December 14, 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 M ayor Sandack explained that Commissioner Durkin was delayed and would be present for the meeting. Commissioner Durkin arrived at 7:20 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 Meeting - December 7, 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

 T here were no comments.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

BIL 00-04349 A. List of Bills Payable: No. 5868, December 14, 2010

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

BID 00-04351 B. Bid: Award a 12-Month Contract with Thompson Elevator Inspection Service, Inc., Mt. Prospect, IL, for Elevator Inspection, Testing, and Plan Review Services

Sponsors:Community Development A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Elevator Inspections

RES 00-04352 C. Resolution: Authorize a Sub-Awardee Agreement with the Institute of Gas Technology

Sponsors:Public Works

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SUB-AWARDEE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY

RESOLUTION 2010-99 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: CNG Fueling Facility

BID 00-04353 D. Bid: Award a Three-Year Contract to H&H Electric Company, Franklin Park, IL for Traffic Signal Maintenance

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

MOT 00-04354 E. Motion: Renew Class A Scavenger License to Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC

Sponsors:Deputy Village Manager

Summary of Item:Application has been made by Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC for a Class "A" Scavenger License. Finding that Allied complies with the applicable requirements of the Municipal Code, this will approve and authorize issuance of a Class "A" Scavenger License to Allied Waste Services of North America, LLC for 2011. This license allows Allied to serve all premises within the Village. Allied is currently under contract with the Village to provide single-family scavenger, recycling and yard waste services through March 2016. A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Scavenger-Garbage Collection, Refuse, Recycling, Yard Waste Services

MOT 00-04370 F. Motion: Authorize $26,656 to Cyberdyne Masonry for Emergency Pump House Repairs at 3301 Finley Road

Sponsors:Manager's Office A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Pump House

RES 00-04368 G. Resolution: Authorize an Employment Agreement

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

RESOLUTION 2010-100 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Village Attorney

MOT 00-04372 H. Motion: Accept Summary Report of Village Governance and Strategic Planning Process

Sponsors:Manager's Office A motion was made to Accept this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Strategic Plan

MOT 00-04371 I. Motion: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Summary of Item:Plan Commission - 11/01/10 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

ORD 00-04342 A. Ordinance: Amend International Fire Code Provisions

Sponsors:Fire Department

Summary of Item:This amends certain International Fire Code provisions.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE PROVISIONS

ORDINANCE NO. 5172 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: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Indexes: Fire Code, International Fire Code

RES 00-04344 B. Resolution: Initiate Submission of a Binding Public Question Concerning Term Limits for Mayor and Commissioners of the Village of Downers Grove

Sponsors:Mayor

Summary of Item:This initiates the submission of a binding public question concerning term limits for Mayor and

Commissioners of the Village of Downers Grove on the April 5, 2011 Consolidated Election

ballot.

A RESOLUTION INITIATING THE SUBMISSION OF A BINDING PUBLIC QUESTION CONCERNING TERM LIMITS FOR MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

RESOLUTION 2010-101 C ommissioner Schnell asked for clarification of the referenda wording, specifically that this would not apply to any sitting Commissioners but would apply to those elected after the April election. Village Attorney Petrarca confirmed that statement.

Commissioner Waldack said it is a tough decision as to whether to give the citizens what they want or ask for, because the two are not always consistent, He said he has repeatedly expressed his position on term limits, saying that term limits make democracy a spectator sport. He disagreed with the wording and concept and cannot support this issue.

Commissioner Beckman commented that he also cannot support this measure. He said his belief is that initiating term limits results in limiting choice. If an individual continues to have the desire they should be allowed to continue to serve. This is not in the best interest of the community and he will not vote in favor of it.

Commissioner Schnell commented that she is philosophically opposed to term limits, but the voters have spoken and that is why she will vote to place this on the ballot.

Mayor Sandack said the substance of the question is for each voter and citizen to determine. It is what the voters think. At the last election, 83% of the voters spoke loudly and clearly. There are communities in DuPage and beyond that do have term limits. Based on the election results, to not put this item on the ballot would be a disservice.  A motion was made by Commissioner Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Neustadt, to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote:Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack Nay: Commissioner Waldack and Commissioner Beckman Indexes: Referenda Questions

ORD 00-04356 C. Ordinance: 2010 Aggregate Tax Levy 

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:This establishes the 2010 Downers Grove Tax Levy in the amount of $21,238,163.67 for the

Village of Downers Grove and $4,680,084.00 for the Library.

2010 AGGREGATE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 5173 T he Mayor noted that staff put information regarding the tax levy on the website in the form of a six-minute video for the public.

Commissioner Barnett explained that the tax levy supports all Village operations. There are four primary sources of revenue: The tax levy, State income tax, sales tax and utility tax. Three of those sources have been on a downward slide for the past several years. He said that in the Village, more work is being done by fewer people every day. The tax levy increase is small, and the largest burden of revenue is other than the tax levy. A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Waldack, 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: Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04357 D. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January 2010 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December 2010 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #2 (Downers Grove Downtown Service Area)

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:This establishes the Special Service Area #2 (Downtown Special Service Area) tax levy in the

amount of $246,446.00.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2010 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER 2010 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #2 (DOWNERS GROVE DOWNTOWN SERVICE AREA)

ORDINANCE NO. 5174 A motion was made by Commissioner Beckman, seconded by Commissioner Neustadt, 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: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04358 E. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January 2010 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December 2010 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #3 (Prince Pond Special Service Area)

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:This establishes the tax levy for the Prince Pond Special Service Area #3 in the amount of

$8,671.00.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2010 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER 2010 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #3 (PRINCE POND SPECIAL SERVICE AREA)

ORDINANCE NO. 5175 A motion was made by Commissioner Waldack, seconded by Commissioner Schnell, 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: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010 Motion to Adopt Ordinance 00-04359 through Ordinance 00-04367, Abatement Ordinances (Active Agenda Items F-N)

The adoption of the abatement ordinances as enumerated on the agenda will abate certain 2010 tax levies. The total amount to be abated is $7,861,826.67. This amount can be abated since other sources of revenue are available to pay these debt service obligations. Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack

ORD 00-04359 F. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2002

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2002

ORDINANCE NO. 5176 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04360 G. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2005

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2005

ORDINANCE NO. 5177 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04361 H. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007

ORDINANCE NO. 5178 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04362 I. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008A

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2008A

ORDINANCE NO. 5179 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04363 J. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008B

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2008B

ORDINANCE NO. 5180 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04364 K. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2009

ORDINANCE NO. 5181 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04365 L. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2010

ORDINANCE NO. 5182 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04366 M. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010B

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2010B

ORDINANCE NO. 5183 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

ORD 00-04367 N. Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2010 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Water Bonds, Series 2001A

Sponsors:Manager's Office

Summary of Item:AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2010 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE

GENERAL OBLIGATION WATER BONDS, SERIES 2001A

ORDINANCE NO. 5184 A motion was made to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried.Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement, Tax Levy - 2010

8. First Reading

ORD 00-04347 A. Ordinance: Amend Ordinance #5102 and the Village of Downers Grove Budget for Fiscal Year 2010

Sponsors:Finance F inance Director Judy Buttny explained that staff is proposing a budget amendment to two funds related to cost savings initiatives. The first is the Municipal Building Fund in the amount of $165,000. It relates to a timing issue for the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication system budgeted in 2009. Some of the funds were expended in 2010. The cost of the system did not exceed the budget.

Ms. Buttny said the second item refers to two bond re-fundings which saved the Village $865,000. She said that the accounting entries required to record the transactions show $12 million in expenses to pay off the old debt, which is offset by $12 million in revenues to refinance at a better interest rate. She noted that this keeps the Village in compliance with State law.

Commissioner Beckman asked about the VoIP phone system. The funding existed in 2009, and he asked what happened to the money from 2009. Ms. Buttney said it remained in fund balance and was not rebudgeted for 2010 because they did not realize in 2009 that the project would not be completed that year.

Commissioner Waldack said comparing this to refinancing a home mortgage makes sense, and this is positive for the Village. Municipal government cannot set goals and then compare them at the end of the year. Amendments allow the municipalities to move targets to comply with State law. He said it is important to look at the original budget as passed, and then look at the actuals.

The Mayor said that the refunding was good and saved the Village money.  Indexes: Budget Amendment - 2010

ORD 00-04355 B. Ordinance: Approve a Preliminary Planned Development Amendment to Planned Development #31 for the Construction of a Five-Story Medical/Dental Clinic and Six-Level Parking Garage

Sponsors:Community Development and Plan Commission D irector of Community Development, Tom Dabareiner, said this ordinance is for the Esplanade, PD #31, to construct a medical and dental clinic at 3450 Lacey Road, and staff is looking for approval on the December 21 Agenda. He showed the location, saying the petitioner is proposing a five-story, 213,000 square foot teaching facility. It will house 120 students and 110 employees, and is anticipated to serve 300 clients per day. Mr. Dabareiner then showed on the overhead site plan the area of the proposed building and six-level parking garage. One of the parking garage levels will be underground. He noted that the Sara Lee building is to the south of the proposed site. He then described the site plan in greater detail.

Staff had three primary concerns which included the use of the entrance drive which is shared with the day care facility. During the Plan Commission meeting Midwestern University representatives indicated they would not use that drive and would find an alternative for construction access.  In addition, the flow of stormwater management around the property includes rain gardens, and staff is concerned about that becoming a pinch point for the flow of water between the service drive and south property line. He said they expect that to be finalized in the final planned development. Mr. Dabareiner commented that the layout of the building as currently presented prohibits the Fire Department from having adequate ladder truck access on two sides of the structure. Midwestern University representatives have indicated that they will explore alternatives to provide that access.

Mr. Dabareiner said that the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County expressed concerns regarding stormwater grading, the dripline, tree root systems, etc. Midwestern University said they would take those items into consideration as well.

The Plan Commission found that the proposal meets the standards for approval, including use and bulk requirements. It conforms to the Village planning objectives. Staff concurs with the Plan Commission's unanimous recommendation to approve this request.

Dr. Kathleen Goeppinger, President of Midwestern University, said that they are excited about the project. The facility will be part of the University but will almost serve as a second campus. Students will study for two years on the main campus, and continue to this facility for their clinical education. She noted that the facility will provide clinical services for the public at affordable and reasonable costs. The University opened a dental clinic on their Glendale Campus in May, and have already served 12,000 patients. She said they would like to purchase the property by the end of the year, and that is why they are making this request at this time.

Commissioner Neustadt said the process of a preliminary planned development is a great way to start, not only for the University, but for the staff as well. He sees this as a huge victory for Downers Grove which is becoming an education location.

Commissioner Waldack noted this is a preliminary planned development and the petitioner will be back for further approval. He noted that the speed at which this took place was in scheduling only. This did not lack in thoroughness. There are good reasons to bring this in before the end of the year. The site was zoned for this type of use, the proposal meets the standards and the bulk requirements, density and dimensions. There were concerns raised and the final plan will be due in the coming year. He is sure that the issues raised will be resolved. Commissioner Waldack expressed concern about safety issues, drainage and runoff, as the Village needs to be concerned with projects, both large and small, residential and business. He believes the petitioner recognizes the value of keeping a healthy Forest Preserve as its neighbor. He plans to vote in favor of the preliminary plan.

Commissioner Beckman said he was pleased that they were able to find an alternate site, and that there will be a second campus in Downers Grove. He looks forward to the modifications that will be made in the final plan. He will support this.

Commissioner Schnell stated her support of this project as well. She asked to view the slide showing the proposed building and garage. She questioned whether the Council is being asked to look at future expansion today as well.

Mr. Dabareiner responded that future expansion is not part of this preliminary planned development. The University will have to come back when those plans are clarified. Staff has asked for some conceptual information to see how things would fit, and to provide parameters with respect to occupancy rates and traffic matters.

Commissioner Schnell commented that the preliminary approval has teeth to it, and the University will purchase the land based on that approval. In the ordinance as written, under Section IV, there are many "shalls," which she interprets as the things the Village needs before this can become final.

Village Manager Dave Fieldman responded that this ordinance has conditions that set the parameters for final approval, and those conditions must be met by the University before final approval can be granted.

Commissioner Barnett thanked Midwestern University and their representatives for this proposal, and for their continued investment in the community. He commented that the Forest Preserve District and the Plan Commission were prompt in providing their responses. He looks forward to seeing this move forward.

Commissioner Durkin added his thanks to Midwestern University for choosing Downers Grove for their second campus. There were a number of neighboring towns trying to lure Midwestern University to come to their communities. He also thanked the EDC, Greg Bedalov, the Mayor and Mr. Fieldman for their efforts in seeing this proposal come to fruition. Another asset of this project is the addition of 110 jobs. Serving the segment of the population who may not be able to afford dental care is another win for the Village and potential clients. He is in support of this.

Commissioner Schnell commented that perhaps Hamilton Partners could work together with Pace regarding public transportation. It would help clients and alleviate traffic and parking issues.

Mayor Sandack said that this is an amendment to an existing PUD. There have been previous amendments. The proposal fits the footprint of the site, and is exactly the kind of economic development the Village has been talking about. This is particularly meaningful in this economy and is a big win for the Village and the University. The Mayor said that the speed with which this came about is a good thing. The Village's customer, Midwestern University, needed this in a rush, and no one skirted their responsibilities. He applauded the staff for being flexible enough to get this plan to the Plan Commission, and then to the Council for consideration. The proposal meets all the criteria, and will be a big win in 2011. He thanked Midwestern University, Hamilton Partners, the EDC and staff.   Indexes: Planned Development #31 - Esplanade at Locust Point

9. Mayor's Report

Materials to be Received

Materials to be Placed on File

10. Manager's Report

Mr. Fieldman commented on the recent snowstorm and ice over the weekend. Public Works crews were out 24/7 and did a great job. There was significant salting operations, pre-treatment of the roads, etc. He noted that there is information about the Village's snow response program on the Village's website.

11. Attorney's Report

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting two items to Council: 1) An ordinance providing for an amendment to Ordinance #5102 and the Village of Downers Grove budget for fiscal year 2010; and 2) An ordinance approving a preliminary planned development amendment to Planned Development #31, for the construction of a five-story medical/dental clinic and six-level parking garage.

Future Active Agenda

12. C ouncil Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Neustadt called attention to the Downtown Downers Grove Business Directory which will be available shortly. It contains a map of downtown parking, local businesses in the downtown area, etc. This weekend Santa will be at his house on Saturday and Sunday. Commissioner Neustadt encouraged everyone to shop in the Village.

Commissioner Beckman commented that Downers Grove extends to Butterfield Road and to 75th Street. He hoped everyone would think in terms of Downers Grove when shopping for holiday gifts. It is important to keep sales taxes in the Village.

Commissioner Waldack said last Friday the Council was invited to the annual holiday luncheon at Public Works. It is an event filled with good spirit and good work. He noted that half of the people were missing, due to the work demands cause by the snowstorm. He mentioned that coming up this week is another luncheon with the staff. It is a special time for the Council, and they enjoy sharing the holidays with the staff.

Commissioner Waldack then announced that he had filed paperwork earlier this evening to remove his name as a Mayoral candidate. If the process takes its natural course, former Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Tully will become Mayor of Downers Grove. Commissioner Waldack said he appreciates former Commissioner Tully stepping up to public service again.

Commissioner Durkin apologized for being late, and said he supported all of the items voted upon including the term limits. He noted that the December 13 issue of Sports Illustrated contains an article on Downers Grove's Haley Sims, a swimmer, who is a senior at Downers Grove North High School. He read portions of the article about the achievements of the family and congratulated Haley and her entire family.

Tom LeCren told the Council and public to keep watching Downers Grove Patch for further articles on Haley Sims.

The Mayor said that the issue this year regarding the property tax levy and budget was semi-contentious, just as it was the year before. He explained that voting on a budget and a levy is not an easy thing to do, and at times things became a little unruly. The fact of the matter is that we are living in very uncertain times. Managing a municipality during this "great recession" period has daunting challenges. With unemployment on the rise, a burst housing market, difficult financial times, and a State that is not functioning at a high level, it is hard. The question they need to ask collectively is "are we better than we could have been?" He said that in 2011 they will have the opportunity to see where they are as compared to other communities in DuPage County. He noted that 2011 may be more challenging than 2010. Mayor Sandack said that everyone should be given a little bit of room when things become pressured. He said it might have been a rough road, however, he thinks the Village is in pretty good shape. He appreciates the efforts of his colleagues, their time, attention and good will.

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 7:56 p.m.