and not other additional revenues.

Commissioner Beckman moved to approve the 2011-2013 Long Range Financial Plan. Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

Commissioner Neustadt noted that the original plan did opt for the $500,000 revenue from the property tax levy. He discussed additional revenues up at the meetings. Staff will also review additional revenue sources on an on-going basis. Having the consistent $500,000 revenue increase in the plan will insure balanced budgets in the future.

The Mayor said he is not sure that is what was said. The Motion on the floor is the amended plan.

Mr. Fieldman said his understanding was that the Motion on the floor calls for an annual increase of $500,000 using the property tax. The Mayor said that is not what he heard. He asked Commissioner Beckman’s understanding.

Commissioner Beckman said he made the Motion as it was presented to the Council.

Mr. Fieldman said that Motion that was presented calls for up to $500,000 using multiple revenue sources. Commissioner Beckman said that is what he believed to be the Motion that is on the floor at this time and was seconded by Commissioner Durkin.

Commissioner Neustadt moved to amend the Motion to read that the Long Range Financial Plan will include a $500,000 increase from the property tax levy. Commissioner Beckman seconded that motion.

In response to Commissioner Waldack, the Mayor said Commissioner Beckman is able to second the motion as amended.

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said that the amendment on the floor right now is the increase of $500,000 from the property tax. The Council should vote on the amendment first.

Commissioner Schnell said she will not support the amendment because she cannot support something that limits it to property tax only. Her concern is that during the LRFP meetings this year, there was a good dialogue regarding options available for additional funds. People have told her that they like the idea of having other options available to the Village besides just the property tax, and they felt that flexibility made more sense than limiting it to property tax. She cannot support simply a raise in property taxes.

Commissioner Waldack said that plans need to be flexible. Circumstances can change and often changes arise at budget time, and budget amendments are often made throughout the year. He said that the Council did not stick to its plan in the last budget. They have philosophical differences, but he wants a budget proposal that is flexible and keeps options open. He will not support this amendment.

Commissioner Barnett said that this conversation comes up about every six months, and he would like to see them stick to a plan. Over the last six months non-property tax revenues have been light. Staff has done an excellent job of trying to counter that. This $500,000 is a commitment, and does not put everything on property taxes. Approximately 1/3 of the total operating budget of the Village is received from predictable property taxes. The other 2/3 is from unpredictable revenue sources. This is a philosophical commitment that recognizes that some of the Village’s costs are fixed. It does not limit the Village’s revenue sources. In his opinion, this makes a simple commitment to putting $500,000 needed in a predictable revenue source. He noted that the Village is in a tough situation and has costs for which it must take responsibility. He is in favor of this amendment.

Commissioner Durkin commented that the problem with revenues, as outlined by staff, is that they are declining revenues. The Village can increase the levy or cut services, and he will support the plan.

Commissioner Beckman stated that he supports the amendment and believes this is the logical process to follow. He is also in favor of seeking new revenue sources. He believes the Village should do this and earmark the items toward specific projects. He does not want to see increases go into the general fund.

Commissioner Waldack said that his reference to “everything” was with respect to the $500,000 increase.

The Mayor said they are talking about the Long Range Financial Plan, and not the budget right now. Nothing is intended to thwart innovation and revenue raising ideas. He said when this was discussed, everyone agreed that this was a good plan, from an overview perspective. There must be some meat on the bones of the Financial Plan. Mayor Sandack agreed that no one wants to raise taxes, but the Village has to have revenue for its basic core services. The Village is not there in terms of revenue for funding basics, let alone extras. They need to have a plan for three years, and then they can go year by year, with a sustainable predictable three-year plan. He noted that the Financial Plan worked for 2010. They should go budget by budget for innovative ideas, and tweak along the way. This is a broad overview to fund upcoming core services. Long Range Financial Planning often bleeds into discussions on the actual budget; however, the LRFP is a wish list and not the budget. If there is a way to cut property tax in 2011 while meeting the core service funding, he favors it.

The Mayor called for a vote on the amendment regarding revenue enhancements of up to $500,000 in the property tax levy for operations for Village operations.

VOTE : AYE : Commissioners Neustadt, Beckman, Barnett, Durkin; Mayor Sandack

NAY : Commissioners Waldack, Schnell

The Mayor declared the amendment to the Motion passed.

The Mayor then called for a vote on the Motion as amended.

VOTE : AYE : Commissioners Beckman, Durkin, Barnett, Neustadt; Mayor Sandack

NAY : Commissioners Waldack, Schnell

The Mayor declared the Motion as amended passed. A motion was made by Commissioner Beckman, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Approve this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Nay: Commissioner Schnell and Commissioner Waldack Indexes: Long Range Financial Plan

8. First Reading

ORD00 -04195 A. Ordinance: Adopt an Ogden Avenue Site Improvement Strategy Program Sponsors: Community Development and Finance Mr. Fieldman asked Greg Bedalov, President of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), to present an overview of the OASIS program. Mr. Bedalov said that the program is to provide additional economic growth and beautification for the Ogden Avenue TIF District. The EDC worked with the staff and the Chamber, as well as the business community, on the proposed project. The Ogden Avenue Alliance was formed representing businesses on Ogden Avenue (not necessarily in the TIF District), comprised of retail services, commercial, residential and others on Ogden Avenue. He said that staff provided a review of the Ogden Avenue TIF to the Ogden Avenue Alliance membership. Staff requested input from those members. The Alliance Group was led by Al Doran of Dominick’s Corporation, and Melissa Napier of Sara Lee Corporation and approximately 20 other members of the Ogden Avenue business community. They met regularly, and ranked the needs. The highest need was that of a matching grant program focusing on site and facility improvements. The group felt that the matching grant program, though similar but not identical to the 2009 downtown facade improvement program, would have the greatest potential impact on the corridor. They also felt that the OASIS program is consistent with planning, and would have the most immediate economic impact on the corridor. Mr. Bedalov then thanked staff for their work and for including all of the business community in the project.

Tom Dabareiner, Director, Community Development, then presented OASIS program highlights, which proposes to be a matching grants program with its roots in the Strategic Plan process. The goal is to implement the Ogden Avenue Master Plan. He reviewed those goals, showing the eligible TIF area district on an overhead projection. There is a submittal process that was discussed with the EDC and the Chamber as well as other representatives. There will be three submittal deadlines, with $250,000 available for each application period. The OASIS team including representatives of the EDC and the Chamber of Commerce would review projects. The Village would help facilitate and administer the program. Mr. Bedalov said program awards would be a dollar-for-dollar grant with $50,000 for interior properties less than one acre in size, and $75,000 for corner or larger properties. He said the OASIS eligible categories are site improvements, landscaping, building facade improvements of at least 50% of the facade facing Ogden Avenue, and signage. Each of these categories has some limitations associated with it.

The Village’s purchasing policy would apply and the Council would see the full list of grants awarded.

1. Mark Thoman, 1109 61st Street, commented about Category 4-signage. He said that the present Sign Ordinance is reaching its conclusion state and suggested eliminating this category as it punishes those already in compliance with the Village’s Sign Ordinance.

Mayor Sandack responded that this is not what was intended.

Mr. Dabareiner stated that a business that applies for a grant with a number of other site improvement elements would “win” over requests for just a sign. The thought was that in improving the overall site, the timing would be right to replace an older sign.

The Mayor said that Mr. Thoman’s point is certainly valid, but at some point in time a line is drawn and the new program begins. This is the businesses’ money; they generated the TIF . He thinks this is a good incentive program and likes the concept.

Commissioner Schnell complimented everyone involved, saying this was well thought out and well done. It outlines the expectations, the process, etc., concisely with nothing retroactive. Mr. Dabareiner said that was correct. Commissioner Schnell then asked whether burying electrical lines will be included and Mr. Dabareiner said it could be specifically included. Commissioner Schnell inquired as to whether an owner with a smaller lot wanted to participate in burying the cable would try to encourage participation of the entire block. Mr. Dabareiner said this is a good example of where you will need multiple properties for it to be cost effective.

Mr. Fieldman commented that they should not, however, expect this as staff’s research shows it is not economically feasible.

Commissioner Schnell then asked about the sidewalks. Mr. Dabareiner replied that obtaining the easements to install sidewalks has been an issue. Commissioner Schnell said she thought this was an innovative way to get needed sidewalks along Ogden Avenue.

2. Tom LeCren, 505 Chicago Avenue, said he understood the categories, and asked who would determine whether the improvement proposed is necessary or which category is needed for a particular site. Mr. Fieldman responded that the program has very specific qualitative measures based on the Ogden Avenue Master Plan. There is flexibility. Any grant exceeding $15,000 would require Council approval. He suggested that the OASIS team and the Council view it holistically, and determine whether the project meets the criteria of the Ogden Avenue Master Plan. He explained that the categories are not in order numerically, but they frame the issue. It is expected that grant applications in excess of $15,000 will have multiple components.

3. Bill Wrobel, 7800 Queens Court, suggested that they encourage people applying for the grants to provide cross-access between properties and installation of public sidewalks. He sees this as a good step in the right direction.

Commissioner Barnett said that most of this is appealing to him; however, the sign portion bothers him. He would like to see this linked up with other improvement categories. The TIF money is designed to be put back into the area, but there are many other needs as well. He doesn’t want to see this as only for signage.

Mr. Bedalov said that is something they can look at more closely, and noted that the topic was discussed at great length with the Ogden Avenue Alliance, the EDC and the Chamber, for that very reason. Some businesses would not require other improvements, just signage. This is an incentive to comply more quickly with the Sign Ordinance, which will make the corridor more appealing.

Commissioner Beckman stated that he was involved in this from an oversight perspective in the early days of the development of this project, and he is pleased to see this come to fruition. There are plenty of opportunities along Ogden Avenue for development in various ways. One of the major flaws and impediments in the redevelopment of Ogden Avenue is lot depth, and he asked how this project would enhance consolidation or movement in that area.

Mr. Dabareiner responded that they did not talk specifically about land acquisition, but focused on site improvement of existing businesses. The money is going to fulfill part of the Ogden Avenue Master Plan. They are not looking at a matching grant for land acquisition.

Commissioner Beckman expressed his concern that this might have an unintended consequence by permitting enhancement of a property that should be consolidated.

Mr. Fieldman replied that if staff thinks there is a high likelihood of redevelopment, staff would alert Council.

Commissioner Waldack said he has mixed feelings about the program. It is TIF money and this is what it was meant to be used for. At the same time, he said there have been some bad experiences funding things that should not have been funded in the downtown area. He is concerned about start-up costs, and hopes that they will not fund those, such as installation of sprinkler systems. He would prefer to see sidewalks constructed. He would be willing to give an easement for $1,000 rather than build sidewalks. He commented that there are undesirable businesses on Ogden Avenue, such as massage parlors, and said people would be upset at using taxpayers’ money to improve signage to access businesses of that sort. This is not a “by right” program. With regard to signs, if the applicant is only asking for sign money, perhaps those could be bundled and considered at the end of the year.

Commissioner Neustadt asked for clarification that Commissioner Waldack wanted to discriminate against a particular group of businesses, because this program will not do that. He noted that a group of people would review a proposal. He asked whether they can say “no” if they don’t like a particular business.

Commissioner Durkin responded that if the business is legal and conforming, he would not want to have the Village be in national headlines for discriminating against a business. He supports this program and the only item he does not support is Category 4-Signs. He sees no reason to use TIF funds to pay for signs to conform to the Sign Ordinance. Other businesses have already made costly sign changes and it would not be fair to those businesses.

Mayor Sandack said part of the genesis of the OASIS project that appeals to him is the component of autonomy in the program. Those within the TIF district who apply are putting their best foot forward in a competitive environment to achieve some return in the form of a reimbursement on a cost-sharing model that will be reviewed by the Chamber, EDC and ultimately the Council. He thinks getting too heavy handed in putting forward preconceived notions at this level defeats what is a pretty good concept. He doesn’t accept, and rejects categorically, out of hand any criticism with respect to the downtown sign improvement program. That was a new venture. Calling that a pitfall isn’t looking at the downtown and visualizing the differences it made. The downtown is better because of it. While the process may need honing and perfecting, any new venture does. He doesn’t like to look back and criticize something as a bad experience, when it rendered improvements. He urged his colleagues not to look backward, and not to get too selective. He thinks they should let the competitive process play itself out. The goal is to make Ogden Avenue better, and he is apt to let this go as presented including the signs. This shows vision and seeks to improve an area that needs improvement in difficult economic times. It will be judged and vetted at the ground level. Indexes: Ogden Avenue TIF

9.Mayor’s Report

New Business

RES00 -04242 Resolution: Appoint Members to Boards and Commissions Sponsors: Mayor Summary of Item: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Reappoint Jim Russ and Elena Falco to three-year terms expiring August 31, 2013 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS COMMISSION Reappoint Joseph Sterner to a three-year term expiring August 31, 2013 LIQUOR COMMISSION Reappoint Christine Fregeau to a three-year term expiring August 31, 2013 PLAN COMMISSION Reappoint Michael Quirk, Daniel Cozzo and Denise Rabatah to three-year terms expiring August 31, 2013 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Reappoint Marge Earl to a three-year term expiring August 31, 2013 Appoint Philip Enochs to a three-year term expiring August 31, 2013

A RESOLUTION APPOINTING AND REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

RESOLUTION 2010 -65 Mayor Sandack asked the Village Clerk to read the resolution appointing members to Boards and Commissions.

Commissioner Schnell noted that Mr. Enochs is excited about joining the ZBA . The Manager said staff would contact him with regard to orientation for his appointment.

The Mayor extend his thanks to all who agree to serve the Village. A motion was made by Commissioner Schnell, seconded by Commissioner Barnett, to Adopt this file. * *Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Yea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Boards and Commissions Materials to be Placed on File

10.Manager’s Report

The Manager announced that there would be a brief overview of the Strategic Plan following this meeting in the Committee Room.

11.Attorney’s Report

Enza Petrarca, Village Attorney, said she was presenting one item to the Council: An ordinance adopting an Ogden Avenue site improvement strategy program. Future Active Agenda

12.Council Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Beckman said the September/October issue of Chicagoland Gardening Magazine has featured his wife’s garden. He believes that these are the kinds of things that send a message to the Chicagoland area and greater community area about the value of our town. He also thanked members of the community on Facebook, the Village staff, his neighbors, and parishioners at St. Joe’s and St. Andrew’s who have offered kind words of support and prayers during the recent months. His wife has had medical challenges and she is now having chemotherapy as a cautionary step.

The Mayor wished them Godspeed, congratulated Mrs. Beckman on her award, and congratulated Commissioner Beckman for marrying way above his head.

Commissioner Schnell announced the Recycling Extravaganza to be held September 11, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Belmont Train Station, Parking Lot H. It was a huge success last year. She reviewed the items that would be accepted and encouraged people to come.

The Mayor noted that an e-mail would go out this evening on this matter. He asked people to forward the e-mail to friends as well.

Commissioner Neustadt announced that the Downers Grove Art Festival sponsored by the Downtown Management Corporation will be held this weekend, September 11 and 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be 100 artists from all over the country displaying their work. Additional information is available at the Downtown Management website, at www.downtowndg.org.

Commissioner Waldack said that he and the Mayor attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for Austin Ruf and Sean McCormick last weekend. Theirs is an achievement at any level. The Scouts thanked their teachers, coaches and the community for helping them in their achievement.

Commissioner Durkin commented that he volunteered at the Noon Lions Labor of Love 5k run on Labor Day. He thanked everyone who participated. This will be an annual Labor Day run.

The Mayor said he did run in the Labor of Love as well as the St. Mary’s School 5k run two weeks earlier. In addition to his need to compete in those events in a reasonable time, he said it was a great endeavor to look at Village roads in an entirely different perspective. He noted that those streets that have been completed were far more navigable and safer. There are still areas in the McCollum Park area that need improvement, and the roads around St. Mary’s are in bad shape. He said he was cognizant of his environment and embarrassed by it. When the Council hears from neighbors during budget periods concerning the condition of their streets, they can become immune about to complaints. The fact is that the roads in the Village and the public infrastructure have a long way to go for a town like Downers Grove. He suggests that his colleagues and anyone wishing to know what another neighborhood looks like, walk in that neighborhood rather than drive, and see how unsafe and unnavigable they are. He asked that they be mindful of the Capital Improvements Plan and how to fund it.

Mayor Sandack then congratulated cousins Austin and Sean on their Eagle Scout achievement, and reminded people to participate in the Recycling Extravaganza, the Art Festival and the Taste of Downers Grove. He asked the community to support these privately funded endeavors to enhance the Village.

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 8:45 p.m