February 08, 2011

1. Call to Order

Commissioner Bruce Beckman 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

Commissioner Beckman led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Bob Barnett, Commissioner William Waldack, Commissioner Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Bruce E. Beckman, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt and Mayor Ron Sandack Absent: Commissioner Marilyn Schnell Non Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and Village Clerk April Holden T he 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.

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.

MOT 00-04413 Motion: Elect Acting Mayor

Summary of Item:This appoints an Acting Mayor for this evening's meeting. V illage Clerk April Holden asked for a motion to elect an Acting Mayor for tonight's meeting. Commissioner Durkin moved to elect Commissioner Beckman as Acting Mayor for tonight's meeting. Commissioner Waldack seconded the Motion.

VOTE: YEA: Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt, Mayor Sandack

Commissioner Beckman declared the Motion carried. Indexes: Mayor Pro Tem, Council Rules

MOT 00-04417 Motion: Permit Electronic Attendance

Summary of Item:This allows Mayor Sandack to participate in the Council meeting by telephone. C ommissioner Beckman asked for a Motion to allow Mayor Sandack to participate in the Council meeting by telephone. Commissioner Barnett moved to allow Mayor Sandack to participate in the Council meeting by telephone. Commissioner Durkin seconded the Motion.

VOTE: YEA: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Waldack, Mayor Sandack

Commissioner Beckman declared the Motion carried. Indexes: Council Rules

3. Manager's Report

Council Meeting - January 18, 2011 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Commissioner Beckman said they would be filed as submitted.

Capital Projects Update

Public Works Director Nan Newlon presented a summary of the Change Orders for 17 projects on the 2010 CIP Projects list. The summary will be posted on the Village's website tomorrow. The Village's purchasing policy requires the Village Council to approve changes over $15,000. There were four such changes over the past year approved by the Village Council. The report includes the change orders that do not come before the Village Council.

Commissioner Barnett thanked staff for the update.

Mayor Sandack said that they regularly hear about change orders, and it is often negative. It is important, however, to make sure that residents know that change orders can also be to the good, rather than always negative.   

Snow Response Report

Emergency Management Coordinator, Mary Scalzetti, presented an overview of last week's blizzard including the magnitude, impact, coordination of response and the financial impact. The blizzard began about 2:30 p.m. on February 1, resulting in 21.1" of snow in less than 20 hours, and was officially ranked the third worst snow storm in the Village. In addition, there were extreme winds of 40-50 miles per hour caused 4-5 foot drifts. At its height, the snow was falling faster than the snowplows could operate. The wind caused power outages affecting more than 1200 residents, and there were numerous abandoned vehicles and stranded motorists. The Village opened its Emergency Operations Center, and the Police Department developed an action plan breaking the Village into four quadrants. She discussed the increased staffing in the Police Department, Fire Department, VOC and the Manager's office. She said 805 calls were received with 101 going to the 911 system.

The Fire Department's response included their incident action plan, which placed a fourth medic in service. Ms. Scalzetti reviewed the Fire Department's snow plan regarding snow plowing, and noted the Department's response to numerous EMS calls, and assistance provided to stranded motorists. They transported 12 individuals to Good Samaritan Hospital, and responded to 28 fire-related incidents.

The Public Works Department included activating the Snow and Ice Control Plan, which is the most efficient way to clear Village streets in this type of extreme event. Priority 1 included major access roads with high traffic volume, and these roads were accessible by Wednesday afternoon. Priority 2 roadways were accessible by late Wednesday night, and Priority 3 areas were accessible by Thursday evening. Public Works crews worked around the clock to clear all of the roads as quickly as possible. The Communications Department disseminated information regularly utilizing the Community Response Center and the website. In preparation for the staffing response, hotel rooms were secured for key emergency responders to continue providing service without interruption.

With regard to the financial impact of this storm, a typical snow event costs the Village between $15,000-$20,000. This storm is estimated at $175,000 as of last week. The Village may qualify for FEMA funding.

Village Manager Dave Fieldman then continued, saying that the next steps include additional intersection clearing for visibility and functionality. The second issue concerns street widening, as staff is aware that the width of travel lanes throughout the Village is an issue in about 30-35% of the streets. Staff will continue to analyze this situation, including the physical characteristics such as width of parkways. In addition, there are equipment constraints regarding ability to move snow quickly without damage to the equipment. The third issue is the potential impact on private property, such as mailboxes in parkways, and the amount of snow that would be placed at the end of driveways.

Mr. Fieldman said that staff will continue to communicate with residents regarding all aspects of the work including street widening. Staff intends to continue working with the Council over the summer to determine what changes need to be incorporated into the snow removal program that will better meet the needs of an extreme event of this nature.

Commissioner Neustadt thanked everyone who worked on the blizzard. He said it was a scary storm. He saw the response for emergency vehicles. He noted that plans were made in advance of the storm, and the Village provided a great response.

Commissioner Durkin asked whether trucks were pulled off the streets at 1:00 a.m. Mr. Fieldman replied that decision was left to the snowplow operators regarding safety issues. Commissioner Durkin responded that he doesn't think that the operators should make that call after many hours of work. He then asked about the fire hydrants that were plowed in. Mr. Fieldman said that the Village is in the process of clearing them by way of the Fire Department and Public Works Department. Commissioner Durkin then asked about looking into markers to designate location of fire hydrants. Commissioner Durkin further questioned whether staff has looked at widening one side of the street, and suggested contracting with others to haul the snow out. Mr. Fieldman said that staff is looking at that issue.

Commissioner Waldack thanked the staff for their work. Overall it was a very good job. He said that people can contact the Council and staff and rate our customer service in this situation. He said that most of the compliments had to do with the level of communication. The calls from Doug Kozlowski were informative and people were able to anticipate when areas, such as cul de sacs, would be cleared. He also noted that neighbors worked together on his street as well as on other streets, and he congratulated them for doing so.

Regarding the budget, Commissioner Waldack asked how much money was budgeted for the winter. He then commented on the Grove Commuter Shuttle service, and congratulated them for continuing to operate during the storm. Ride DuPage also let the people know of the rides that were available.

Commissioner Barnett thanked the staff for the update on the situation. This gave the emergency operating team an opportunity to shine and the opportunity to rethink and become aware of the issues that such an emergency causes. He is looking forward to reviewing what worked, what didn't and what the expectations are.

Mayor Sandack said he had the opportunity to watch the Village professionals at work and they were up to the task. That much snow falling in such a short window is frankly unmanageable, but the emergency responders, Public Works staff and everyone involved stuck to the plan, and made it work. Communication was critical. Staff utilized all communication means available to them and kept the public informed. The cost of this event is a reminder as to why the Village needs to stay focused. This event eliminated the entire snow removal budget in one fell swoop. They will have to look at the financial plan closely to find additional funds.  He was proud of each member of our Village team. 

Proclamation

Commissioner Beckman read a proclamation naming February 8, 2011 as Faith United Methodist Church Day in the Village of Downers Grove, in honor of the Church's 140 years of service to the Village. Pastor Bradford Wilson thanked the Council for the proclamation.

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

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, expressed his pleasure at seeing the Village's participation in the Suburban Tree Consortium in the amount of $129,400 to be spent toward the purchase of trees. It is important to keep that program alive in spite of the present financial difficulties. He congratulated the Council and the staff.

COR 00-04395 A. Claim Ordinance: No. 5883, Payroll, January 14, 2011

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

BIL 00-04412 B. List of Bills Payable: No. 5878, February 1, 2011 and No. 5880, February 8, 2011

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

RES 00-04397 C. Resolution: Authorize a Software Maintenance Agreement with Hyland Software, Inc.

Sponsors:Information Services

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND HYLAND SOFTWARE, INC.

RESOLUTION 2011-03 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Computer Licensing

RES 00-04398 D. Resolution: Authorize an Extension to the Professional Services Agreement with Northern Trust

Sponsors:Finance

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN EXTENSION TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND NORTHERN TRUST

RESOLUTION 2011-04 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Financial Advisor

RES 00-04399 E. Resolution: Intent to Continue Participation in the Suburban Tree Consortium and to Authorize Certain Purchases for FY 2011 

Sponsors:Public Works

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING INTENT TO CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN THE SUBURBAN TREE CONSORTIUM AND TO AUTHORIZE CERTAIN PURCHASES FOR FY 2011

RESOLUTION 2011-05 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Tree Consortium

BID 00-04400 F. Bid: Award $15,679.00 to Thomson Surveying, Ltd., Rosemont, IL, for 2011 Water Main Survey

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

RES 00-04401 G. Resolution: Authorize a Real Estate Contract for the Property Located at 125 2nd Street, Downers Grove, IL

Sponsors:Village Attorney

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 125 2ND STREET, DOWNERS GROVE, IL

RESOLUTION 2011-06 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Village Property - Acquisition

RES 00-04403 H. Resolution: Authorize a Real Estate Contract for the Property Located at 5129 Cumnor Road, Downers Grove, IL

Sponsors:Village Attorney

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5129 CUMNOR ROAD, DOWNERS GROVE, IL

RESOLUTION 2011-07 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Village Property - Acquisition

RES 00-04405 I. Resolution: Authorize a Real Estate Contract for the Property Located at 5132 Cumnor Road, Downers Grove, IL

Sponsors:Village Attorney

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5132 CUMNOR ROAD, DOWNERS GROVE, IL

RESOLUTION 2011-08 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Village Property - Acquisition

RES 00-04406 J. Resolution: Authorize a Real Estate Contract for the Property Located at 5135 Cumnor Road, Downers Grove, IL

Sponsors:Village Attorney

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5135 CUMNOR ROAD, DOWNERS GROVE, IL

RESOLUTION 2011-09 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Village Property - Acquisition

RES 00-04407 K. Resolution: Authorize a Real Estate Contract for the Property Located at 5136 Cumnor Road, Downers Grove, IL

Sponsors:Village Attorney

Summary of Item:A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5136 CUMNOR ROAD, DOWNERS GROVE, IL

RESOLUTION 2011-10 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Village Property - Acquisition

MOT 00-04414 L. Motion: Award $19,897.50 to Hey and Associates, Inc., Volo, IL for the SW-062 Watershed Improvements - Wisconsin & Janes

Sponsors:Public Works A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda.Indexes: Watershed Infrastructure Improvement Plan

MOT 00-04411 M. Motion: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Summary of Item:Plan Commission - January 3, 2011 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 Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, that the consent agenda be passed. The motion carried by the following vote:Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack

7. Active Agenda

ORD 00-04390 A. Ordinance: Rezone Property Located at 5101 Thatcher Road from ORM to M-1

Sponsors:Community Development

Summary of Item:This rezones the easternmost portion of 5101 Thatcher Road Village "ORM, Office, Research,

Manufacturing" to "M-1, Light Manufacturing District."

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS, CODIFIED AS CHAPTER 28 OF THE DOWNERS GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE, AS AMENDED TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5101 THATCHER ROAD

ORDINANCE NO. 5187 A motion was made by Commissioner Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this File. Commissioner Beckman declared the motion carried by the following vote:

VOTE: YEA: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Waldack, Mayor Sandack ABSTAIN: Commissioner Neustadt AdoptIndexes: Rezone 5101 Thatcher Road - ORM to M-1

RES 00-04391 B. Resolution: Final Plat of Subdivision for Neuco Subdivision (5101 Thatcher Road)

Sponsors:Community Development

Summary of Item:This approves the final plat of subdivision for Neuco Subdivision located at 5101 Thatcher Road.

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF SUBDIVISION FOR NEUCO SUBDIVISION (5101 THATCHER ROAD)

RESOLUTION 2011-11 A motion was made by Commissioner Durkin, seconded by Commissioner Waldack, to Adopt this file. Commissioner Beckman declared the motion carried by the following vote:

VOTE: YEA: Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Walkack, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Beckman, Mayor Sandack

ABSTAIN: Commissioner Neustadt AdoptIndexes: Subdivision - Neuco, 5101 Thatcher Road

ORD 00-04213 C. Ordinance: Vacate a Certain Portion of a Right-of-Way Located Adjacent to 812 and 820 Randall Street

Sponsors:Community Development C ommissioner Beckman asked for a motion to table this item to a date uncertain. A motion was made by Commissioner Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to table this item to a date uncertain. Commissioner Beckman declared the motion carried by the following vote:

VOTE: YEA: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Waldack; Mayor Sandack Table IndefinitelyIndexes: Vacation, Vacation - Alley, Vacation - 812 & 820 Randall Street

RES 00-04392 D. Resolution: First Addendum to the Subdivision Improvement Agreement with Joel Andersen and Joel Andersen Homes, Ltd.

Sponsors:Village Attorney

Summary of Item:This authorizes execution of a first addendum to the Subdivision Improvement Agreement between the Village of Downers Grove, Joel Andersen and Joel Andersen Homes, Ltd.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A FIRST ADDENDUM TO THE SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE, JOEL ANDERSEN AND JOEL ANDERSEN HOMES, LTD.

RESOLUTION 2011-12 M r. Fieldman said this addendum was discussed at the January 18 meeting. It has been amended to include the annual review of the Letter of Credit by the Village engineer and, if deemed necessary, the developer would be required to make the necessary changes. In addition, all Phase 1 improvements would have to be completed within 18 months of the issuance of the site development permit, and all public improvements would have to be completed within five years. If any items are not completed by that time, the Council would have the right and ability to take appropriate action to complete what is necessary.

Mark Cronin, 1117 Jefferson, lives adjacent to the property. He said that the resolution states that no development will be permitted until the Village has reviewed and approved the Engineering Plan. He asked whether this includes entrances and exits for Phase 2 development. Also, he said that Lot 8 will be a retaining area maintained by the owner. He asked how that will be addressed if Phase 2 doesn't happen.

Mr. Fieldman responded that the construction access points will be part of the permit process. A neighborhood meeting will be held before site development is approved. Regarding the ownership of Lot 8 and maintenance of said lot, the owner will be required to maintain that, and the Village has remedies in place and believes there is the proper security available should the owner not comply.

Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, noted that Section 2 of the resolution has a blank space in regard to the January 2011 date. Mr. Fieldman replied that the blank will be filled in. Dr. Goodman said that there were points made about technical deficiencies of the drawings regarding fencing, etc. He asked if it is just the phasing that is being represented in the engineering drawings, or is there a later set of drawings that will guide the development. The Manager said the phasing shown on the revised engineering plans is all that is being addressed.  The drawings that will control the development must be reviewed and approved by the Village Engineering staff, and must be consistent with the conditions and resolution to approve the subdivision, as well as all conditions in the amended subdivision improvement agreement. Dr. Goodman said a good deal of responsibility is being placed on the staff. He said it is true that one of the basic features of the Subdivision Agreement was to assure that staff has enough leverage to make it a development consistent with an established neighborhood. He said the wording appears that staff has provided those assurances.

John Schofield, 1125 Jefferson, commented that his understanding is that there will be a review of the drawings and that the deficiencies will be addressed. The Manager responded that was correct. Mr. Schofield asked for clarification as to what will happen after five years, and what would happen prior to that if progress was not made. The Manager responded that all rights and remedies would be at staff's disposal.  Mr. Schofield asked for further clarification that this does not amend or repeal Chapter 28. Mr. Fieldman said that was correct.

Commissioner Waldack commented that in-fill projects are always complicated. The number one concern he has heard has to do with the development effects, such as dirt, stormwater, trees, etc. In this agreement, a lot is being placed on staff and he trusts staff to see that all requirements are met. He said he would vote to accept this.

Commissioner Neustadt agreed that the Village trusts staff with hundreds to thousands of things. Staff reviews every project that comes to the Village Hall. There are remedies in place. He said that staff does an excellent job to work with the homeowners and builders, and he has full faith in staff's ability and appreciates their hard work.

Commissioner Barnett agreed that at any given time there are many infill projects taking place. The Village welcomes input from the public. This project is only unique in that it has gone on longer than some. This agreement is evidence of the learning curve of our staff and he is excited to see it move forward.

Commissioner Beckman echoed the comments of Commissioners Barnett and Neustadt. This provides an opportunity to move forward in a prime location, and he is grateful for the work that staff has done.

A motion was made by Commissioner Durkin, seconded by Commissioner Neustadt, to Adopt this file. Commissioner Beckman declared the motion carried by the following vote:

VOTE: YEA: Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Waldack, Mayor Sandack AdoptIndexes: Subdivision - Nelson Meadow

8. First Reading

ORD 00-04408 A. Ordinance: Authorize a Special Use to Permit Expansion to an Existing Hotel at 936 Warren Avenue

Sponsors:Community Development C ommunity Development Director Tom Dabareiner explained that this ordinance would allow an existing hotel, the Tivoli Hotel, to increase the number of hotel rooms from 42 to 54. The location is zoned as Downtown Business. The hotel has existed at this location for many years as an allowed special use. Because this project seeks to expand the number of rooms, a special use is required. The applicant proposes to remodel two apartments and convert them into 14 hotel rooms and a maid's closet. The Plan Commission reviewed the proposal and agreed that it met all requirements. It will have a minimal impact on the current use, traffic flow, etc. The Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval and staff concurs with that recommendation

Commissioner Neustadt noted for the record that Willis and Shirley Johnson contributed to his campaign in 2010. Indexes: Special Use - 936 Warren Avenue

RES 00-04409 B. Resolution: Authorize an Intergovernmental Agreement with the County of DuPage for the I-88 Central DuPage Bikeway CH 34/31st Street (Highland Avenue to Meyers Road)

Sponsors:Public Works P ublic Works Director Nan Newlon explained that this concerns a one-mile long trail section on 31st Street, and will provide access to Midwestern University, Lyman Woods, and Highland Landmark as well as other bikeways. She noted that staff has met with the County staff because 31st Street is a County road. County staff will put together a grant application as a lead agency, and the Village will review the plans. The Village will be reimbursed up to $175,000 of the project, with an estimated overall cost of about $1 million, and the County will be responsible for the maintenance.

Dr. Gordon Goodman asked whether the design is complete enough to know whether this will be on the north or south side of 31st Street.  Ms. Newlon responded that no design is complete at this time, but a conceptual drawing is available. It will most likely be on the south side due to the setbacks.

Commissioner Waldack explained that there is no funding now, as they are going through the grant process. He noted that the Village would be obligated to pay a portion with the execution of the document. Ms. Newlon explained that the Village would pay 50% of its costs when the project begins. Construction will likely begin in early 2013.

Commissioner Barnett clarified that the limit of the Village's exposure will be $175,00 and asked how they determine what the cost will actually be. Ms. Newlon said there is a cap of $175,000, and the County is responsible for anything above that. Seventy-five percent of the construction costs will be covered by the grant.

Commissioner Beckman noted that I-88 tends to serve as a barrier for the bike route. He said that the map provided has an indication of some future designs to bridge that barrier. Ms. Newlon said that is in the long-range plan.  Indexes: Bikeway Plan, DuPage County

ORD 00-04415 C. Ordinance: Amend the Downers Grove Zoning Map

Sponsors:Community Development M r. Fieldman said that pursuant to State Law, municipalities must publish their official zoning map prior to March 31. He described the changes that were previously approved at 2100 Ogden, 1528 Brook Drive, and 1407 61st Street.

Commissioner Beckman commented that this looks backwards at what has already occurred. There has to be a time when they will look forward.  Mr. Fieldman explained that once the Council reviews and approves a new Comprehensive Plan, staff will review the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Control Ordinance, and suggested changes will be brought to the Council some time in 2011 or 2012.   Indexes: Zoning Map

MOT 00-04416 D. Motion: Authorize Change Order #2 for $154,589.88 with Brothers Asphalt Paving, Inc. for Prentiss Creek Subwatershed B Storm Sewer and Sunridge Subdivision Watermain Replacement Projects (CIP Projects SW-034, DR-015 and WA-016)

Sponsors:Public Works Ms. Newlon explained that this is the final change order for a 2008 contract with Brothers Asphalt. This consisted of three projects for a total of $3.2 million at time of bid. The change order is $154,589.88, which represents a combination of unforeseen field and winter conditions encountered. She noted that this was a very large project and took considerable time to close out. In addition they are closing out a 2009 project with Brothers Asphalt for their work on a road maintenance contract that will result in a negative change order of $123,117.05.  Indexes: Stormwater Sewer Watershed Improvement Plans, Stormwater Improvements

9. Mayor's Report

Mayor Sandack said he will discuss the snow event next week.  

Materials to be Received

Materials to be Placed on File

10. Manager's Report

11. Attorney's Report

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting two (2) items to the Council: 1) An ordinance authorizing a special use to permit expansion to an existing hotel at 936 Warren Avenue and 2) An ordinance amending the Downers Grove Zoning Map. Future Active Agenda

12. C ouncil Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Neustadt announced the Ice Festival this coming weekend is entitled "Love is in the Air." There will be live music, entertainment, a pancake breakfast, and "Happy Feet" will be showing at the Tivoli. In addition there will be face painting, and an old-fashioned barn dance party at the Two Way Street Coffee House. The Downtown Management Board and the Visitors Bureau sponsor the event. He invited everyone to come and enjoy the events.

Commissioner Waldack extended best wishes to his wife, Judy, on her birthday.

Commissioner Durkin commented on Item 00-04398 on the Consent Agenda. This concerns an extension to the professional services agreement with Northern Trust as the Village's Financial Advisor. He has followed this item and has had many conversations with staff. Commissioner Durkin commented that this is truly the best deal for the Village, based on his own experience in this field. It is a partnership, with no additional cost for contract renewal and it provides a level of confidence between Village staff and Northern Trust staff. He highlighted that with this relationship, Northern Trust brought four opportunities for refunding that saved the Village $1.4 million. He then requested that as the Village goes forward, all legal work for bonds for which the Village is eligible be put out for a bid or for an RFQ.

Commissioner Barnett said the meeting began with a discussion about a large snow event and ended with the celebratory events downtown. Crime, fire and Mother Nature are unpredictable but constant. At the same time private events and festivities are not in jeopardy because of the snowfall, but are being sponsored by individuals who want to continue these services to the Village. He is excited about this weekend in Downers Grove.

Commissioner Beckman said that he and his wife bought a Ford Escape from Packey Webb recently. He spoke with Mr. Webb about economic development in Downers Grove. Ogden Avenue has strong and weak points. Mr. Webb pointed out why they chose to be in Downers Grove, including the economic environment, the business environment, the executive director of the EDC, as well as the challenges. He suggested that the Village look at those parts of Ogden Avenue that need to be expanded and developed for the future. Commissioner Beckman said they discussed some of the businesses on Ogden Avenue and the need for a strong competitive environment.  

13. Adjournment

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

Commissioner Beckman declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. Adjourn