March 08, 2011

1. Call to Order

Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Schnell 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 Pro Tem Schnell 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  V isitors:  Mike Davenport, 6636 Blackstone Drive; Cliff Grammich, 6021 Grand Avenue; Keith Matune, 2033 Chicago Avenue; Martin Tully, 4808 Cornell Avenue; Todd Gallentine, President, Rotary, 4923 Main Street; Dan Techman, President-Elect, Rotary, 1124 Berkley Lane, Lemont; Barb Webster, Rotary Board Member, 5223 Carpenter Street; John Page, 606 Austin Street; Tom LeCren, 545 Chicago Avenue; Marge Earl, 4720 Florence; Greg Bedalov, DG EDC, 4840 Seeley; Lucy Lloyd, DG Chronicle; Genene Murphy, Triblocal, 5643 Hillcrest; Lisa Stach, 3736 Candlewood; Becky Rheintgen, 4633 Cumnor Road; Greg Hose, 445 Austin Street; Dave Humphreys, Community Events Commissioner, 4221 Saratoga; Joe O'Donnell, Patch.com; Bill Wrobel, DG Watch, 7800 Queens Court

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.

There are agendas located on either side of the Council Chambers, and the audience is invited to pick up an agenda and follow the progress of the Council meeting.

MOT 00-04438 Motion:  Permit Electronic Attendance

Summary of Item: This allows Mayor Sandack to participate in the March 8, 2011 Council meeting by telephone. M ayor Pro Tem Schnell 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 Beckman seconded the Motion.

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

Mayor Pro Tem Schnell declared the Motion carried. Indexes: Council Rules

3. Minutes of Council Meetings

Council Minutes - March 1, 2011 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Mayor Pro Tem Schnell said they would be filed as submitted.

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

Cliff Grammich, 6021 Grand Avenue, introduced himself, and two other people, as candidates for upcoming elections for District 99.  Before he had an opportunity to speak further, Village Attorney Petrarca said it was not appropriate for a Village Council meeting.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

BIL 00-04439 A.  List of Bills Payable:  No. 5886, March 8, 2011

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

BID 00-04449 B.  Bid:  Award $58,200 to Chicago Materials Corporation, Lemont, IL, for Supply of Hot Mix Asphalt Materials

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Public Works - Cement and Concrete Materials

BID 00-04450 C.  Bid:  Award a Contract to Elmhurst Chicago Stone, Elmhurst, IL in a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $20,000 for Supply of Ready Mixed Concrete

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Public Works - Crushed Limestone & Ready Mix Concrete

MOT 00-04442 D.  Motion:  Award a Contract to V3 Construction Group, Inc., Woodridge, IL, in the Amount of $96,550 for Watershed Improvements - 2nd and Cumnor (SW-035)

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

MOT 00-04443 E.  Motion:  Authorize Purchase of 4,200 Tons of Road Salt for 2011-12 Winter Season

Sponsors: Public Works

Summary of Item: This authorizes the Village Manager to request that the State of Illinois include the allocation of

4,200 tons of road salt for the Village during the 2011-12 winter season for snow and ice control

via the State contract. A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Salt

MOT 00-04451 F.  Motion:  Award a Contract to Mid-West GIS, Inc., Quincy, IL, in the Amount of $44,100 for Professional Services for the TR-019 Village Wide Sign Inventory Project

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Traffic Signs

MOT 00-04437 G.  Motion:  Award $269,219.00 to J.F. New & Associates, Inc., Monee, IL, for Streambank Stabilization on Areas of St. Joseph Creek North Branch

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: St. Joseph Creek

MOT 00-04444 H.  Motion:  Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Summary of Item: Human Service Commission - January 5, 2011

Plan Commission - January 24, 2011 and February 7, 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 Beckman, that the consent agenda be passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Schnell, Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack

7. Active Agenda

ORD 00-04432 A.  Ordinance:  Authorize the Second Extension of a Planned Development Amendment to Planned Development #9 and Authorizing the Extension of the Special Uses for 1200 75th Street to March 3, 2012

Sponsors: Community Development

Summary of Item: This authorizes the second extension of a planned development amendment for Planned Development

#9 and authorizes the extension of the special uses for 1200 75th Street to March 3, 2012.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SECOND EXTENSION OF A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT #9 AND AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF THE SPECIAL USES FOR 1200 75TH STREET TO MARCH 3, 2012

ORDINANCE NO. 5193 A motion was made by Commissioner Barnett, seconded by Commissioner Beckman, to Adopt this file.  Mayor Pro Tem Schnell declared the motion carried by the following vote:

VOTE:  YEA:  Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Durkin; Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Schnell, Mayor Sandack Indexes: Special Use - 1200 75th Street

8. First Reading

RES 00-04447 A.  Resolution:  Authorize a License Agreement for the Temporary Use of Public Property with the Rotary Club of Downers Grove for the 2011 Rotary Club Grove Fest

Sponsors: Community Development T om Dabareiner, Director, Community Development, said a resolution has been prepared for approval on March 15 regarding the 2011 Rotary Club Grove Fest scheduled to take place June 23-26, 2011.  The Grove Fest will include amusement rides, games, food vendors, a beer garden, performance stage, areas for not-for-profit organizations, a one-day car show, and a craft fair.  Mr. Dabareiner displayed a site plan showing a new area that will be an expansion over last year's event.  Hours of the Fest will be Thursday, June 23, from 5:30-10:00 p.m. for amusement rides only.  Friday the event will be open from 2:00-11:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 10:30 p.m.  Mr. Dabareiner explained the conditions that include reimbursement of fees, Village expenses, and a letter of credit.  The Rotary will provide training for volunteers, insurance, and notify area residents and businesses of the event.  He indicated that the Village retains the right to modify or close the event as necessary.

Mr. Dabareiner noted that on February 10, 2011 the Community Events Commission met to discuss the proposed event and recommended approval. Staff concurs with that recommendation.

Todd Gallentine, Barb Webster and Dan Techman represented the Rotary Club Grove Fest team for 2011.  Mr. Gallentine thanked the Council, the Mayor and staff.  Some changes will be to move the event to the end of June.  They will also move the event to Main Street, as suggested by the downtown merchants.  In addition, they will increase the event to include a craft fair, increase the number of participant restaurants, and donating a number of rides to SEASPAR participants.

Commissioner Neustadt said this is an example of the Rotary educating themselves quickly.  This is reminiscent of the events that used to be in Downers Grove.  They have worked with the downtown merchants, and will notify the businesses and residents of the upcoming event.  He expressed thanks to the Community Events Commission members for their work, and congratulated the Rotary Cub for this project.  He will be in complete support of this.

Commissioner Waldack thanked the Rotary for stepping up last year, and said he is glad to see that they are trying to expand it.  He wished them success, saying he anticipates a larger crowd this year, and commented about parking.  Commissioner Waldack suggested that they find a way to improve the traffic flow.  He discussed the parking in the deck in past years that was operated by a non-profit organization.  He suggested that they look at operating the parking deck again, and they may want to subcontract it out again.  Commissioner Waldack said he expects to support this event.

Commissioner Durkin thanked the Rotary Club for doing this, and said he will support this.  It was a large task last year and he commended them for their work.  He looks forward to the 2011 event.

Commissioner Beckman commented that his wife will be pleased that the craft fair is coming back. He appreciates the information about the communication between Village staff and the Rotary staff.  He is still concerned about how emergencies will be addressed.  He noted that they can call VOC which would dispatch a response.

Village Manager Dave Fieldman responded to Commissioner Beckman that there would be Police and Fire staff on the site.  Individuals could also call 911.  Commissioner Beckman responded that seconds count in an emergency, and he asked about direct communications, and a common communications channel. Mr. Fieldman said staff would research this.  Commissioner Beckman told the Rotary that he appreciates their work, and noted that this is a very strong application this year.  He was hoping for information regarding exploring different kinds of models, such as the Westmont model.  He suggested that the Community Events Commission review this and look at different models to determine a way of funding these on a going-forward basis.

Commissioner Barnett thanked the Rotary for their efforts, and reminded the public that the information is available on the Village's website.

Commissioner Schnell commented that she was happy to see this being expanded as it felt cramped last year.  Having the rides spread out will be good.  She asked about police security at the tracks since rides will be on both sides.  Commissioner Neustadt responded that there will be Village Police staff on duty at the tracks.

Commissioner Schnell said that attendance at the car show was not as good as it was in the past, due to the location.  She asked about promoting the car show.  Mr. Gallentine said they intend to extend the marketing for this.

Commissioner Schnell then noted that they will need a liquor license for the Beer Garden and will have to appear before the Liquor Commission.  There was a Community Events Commission meeting and the Rotary Club was the only group to submit in the time period.

Mayor Sandack via phone said he was pleased that the Rotary has continued to step up.  Last year was a wonderful event given the time constraint and the general circumstances.  He thanked them and their leadership, and said he looks forward to the event.

Commissioner Waldack commented that in the past there was the tradition of a Village Council booth, and he asked if the Rotary would arrange for a booth with Village staff.  He suggested that the Council participate in that manner.  Indexes: Community Events

MOT 00-04448 B.  Motion:  Award a Contract to Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc., Lake Zurich, IL, in the Amount of $104,900 for 2011 Pavement Patching Services

Sponsors: Public Works P ublic Works Director Nan Newlon explained this contract is for pavement patching related to the winter watermain breaks.  The contract was advertised and competitively bid.  This is the third year that Chicagoland Paving has been the low bidder, and they have done good work.  Staff recommends awarding the contract.

Commissioner Beckman said he noted there was a wide gap in bid responses between the vendors.  He wanted to be sure that they understand the project.  He feels this was well done.

Commissioner Schnell asked Ms. Newlon for an update on the sidewalk project to make sure that construction is completed before school begins.    Indexes: Street - Resurfacing , Streets, Roadway Improvements

9. Mayor's Report

 Materials to be Received

 Materials to be Placed on File

10. Manager's Report

Mr. Fieldman said on tonight's Consent Agenda Council approved a construction manager for the project at 2nd and Cumnor.  This allows for participation early in the process, and is a win for the Village.  This is designed to deliver the project on time, in a high quality fashion, and to reduce expenses.

Commissioner Schnell asked if the construction manager will be communicating his job to the residents, and Mr. Fieldman responded that one of the next steps would be to introduce the construction manager to the neighbors. 

11. Attorney's Report

Future Active Agenda

12. C ouncil Member Reports and New Business

Commissioner Waldack said that the April 5 elections are rapidly approaching.  He noted that there are always distractions on election Tuesdays, and he suggested that meetings that fall on election Tuesdays be cancelled.

Commissioner Beckman commented that given there is a fourth Tuesday available, they should give serious consideration to the suggestion.

Commissioner Neustadt responded that for continuity, he thought it would be more helpful to the residents to keep the schedule as is.

Commissioner Durkin expressed concern that the payables are approved, and met.  He said if they did this, the Village would be the first, and he asked to find out if there are other communities that do this.

Commissioner Barnett said it doesn't matter to him.

Commissioner Schnell said she thinks people have become used to the three weeks in a row.  Having gone through many election cycles, she doesn't think that it's been a problem.  She is concerned about bills that need to be paid.  She would not want to start with this election cycle, but has no problem asking staff to look at this for the future.  She noted that meetings recently have not run very long.

Mayor Sandack said it is worthy of thought and staff could look at it.  He said that the Council adjusted its schedule to do three meetings per month.  He doesn't know that they really need to take a day off, but he thinks it is worthy of discussion.

Mr. Fieldman said staff would research the matter and get back to the Council.

Commissioner Waldack pointed out that he is not invested in this either way.

Commissioner Beckman commented that instead of eliminating the meeting, they could just move it to the fourth Tuesday.  Mr Fieldman said they would look at the options and inquire as to what other communities are doing as well.

 Commissioner Neustadt announced that Thursday, March 10 is Girls' Night Out from 5:00-9:00 p.m. in the downtown area.  On April 3, the downtown area will sponsor the Downers Grove Wedding Walk, and further information can be obtained at dgbride.com.  Commissioner Neustadt also noted that from March 1 to April 20 the rain barrel sale will take place, and information can be found at downersgrove.org.

Commissioner Barnett commented on Motion 00-04451 on the Consent Agenda, explaining that this $50,000 expenditure is a federal mandate to analyze how reflective the Village's signs are, so new standards can be met sometime between 2013-2015.  New minimum retro-reflective requirements for street name signs must be met by January 2018.  He personally thinks that retro-reflectivity in 2018 is low on the priority list.  The $50,000 will be spent because it is a federal mandate.  He wanted residents to know the kind of items that are on the Consent Agenda.

Commissioner Waldack said he approved of this federal mandate.  The Village will obtain software and GPS equipment to incorporate the inventory into the GIS system.  The software is not federally mandated and will cost $9,000.  The remainder is for the GPS equipment and is not mandated.  He suggested police, fire and public works employees could perform the work.  He said he supports the mandate.  Some things that should be done don't get done because local governments don't push for them.  ADA mandates trickled down to the general population, such as curb cuts, ramps, etc.  Some mandates are quite good and are an advantage to everyone.  The idea that replacing signs so people can read them is a good idea.  It will become a way of life.

Commissioner Durkin commented that the March/April edition for West Suburban Living Magazine highlights Downers Grove.  He highlighted the "Best" categories which were Best Breakfast: Egg Harbor; Best Irish Pub and place to hear live music: Ballydoyle; Best movie theater: Tivoli; Best Garden Center: Wannemaker's.  He encouraged everyone to obtain a copy of the magazine.

Mayor Sandack commented on the federal mandate, saying that what is important is that they are unfunded mandates.  No one would disagree with the intention, but it comes at an expense allocated elsewhere in the budget.  He believes when the federal or state government directs something to be done, it should be done with an appropriation.  These initiatives do not help the budget process.

Mayor Sandack said that he wrote a letter to Attorney General Magidan in his capacity as State Senator, asking that she provide an official opinion regarding the applicability of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.  He hopes she will act on his request and he will keep the news and issue to the forefront.

The Mayor mentioned that the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the legislative drive down to Springfield.  They were a positive and forceful presence.  He thanked that organization for its continued focus on legislation that helps promote business in the State of Illinois.

Mayor Sandack said that on March 24, 93 WXRT is sponsoring a live concert with Poi Dog Pondering at the Tivoli Theater.  This is an excellent opportunity for their fans to participate.  He said the tickets went on sale at noon and there were only a few seats left at 4:00 p.m.

13. Adjournment

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

Mayor Pro Tem Schnell declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.