September 10, 2013

1. Call to Order

Mayor Martin Tully 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 Tully led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Bob Barnett, Commissioner Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Becky Rheintgen, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt, Commissioner Greg Hosé, Commissioner David S. Olsen and Mayor Martin Tully  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.

Mayor Tully 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 - September 3, 2013 M ayor Tully asked for a Motion to approve the minutes as submitted.

Commissioner Neustadt moved to approve the minutes as presented.  Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

The Mayor declared the Motion carried by voice vote.

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

5. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Rheintgen thanked her colleagues who came to the Grove Foundation golf outing.  It was a great success.

Commissioner Durkin said he and Mayor Tully attended the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus 6th annual gala at the Art Institute of Chicago.  It was a great opportunity to network with many officials throughout the metropolitan Chicago area.

Commissioner Barnett said that the Park District is hosting a chili cook-off on Saturday, September 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Fishel Park.  This is an International Chili Society sanctioned competition.  More information can be found at www.dgparks.org.

Mayor Tully said he is a judge for the event.

Commissioner Barnett then reminded everyone that Wednesday is the anniversary of 9/11.  He read a statement from District 58 Superintendent, Dr. Cremascoli, wherein she noted that flags will be flown at half-staff, the President has asked Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m., and that this is an opportunity to be courageous, selfless and loving, and an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive activity through honoring the good works of others and doing good works ourselves.

Mayor Tully thanked the Commissioner for sharing this.

6. Public Hearings

7. Consent Agenda

COR 00-05330 A.  List of Bills Payable:  No. 6070, September 10, 2013

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

BID 00-05329 B.  Bid:  Award a Contract for $236,170.00 to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Huntley, IL, for 2013 Fall Roadway Patching Project

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Approve this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Roadway Improvements

BID 00-05331 C.  Bid:  Award $62,976.33 to Facility Solutions Group, Bensenville, IL, for Supply of Lighting Fixtures

Sponsors: Public Works Commissioner Rheintgen said this is a great example of the Village being innovative as staff researched this option, applied for and obtained grant funding, will replace the fixtures in-house and saved money. A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Light Bulbs

MOT 00-05333 D.  Motion:  Award $17,012.80 to CDW-G for the Purchase of 70 Copies of Microsoft Office 2013 for Police Laptops

Sponsors: Information Services A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Computers, Computer Licensing

Passed The Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, that the consent agenda be passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully

8. Active Agenda

ORD 00-05328 A.  Ordinance:  Authorize a Special Use with a Zoning Variation for 1149 Ogden Avenue to Permit Construction of a Coffee Shop Restaurant with a Drive-Through Use

Sponsors: Community Development and Plan Commission

Summary of Item: This authorizes a special use with a zoning variation to permit construction of a coffee shop restaurant with a drive-through use at 1149 Ogden Avenue.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE WITH A ZONING VARIATION FOR 1149 OGDEN AVENUE TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF A COFFEE SHOP RESTAURANT WITH A DRIVE-THROUGH USE

ORDINANCE NO. 5333 A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Special Use - 1149 Ogden Avenue

MOT 00-05327 B.  Motion:  Approve the 2013-2015 Long Range Plan

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This approves the 2013-2015 Long Range Plan. C ommissioner Neustadt said the final approval and implementation of the plan is important.  It will drive the activities of the Village and the budget for future years.  He noted that the Village always seeks to provide exceptional municipal services, which will continue to be a top goal.

The Mayor thanked everyone on the Council and staff for their work on this plan. A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Approve this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Long Range Planning

9. First Reading

ORD 00-05236 A.  Ordinance:  Establish and Amend Stop and Yield Sign Locations at Multiple Intersections

Sponsors: Public Works and Transportation and Parking Commission T he Manager said this is Neighborhood Traffic Study #2.  He asked Nan Newlon, Director, Public Works, to address this item.

Nan Newlon, Director, Public Works, said the Village initiated this second neighborhood traffic study in October 2012.  The area is northwest of the downtown and is bounded by Main Street, Warren Avenue, Lee Avenue and Ogden Avenue.  It includes three schools - Pierce Downer, Herrick Middle and North High.  It is also between Ogden Avenue and downtown.  It is a busy neighborhood with a lot of traffic.  The purpose of the study was to address traffic and pedestrian issues on a neighborhood basis as a system instead of a case-by-case, intersection-by-intersection approach..  Residents have expressed concerns about pedestrian safety and school children safety.

The project began with traffic measuring.  Traffic counts were done at 48 locations which measured speed and volumes.  Pedestrian counts were conducted at 14 intersections.  Peak hour traffic counts at intersections measuring left and right turns as well as traffic going straight were conducted.  This helps staff look at the performance of the area as a system.   Staff then proposed recommendations that could be implemented, and then measured again after implementation to determine their effectiveness.

Concerns in this neighborhood have been about pedestrian crossings and safety issues related to speed and volume of traffic, inconsistent parking restrictions and significant sight changes at North High which impacted traffic.

Key findings from the study are that traffic volumes were found to be within the established standard of 400 to 1500 vehicles per day.  Traffic volumes on neighborhood collectors were also found to be within established standards.  The changes at North High have improved traffic volume as well as parking issues.  Ms. Newlon noted that speeds on some of the streets surveyed were higher than staff would like to see.   Study recommendations are included in the report.  One recommendation is to provide traffic control at all intersections.  A  recommendation to replace yield signs with stop signs is made due to the number of parked cars, the number of pedestrians and the mature trees, all of which can obscure sight distance.  Other recommendations include installing new stop signs at intersections that have no control signs, installing new and enhanced pedestrian signage, implementing traffic calming on Lee and Seeley, preparing a corridor plan for Warren Avenue, and conducting follow-up speed and volume counts.

In terms of intersection changes, Ms. Newlon said the recommendation is to add one all-way stop sign in the area of Prince Pond, and the addition of 26 stop signs where there are currently uncontrolled intersections or yield signs.  Also recommended are nine additional warning signs for school/pedestrian crossings.  Staff is set to begin implementation right away.  The report recommends a menu of traffic calming devices - enhanced signage and driver feedback signs.  Staff is trying to address the long blocks between Ogden and Prairie.

Commissioner Neustadt said he has lived in this neighborhood for 37 years and welcomes these changes. The stop sign at Warren, and the study on Warren is a good idea, given some of the cut-through traffic, as well as new businesses along Warren.  He suggested extending the study down Burlington and along Walnut as well, as they are also becoming thoroughfares.  He asked whether the sign changes will be done in-house, and Ms. Newlon said that they would be done in-house.

Commissioner Hosé asked as to the timing of the follow-up counts following implementation.  Ms. Newlon said they would like to do counts before the snow happens or the first thing in the spring.

Commissioner Durkin asked Ms. Newlon about speed signs with solar powered radar guns.  He asked if there are any other new technologies they intend to implement.  Ms. Newlon said that striping is suggested in Level 2.  They will look for any options available.  Speed bumps will be the last option.

Commissioner Olsen noted that the Village is not permitted to have speed cameras, as no city, other than Chicago, can have them.

Mayor Tully commented that this comprehensive approach seems to be working well. Indexes: Traffic Study - Fairview, Ogden, Williams/Roslyn

10. Mayor's Report

Materials to be Placed on File

Mayor Tully reported out as Liquor Commissioner that the Village has received an amended application for a full alcohol, on-premise and outdoor liquor license application from Half Italian, Inc. d/b/a Capri located at 5101 Main Street.

Pursuant to Section 3-12 of the Liquor Control Ordinance, a public hearing for a liquor license application may be waived.  The application must be placed on file for a minimum of two weeks, subject to public comment prior to the issuance of a new license.

The Mayor said he is placing the amended application on file in the Village Clerk's office, and barring any objection, a liquor license will be issued to Half Italian, Inc. d/b/a Capri, at 5101 Main Street, once the two week waiting period has passed.

The Mayor then announced the third annual ComEd town hall meeting to take place at the Public Works Facility, 5101 Walnut Avenue on September 19, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.  Information on the meeting is on the Village's website at www.downers.us.  He encouraged people to attend and call if they have questions.

Lastly, the Mayor welcomed the Class of 1983 graduates of North High School for their 30th reunion.

11. Manager's Report

Mr. Fieldman asked Ms. Newlon to give a construction update.

Ms. Newlon said she is very proud of the staff and all the work they have done this year.  There have been 19 major construction projects approved this year.  Staff has completed $11.7 million worth of capital projects on time and within budget.  This reflects well on how the staff is working together, communicating with the public, and controlling costs.  In street maintenance, staff completed Washington Street, Main Street and one of the two large street maintenance contracts, and staff is in the middle of the second contract.  In street reconstruction,  Concord Square is substantially completed as is Oak Grove.  In watermains, staff has completed over 6,000 ft. of watermain replacement and 4,400 ft. of new watermain in the newly annexed area.  Twenty-two of the newly annexed residents are in the process of hooking up to our watermain.  In stormwater and drainage, staff has replaced over 3,000 ft. of watermain; staff continues to work on Valley View and Kensington.  Staff expects to bring a contract to Council soon to work with the Park District to complete the dredging project at Barth Pond.  In sidewalks, over 9,000 ft. of new sidewalk has been installed well before school started as well as sidewalk repair and rehabilitation.  The traffic signal at Main and Grant has been replaced with very little Village funding.

The Manager said that the staff's commitment to infrastructure investment is always emphasized in the budget review.  Many of these projects are visible, but many others are only visible in the neighborhoods where the work is taking place.

Mayor Tully suggested that a map be placed on our website capturing all of these projects.  The Manager said the community map has been launched and staff will add these contstruction projects to it.

12. Attorney's Report

Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting one item to Council:  An ordinance establishing and amending stop and yield sign locations at multiple intersections.

Future Active Agenda

13. Council Member New Business

Mayor Tully requested that in future Council meetings, during Item #5 (Council Member Reports) that the Commissioners, in their role as liaisons to other government bodies, take that opportunity to report out on things of material interest to members of the Village Council.  Given the Village's enhanced participation in the Mayors and Managers Conference, Council members participate in various committees.  There may not be information every week, but if there is information worth sharing, he asked that the Council members please report it out at that time.

14. Adjournment

Mayor Tully asked for a Motion to adjourn.

Commissioner Neustadt moved to adjourn.  Commissioner Durkin seconded the Motion.

VOTE:  AYE:  Commissioners Neustadt, Durkin, Hosé, Olsen, Rheintgen, Barnett; Mayor Tully

Mayor Tully declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.