April 19, 2011

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 asked Cub Scout Pack 54 to help lead 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  V isitors:  Tom LeCren, 545 Chicago Avenue; Christine Fregeau, 1918 Elmore Avenue; Lucy Lloyd, Triblocal; Mark Thoman, 1109 61st Street; Becky Rheintgen, 4633 Cumnor; Michael Frauendorff, 1621 Hatch; Martin Tully, 4808 Cornell Avenue

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

Executive Session Minutes for Approval Only - March 15, 2011  Council Minutes - April 12, 2011 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

1 . Tom LeCren, 545 Chicago Avenue, asked about the status of the first quarter report. He then asked whether there would be a reception after the next Council meeting.  Mr. Fieldman responded that staff is ready to go with the First Quarter Report.

2.  Laura Crawford of the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bruce Beckman and Mayor Ron Sandack on behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors, and nearly 700 members.  She presented them each with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chamber members.  Ms. Crawford then noted that information on the Rain Barrel Project is available on the Chamber's website.  These are new barrels, made out of recycled materials and are 60 gallons in size.  She added that on June 4, painted barrels will be auctioned off.   Sales of the rain barrels will benefit the following non-profit organizations:  Family Shelter Service, Little Friends, Sharing Connections Furniture Bank, Pierce Downer's Heritage Alliance, and West Suburban Humane Society.  Ms. Crawford noted that the deadline for purchase is tomorrow.

Mayor Sandack thanked Ms. Crawford for her kind words.

5. Public Hearings

6. Consent Agenda

COR 00-04490 A.  Claim Ordinance:  No. 5893, Payroll, March 25, 2011

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

BIL 00-04491 B.  List of Bills Payable:  No. 5894, April 19, 2011

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

RES 00-04482 C.  Resolution:  Authorize an Agreement with the Indian Boundary YMCA for the 2011 Downtown Downers Grove Market

Sponsors: Community Development A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Farmers' Market, Downtown Downers Grove Market

MOT 00-04489 D.  Motion:  Renewal of Re-insurance of Property, Casualty and Excess Liability Coverage

Sponsors: Human Resources

Summary of Item: This accepts insurance renewal quotes to replace the expiring property, general liability, excess

liability and workers compensation coverages for the Village. A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Insurance - Risk Management

MOT 00-04486 E.  Motion:  Award $1,832,424.50 to K-Five Construction Corporation, Lemont, IL, for the 2011 Resurfacing (A) Project

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Street - Resurfacing

MOT 00-04483 F.  Motion:  Authorize $789,762.90 for the Purchase of Twelve (12) Vehicles and Equipment  

Sponsors: Public Works

Summary of Item: This approves the purchase of 12 vehicles and pieces of equipment in the total amount of

$789,762.90:  One (1) 2012 Freightliner M2 112 natural gas powered snow plow in the amount of

$212,792; six (6) 2011 Ford F450 biodiesel snow plow trucks in the amount of $405,123.35; two

(2) 2011 Chevrolet natural gas powered cargo vans in the amount of $63,725; two (2) 2011

Chevrolet Tahoe E85 four weel drive utility vehicles in the amount of $61,956.15; and one (1)

2011 Morbark M15R biodiesel brush chipper in the amount of $46,166.40. A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Vehicle Purchases

RES 00-04493 G.  Resolution:  Authorize an Agreement with Thomson West

Sponsors: Village Attorney

Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE

VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THOMSON WEST

RESOLUTION 2011-26 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Village Attorney

 RES 00-04496 H.  Resolution:  Authorize a Lease Agreement for Commuter Parking with Rexnord Industries, LLC and Lorig Construction Company  

Sponsors: Public Works

Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PARKING LOT LIMITED USE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND REXNORD INDUSTRIES, LLC

RESOLUTION 2011-27 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Belmont Road Underpass

RES 00-04471 I.  Resolution:  Authorize an Agreement with Total Parking Solutions

Sponsors: Police Department

Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND TOTAL PARKING SOLUTIONS

RESOLUTION 2011-28 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Parking Deck - CBD, Parking Meter Rates, Parking Permit Rates

MOT 00-04498 J.  Motion:  Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions

Summary of Item: Library Board - March 23, 2011

Liquor Commission - March 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 Beckman, 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 00-04485 A.  Ordinance:  Amending 4-Way Stops and Crosswalks

Sponsors: Public Works and Transportation and Parking Commission

Summary of Item: This amends traffic provisions for various four way stops and crosswalk designations.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 4-WAY STOPS AND CROSSWALKS

ORDINANCE NO. 5197 T om LeCren, 545 Chicago, asked as to the budget to pay for these changes.

Village Manager Dave Fieldman said this was anticipated and is in the General Fund. A motion was made by Commissioner Beckman, seconded by Commissioner Barnett, to Adopt this file. Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack  Indexes: Traffic Signals, Crosswalks, Traffic Calming

ORD 00-04470 B.  Ordinance:  Amend Daily Permit Fees

Sponsors: Police Department

Summary of Item: This amends provisions for payment of certain daily permit fees.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING DAILY PERMIT FEES

ORDINANCE NO. 5198 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 Barnett, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Beckman, Commissioner Neustadt and Mayor Sandack  Indexes: Parking Deck - CBD, Parking Permit Rates, Parking Permits

8. First Reading

RES 00-04500 A.  Resolution:  Authorize a Sales Contract with Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.

Sponsors: Fire Department M r. Fieldman said that staff has been working on this project for over one year.  The policy question before the Council is how to repair or replace the ladder truck. He noted that this item was considered twice by the Council in 2010, and by the Public Safety Committee.   The condition of the current ladder truck shows significant structural damage and the cost of repair is estimated at $200,000.  There are four options for repair and replacement; however, it was determined that repair would be too costly.  Funding is available now due to the equipment replacement fund, and the cost will have no impact on the Village's financial position.  Mr. Fieldman said that staff sought proposals for a manufacturer specified ladder truck and two bids were received.  The Pierce bid was $783,000, while the Smeal bid was $22,000 above at $805,000.  Staff's recommendation is to purchase the equipment from Smeal, as it meets all of the Village qualifications and has a better warranty.  He said the Council could authorize the Village Manager to sell the existing truck.

Mayor Sandack said that staff, Council and the Fire Department have been talking about this matter for about a year.

Commissioner Neustadt commented that Public Safety discussed the issue, with a recommendation for customizing the ladder truck by the Village Fire Department.  He noted that he would support this recommendation.

Commissioner Durkin stated that earlier in the year he was not in support of purchasing this truck. Mutual Aid responded to three structure fires in Downers Grove when the ladder truck was out of service.  That demonstrated to him that the purchase of a ladder truck was not necessary.  He asked staff to determine if there was a vehicle that could be purchased by the mutual aid group.  Staff determined there was no such vehicle and reported back why it is necessary to have a ladder truck.  Given this report, research and because he has learned that the Village does have the funds, he will support this recommendation.  He believes that the existing truck should have lasted longer, and asked that the use of the vehicle be limited to prolong its life.  He then asked how they plan to sell the existing truck.

Mr. Fieldman said staff believes they will get a better price than the $22,350 and can sell it through the DuPage Mayors and Managers Commission.  Staff believes the best venue is to work with manufacturers of the apparatus and is pursuing this option.

Commissioner Durkin asked if the truck would be ready to go when it is received.

Fire Chief Jim Jackson said that the Department will customize it to meet the Village's needs in terms of tools, etc., with a time frame of having it in operation in August or September.  He further responded to Commissioner Durkin that they would continue to work with Mutual Aid.  The Village's truck is inoperable at this time.  Commissioner Durkin noted that he would support this at the next meeting.

Commissioner Beckman commented that he thought it would have been prudent to move forward sooner.  He asked how typical it is to buy something off line versus by specs.  Chief Jackson replied that manufacturers look at the best practices and build the vehicle based on that information.    Indexes: Fire Department

MOT 00-04484 B.  Motion:  Award $44,800.00 to Rich and Associates, Inc., Southfield, Michigan, for Downtown Parking Study

Sponsors: Public Works N an Newlon, Director, Public Works, discussed the Downtown Parking Study, saying that it will be a comprehensive study to determine whether downtown parking is operating and managed in an efficient manner.  The work of the Study will be done in partnership with the Downtown Management Corporation and will evaluate our current available parking, parking demands, the way the parking is allocated among different users, future parking demand based on future land uses, and looking at parking practices for potential recommendations for modifications.  The project will include extensive data collection of inventory, users, land use review, parking utilization, pedestrian and business surveys as well as online surveys and stakeholder interviews.  The study will look at signage, marketing, and best practices used in other communities. That information will be put into a single report.  She said the proposed study was advertised, and seven proposals were received.  Three firms were interviewed.  Rich and Associates was selected based on their related experience and level of expertise.  Staff expects to complete the work on the Study in August 2011.  Similar studies have been completed in other communities by Rich and Associates.

Tom LeCren, 545 Chicago, asked how open the reporting process would be.  Ms. Newlon responded that staff anticipates an on-line survey to obtain as many comments as possible.  They will look for feedback from the consultant and will likely set up a separate web page for this.

Commissioner Beckman asked whether the consultant would have access to the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Newlon responded that staff has made the information available, including information from TCD-3.  Commissioner Beckman commented about the parking problem on the north side of the tracks, and asked whether the recommendation will be that detailed.  Ms. Newlon responded that it would be detailed, looking at the quantity of parking available and where it should be. Indexes: Parking Deck - CBD, Central Business District - Parking Deck, Central Business District - Parking Deck Traffic Impact Study

9. Mayor's Report

Proclamation:  Mayor Sandack proclaimed Friday, April 29, 2011 as Arbor Day in the Village of Downers Grove, noting that the Village has been a "Tree City" for the past 27 years. Materials to be Received

Materials to be Placed on File

10. Manager's Report

11. Attorney's Report

Future Active Agenda

12. Council Member Reports and New Business

Mayor Sandack said that on April 5, a binding referendum was passed by voters setting term limits for the Mayor and Council.  He asked that this be placed on the Active Agenda on May 3 and that the first reading on the ordinance be waived, as this is a binding question.

Commissioner Beckman noted that on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. there will be a redistricting presentation at Fire Station 2 conducted by the League of Women Voters.  He also noted that on April 28 a support group for caregivers of the elderly  will meet at 3460 Saratoga.   Also on April 28 Hurricane Gumbo will perform at the Tivoli Theater to benefit SEASPAR.  The Grove Players will perfrom Moonlight and Magnolias at the Lincoln Center beginning April 29.  On May 1, Mozart's Requiem will be performed by the Downers Grove Choral Society at 3:00 p.m. at the Tivoli Theater.  The Downers Grove Music Club will have a concert on May 3 at the Downers Grove Community Church at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Sandack reminded everyone that on May 3 he and Commissioner Beckman will be passing the baton to Mayor-Elect Martin Tully and Commissioner-Elect Becky Rheintgen.  It is an opportunity to welcome them and pledge our best to them.  These incidences of transition are important and will be a nice tradition.  He looks forward to the reception. 

13. Adjournment

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

Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.