September 06, 2016
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. Swearing-in Ceremony
Mayor Tully announced that there are two new members serving on the Village Council and he is excited to have our newly appointed Commissioners sworn into office.
The Honorable Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh swore in Margaret Earl and Nicole Walus as Commissioners for the Village of Downers Grove.
Mayor Tully thanked Judge Walsh for attending the meeting and swearing in the new Commissioners.
3. Roll Call
Council Attendance (Present): Commissioner Walus, Commissioner Earl, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner White, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Barnett; Mayor Tully
Absent: None
Non-Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, Village Clerk April Holden
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 past meetings, an opportunity will be given for public comments and questions of a general nature. 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 Mayor stated that at the appropriate time the presiding officers will ask if there are any comments from the public. Individuals wishing to speak, should raise their hand to be recognized and, after acknowledgment from the presiding officer, approach the microphone and state their name. Remarks should be limited to five minutes, and individuals are asked to 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.
4. Minutes of Council Meetings
MIN 2016-7008 - A. Minutes: Council Minutes - August 15, 2016
MIN 2016-6996 - B. Minutes: Council Minutes - August 16, 2016
MIN 2016-7009 - C. Minutes: Council Minutes - August 29, 2016
MIN 2016-7010 - D. Minutes: Council Minutes - August 30, 2016
Motion: Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner Waldack, moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried by voice vote.
5. Proclamation
Mayor Tully proclaimed proclaim the week of September 17 through 23, 2016, to be Constitution Week in the Village of Downers Grove. He presented the proclamation to Carol Wandschneider of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
On behalf of the DAR, Ms. Wandschneider thanked the Mayor for the proclamation.
Mayor Tully then noted that the Downers Grove Public Library recently engaged a new director. He then introduced Julie Milavec.
Ms. Milavec said she is excited to be here and noted that the Library is starting work on a new strategic plan and hopes to engage the public in this process.
6. Public Comments
This is the opportunity for public comments.
1. Bill Wrobel, 7800 Queens Court, said that in July and August while attempting to grow some vegetables, he would get up rather early. Between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., there has been a proliferation of airplanes overhead from Southwest Airlines coming from Midway Airport. Apparently the aviation patterns are changing based on a decision made by Mayor Emmanuel. He said that the Village is a member of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and he thinks that the Village could take the initiative on this issue. It is a disturbance, and he asked that people address the Council with respect to this matter. He also said that people in Willowbrook are experiencing the same problem.
Mayor Tully said that his verbal request would suffice for the Village to follow-up on this issue. The Village has representatives on O'Hare's Noise Commission. Sometimes there is a reason for a change in the flight patterns. Staff will look into this.
2. David Olsen, 5613 Dunham, said it is an honor for him to address the Council. He congratulated Commissioners Earl and Walus. He said as a former member of the Village Council it is an honor to serve the Village and he is happy to be of assistance to them and to the Village. He noted that it is a difficult position and is a great honor to serve.
3. Gina Vattimo extended her congratulations to the new Commissioners, and said that it was an honor for her to serve. She extended her thanks to everyone in the Village for their help to her while she was in office.
4. Amy and David Gassen, 5320 Benton Avenue, expressed congratulations to the new Commissioners. They updated the Council on the American Foursquare initiative in Downers Grove. They created a list of all the addresses of the homes and a photo as well. She said that they have started a Facebook page called American Foursquares of Downers Grove. Ms. Gassen said their most recent efforts involve creating a flyer. They have received about 30 responses to that flyer.
Mayor Tully said he is delighted to have this type of community support for the character and tradition of our town. The grassroots program to embrace the historic tradition of the Village is exceptional and appreciated.
7. Consent Agenda
COR 2016-6997 - A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6173, Payroll, August 5, 2016; No. 6175, Payroll, August 19, 2016
BIL 2016-6998 - B. Bills Payable: No. 6284, September 6, 2016
MIN 2016-7003 - C. Minutes: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions
Summary: Environmental Concerns Commission - March 10, 2016; Library Board - July 27, 2016
Motion: Commissioner White moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
8. Active Agenda
RES 2016-6988 - A. Resolution: Authorize a Transition Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council
Summary: This authorizes execution of a transition agreement between the Village and Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A TRANSITION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-57
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "A Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Transition Agreement Between the Village of Downers Grove and the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé; Mayor Tully
Nay: Commissioner Barnett
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6949 - B. Ordinance: Authorize a Special Use for 1620 Ogden Avenue to Permit an Automobile Dealership
Summary: This authorizes a special use for 1620 Ogden Avenue to permit an automobile dealership.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR 1620 OGDEN AVENUE TO PERMIT AN AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP
ORDINANCE NO. 5556
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Authorizing a Special Use for 1620 Ogden Avenue to Permit an Automobile Dealership," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6955 - C. Ordinance: Rezone Certain Property Located at 2200 Warrenville Road
Summary: This rezones 2200 Warrenville Road from M-1, Light Manufacturing District to O-R-M, Office-Research-Manufacturing District.
AN ORDINANCE REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2200 WARRENVILLE ROAD ORDINANCE NO. 5557
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Property Located at 2200 Warrenville Road," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6954 - D. Ordinance: Authorize a Special Use to Exceed the Maximum Parking Ratio at the Property Located at 2200 Warrenville Road
Summary: This authorizes a special use to exceed the maximum parking ratio at the property located at 2200 Warrenville Road.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM PARKING RATIO AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2200 WARRENVILLE ROAD
ORDINANCE NO. 5558
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Authorizing a Special Use to Exceed the Maximum Parking Ratio at the Property Located at 2200 Warrenville Road," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6968 - E. Ordinance: Amend the Brew Facility License Classification
Summary: This amends the brew facility license classification.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BREW FACILITY LICENSE CLASSIFICATION
ORDINANCE NO. 5559
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Amending the Brew Facility License Classification," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6982 - F. Ordinance: Authorize the Extension of a Special Use to Authorize Construction of a Multi-Family Structure at 5100 Forest Avenue to February 18, 2017
Summary: This authorizes the extension of a special use to permit a multi-family residence at 5100 Forest Avenue to February 18, 2017.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF A SPECIAL USE TO AUTHORIZE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-FAMILY STRUCTURE AT 5100 FOREST AVENUE TO FEBRUARY 18, 2017
ORDINANCE NO. 5560
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Authorizing the Extension of a Special Use to Authorize Construction of a Multi-Family Structure at 5100 Forest Avenue to February 18, 2017," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: Commissioner Earl
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6983 - G. Ordinance: Amend Ordinance No. 5475 Designating Planned Unit Development #53 and Authorizing Construction of a Multi-Family Structure with Deviations at 5100 Forest Avenue
Summary: This amends Ordinance No. 5475 designating Planned Unit Development #53 and authorizing construction of a multi-family structure with deviations.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5475 DESIGNATING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT #53 AND AUTHORIZING CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-FAMILY STRUCTURE WITH DEVIATIONS AT 5100 FOREST AVENUE
ORDINANCE NO. 5561
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 5475 Designating Planned Unit Development #53 and Authorizing Construction of a Multi-Family Structure with Deviations at 5100 Forest Avenue," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Mark Thoman, 1109 61st Street, said it would behoove the Village to defer the approval of any changes until discussing the special use with respect to on-street parking for loading and unloading. The developer is also being allowed to load their garbage on the street on Gilbert. He said they should move the loading and unloading zones onto their own property.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: Commissioner Earl
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
ORD 2016-6975 - H. Ordinance: Amend Ordinance No. 5476 Authorizing a Special Use for 5100 Forest Avenue to Permit Construction of a Multi-Family Structure
Summary: This authorizes an amendment to Ordinance No. 5476 authorizing a special use for 5100 Forest to permit construction of a multi-family structure.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 5476 AUTHORIZING A SPECIAL USE FOR 5100 FOREST TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-FAMILY STRUCTURE
ORDINANCE NO. 5562
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adopt, "An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 5476 Authorizing a Special Use for 5100 Forest Avenue to Permit Construction of a Multi-Family Structure," as presented. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: Commissioner Earl
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
9. First Reading
10. Mayor's Report
1. Mayor Tully said that on August 31, the Village participated in an exercise conducted in the Village for an emergency hazardous chemical spill with the derailment of a railroad car. Twenty different agencies were in attendance to test the plans that the Village has in case such an accident should occur. The Mayor said that the Village does have a plan and top-notch first responders. To actually see the exercise play out in a simulated environment was truly amazing. He could not be prouder of those who participated in the exercise. The value of the exercise was amazing. Mayor Tully thanked the Village staff, first responders, and District 58. He is glad that the Village offered to host the exercise, as it was a point of Downers Grove pride.
2. Mayor Tully thanked and welcomed the Village's new Commissioners to the Village Council. He said that he respects anyone who decides to pursue running for office. It takes commitment and a fair amount of courage. He noted that it is not easy to balance all of the different interests people have. The Mayor said that they do it for the community and the betterment of the community. He said that he hopes to continue to work with the Commissioners in the future. He noted that they are committed, dedicated, and have the capacity for this job. He also thanked their families for sharing them with the Village. They will spend a good deal of time on Village matters.
11. Manager's Report
12. Council Member Reports
Commissioner Hosé welcomed Commissioners Earl and Walus. He said he was looking forward to serving with both of them and he extended his congratulations to them.
Commissioner Barnett thanked the new Commissioners and welcomed them to the Council.
Commissioner Waldack said this is a very special evening. He looks forward to working with the new Commissioners and offered his support and assistance to them. He said that the last several weeks were busy but not rushed. The Village found what it was looking for in the new Commissioners. He noted that they will be getting into budget season, and he asked the public to provide comments, ideas, questions etc. The Council meets three times a month, and also has extra budget meetings. He encouraged residents to participate in the process. The Village is a transparent organization and can provide answers in public forums and not just on social media.
Commissioner White added his congratulations and appreciation to the new Commissioners. He said that they will help the Council do its work. He also thanked Mayor Tully for his leadership to get the Village to this point. There is a lot to do moving forward.
Commissioner Walus said that she was grateful, humbled and excited to begin this journey.
Commissioner Earl said she was grateful and humbled as well. She knows that it is a lot of work and she hopes that she is up to it. She will do her very best.
Commissioner Earl then announced that the Fine Arts Festival is being held this weekend, as well as the annual yard sale at Hummer Park.
Mayor Tully said that the Fine Arts Festival will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this weekend. He reminded everyone to enjoy the Festival and the Farmer's Market.
13. Adjournment
Motion: Commissioner White moved to adjourn. Commissioner Waldack seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Waldack, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April Holden
Village Clerk
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