March 19, 2019
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
Council Attendance (Present): Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Walus, Commissioner Earl, Commissioner Waldack, Commissioner White, Commissioner Hosé; 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.
3. Minutes of Council Meetings
MIN 2019-8110 - A. Minutes: Council Minutes - March 5, 2019
Motion: Commissioner White moved to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Earl seconded the motion.
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried by voice vote.
4. Presentations
Illinois Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers
Sarah Hunn, Chairperson of the Awards Committee for the Illinois Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Managers, presented an award for excellence in stormwater management to the Village of Downers Grove. She noted that this is a State-wide award, and she said that the Village has led the charge for smart stormwater management to protect citizens from effects of floodplains. She said the Village has been mapping LPDAs for years and has also worked on numerous drainage plans, as well as with outside agencies such as DuPage County. Ms. Hunn said the Village has been willing to find a sustainable way to fund existing capital and infrastructure as well as new stormwater improvements to help sustain and mitigate the disastrous effects of stormwater flooding. She then presented the award to Mayor Tully and Public Works Director Nan Newlon.
Mayor Tully commented that Ms. Hunn was the face of the staff and the County Stormwater program. He enjoyed working with her. He added that stormwater is a very important issue in the Village. The Village has lots of challenges and takes this issue very seriously. The Mayor expressed his appreciation for the award recognition.
Commissioner Waldack noted that 14 years ago the Village didn't get an award, and things have changed dramatically. He is very happy to receive this award.
Historic Landmark Designation Certificate
Mayor Tully then noted that the H. M. Patton House at 5 Jacqueline Drive was recently granted landmark status in the Village. The owner, Judy Erickson, was present to receive the certificate declaring her home with landmark designation. He thanked her for landmarking her house. Ms. Erickson said she is very happy that the house will be preserved.
Economic Development Corporation Quarterly Report
Michael Cassa, President and CEO of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, 5159 Mochel Drive, presented the EDC's quarterly report. He began by saying that the end of year total sales taxes showed a 1.67% increase over last year, with Home Rule Sales Tax decreasing 1.87% over last year, and the Hotel Taxes up 1.56%. He reported the Food and Beverage Tax resulted in $1.854 million, representing a 24% increase over what was budgeted. He noted that restaurants have been made a priority in the Village.
Mr. Cassa then reviewed the highlights for the 2018 year in the Village:
Aldi opening their 21,000 square foot store at Ogden and Williams
Bridge Development Partners broke ground in June on Bridgepoint on the west side of Finley north of Warrenville Road
Cadence Kitchen restaurant opened in the former Lemon Tree location on Mochel Drive
Carlotz moved into the former Packey Webb facility at the northeast corner of Ogden and Finley Road
Cooper's Hawk plans to open their flagship location in October of 2019 in the former Carlucci's restaurant location
Green Bay Packaging broke ground at the northwest corner of Warren and Finely for a 170,000 square foot facility
Hobby Lobby relocated their 53,700 square foot store to the Downers Grove Market location on Ogden Avenue
Holiday Properties opened their 89 units on Forest near the Burlington Station
Lincoln relocated its pre-owned cars dealership to Downers Grove
Mission BBQ opened their first restaurant in Illinois in the Finley Square Mall
NEC Display Solutions of American has moved their 47,000 square foot corporate headquarters to the Esplanade location in Downers Grove
Outback Steakhouse can be found in the Main Street Square
The corner of Main and Curtiss is now the location of Pierce Tavern
Rexnord Corporation completed their 250,000 square foot aerospace headquarters facility in the Village
That Burger Joint in the Downers Grove Market has opened adjacent to the Oberweis Dairy
Trammel Crow completed their mixed-use development at Main and Maple
United Health Care, the largest health insurance company in America, relocated their Chicago Regional Office to Downers Grove
Vequity Real Estate redevelopment has opened its new development at the northwest corner of Ogden Avenue and Main Street
Zeigler Auto Group has received approval from the Village for an expansion of its facility at 2501 Ogden Avenue at Cross Street
Mr. Cassa then reported on commercial development opportunities, including The Grove Shopping Center, stating that the repurposing of this center is one of the Village's highest priorities. Several obstacles need to be overcome. There are 16 different property owners in this shopping center. Three of four properties went bankrupt. There are very complex deed and covenant restrictions. Having properties tied up in bankruptcy courts has curtailed the development of this property. A building permit has been issued to make improvements to the western half of the inline space including the façade. Resources have been invested to investigate redevelopment tools.
Regarding auto dealerships on Ogden Avenue, Mr. Cassa said that the size of the site directly impacts inventory. He believes there is an opportunity to attract a new dealership or two if they are able to put some properties together.
Restaurant sites must be large enough to include sufficient parking and have a drive-through, and finding such sites is a challenge. He said people also want to have sites that are on corners.
The EDC is working directly with Federal Realty to attract a tenant for the HH Gregg vacant site and Toys R Us on Finley Mall. He said that the Fairview/Maple/Rogers corridor has a lot of potential. They are currently focusing on two redevelopment sites-Perma-Seal on Rogers, and the closed gas station site on Fairview and 2nd. The EDC continues to work with the owners of Meadowbrook Shopping Center regarding tenants and a new user for the outlot at the southwest corner at 63rd and Woodward to replace the Walgreen store originally expected at that site to serve as an anchor store. Ultimately ownership will have to decide on the future of the center. The EDC has shared the Village's vision for that center.
Mr. Cassa said that online sales have had a dramatic impact on the retail industry. In just over two years national retailers have announced 15,840 store closings. Despite this the EDC is working daily to attract businesses to the Village of Downers Grove.
Mayor Tully thanked Mr. Cassa, saying the list of wins for 2018 is impressive. The Village is grateful to him and his team for their work.
Commissioner White commented that the threat of online stores is a real one, but he asked whether retail sales continue to grow. Mr. Cassa said yes, but the figures include online sales. Commissioner White said that online sales are a challenge, and organizations such as the EDC are needed to attract businesses that partner with Amazon.
Mr. Cassa replied that there was a huge increase in 2018 of purchases via mobile devices. There is a trend of stores partnering with companies such as Apple Pay where people go into a store and make their purchases with their phones. The important thing is to have customers come into a store and actually pay by scanning their payments. The concept of "how" purchases are made is an important one. He noted that Kohl's has just announced that it will be decreasing its inventory by 15% nationwide in the next year.
Commissioner Waldack thanked Mr. Cassa for his work. He brings energy and is a cheerleader for Downers Grove and his Board is made up of hard-working people.
Mr. Cassa said that they have the Mayor, Council and a staff who support them.
Mayor Tully commented that the return of investments is truly remarkable. He is grateful for that.
5. Public Comments
This is the opportunity for public comments.
1. Dr. Gordon Goodman, 5834 Middaugh, congratulated the Village on receiving the award regarding stormwater management. It has taken 45 years, but the Village now has a program of purchasing property in floodplains. He referenced the Consent Agenda regarding public information for LPDAs and floodplain education.
Dr. Goodman then commented on the Citizens Advocacy Center (CAC). About 25 years ago the Park District wanted to establish a waterpark on Main Street between 55th and 63rd Streets. The citizens petitioned for a referendum, and there were a total of three referenda held on the issue. In 1994 the Citizens Advocacy Center was established. Attorneys on staff helped the citizens in the western suburbs. Dr. Goodman said he has been a board member of the CAC for over 20 years. The group is celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Carlisle Banquets, and he invited the Council members to attend. They have been doing work since 1994 to build democracy by strengthening citizens' capacities, resources and institutions for self-governance. They work with other public interest groups in Illinois to allow public comments as well as understanding the Open Meetings Act and the FOIA. Dr. Goodman said that the CAC worked on accountability, accessibility and transparency. He provided statistics of the work that's been done by the CAC in their work with schools and journalists. The benefit dinner for their 25th anniversary will be held on March 23 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. More information can be found at citizensadvocacycenter.org.
Mayor Tully thanked Dr. Goodman for sharing the background about the CAC. He will be issuing a proclamation for their anniversary.
2. Rich Kulovany, 6825 Camden, commented that the agenda of the Architectural Design Review Board meeting tomorrow will include a petition to protect the Downers Grove cemetery with landmark protection.
Mayor Tully said he is pleased to see the Village taking a leadership role in landmarking.
6. Consent Agenda
COR 2019-8111 A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6305, Payroll, March 1, 2019
BIL 2019-8112 B. Bills Payable: 6446, March 19, 2019
RES 2019-8113 C. Resolution: Authorize an Extension to the Agreement with InfoSend, Inc., for Utility Bill Printing Services
This approves an agreement with InfoSend Inc., Downers Grove, IL, for utility bill printing and mailing services for a two-year extension at an estimated annual cost of $14,000.00.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND INFOSEND, INC.
RESOLUTION 2019-19
MOT 2019-8109 D. Motion: Award $16,750.00 to Robinson Engineering, Itasca, IL, for Survey Services for Community Investment Program Projects
This awards contracts for survey services to Robinson Engineering, Itasca, IL, in the amount of $16,750 for Community Investment Program (CIP) project ST-059, survey services for Fairview Avenue resurfacing.
MOT 2019-8114 E. Motion: Include Stifel Financial Corporation as part of the Downers Grove Investment Group
This includes Stifel Financial Corporation as part of the Village's investment group due to Stifel's acquisition of First Empire Securities.
RES 2019-8116 F. Resolution: Authorize a Renewal to the Contract with LexisNexis for On-Line Legal Research Services
This authorizes a four-year renewal of an agreement with LexisNexis in the amount of $6,120 per year.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A RENEWAL TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND LEXISNEXIS
RESOLUTION 2019--20
MOT 2019-8118 G. Motion: Authorize a Contract with Amazon Business Procurement Services through the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance
This authorizes a contract for Amazon Business procurement services through the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.
RES 2019-8119 H. Resolution: Authorize an Addendum with Sentinel Technologies, Inc. for the Village's VoIP Phone System
This authorizes the renewal of the annual maintenance agreement for the Village's Cisco VoIP phone system with Sentinel Technologies, Downers Grove, IL, in an amount of $22,221.00.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ADDENDUM NO. 044-KM BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND SENTINEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
RESOLUTION 2019-21
MOT 2019-8120 I. Motion: Authorize a Rock Salt Allocation of 1,700 Tons from the State of Illinois for the 2019/2020 Season
This authorizes a rock salt allocation of 1,700 tons with the State of Illinois in the joint purchase of bulk rock salt for the 2019/2020 season. The Village will be obligated to authorize execution of a purchase contract with this allocation at a future date.
RES 2019-8072 J. Resolution: Adopt a Program for Public Information for Localized Poor Drainage Areas (LPDAs) and Floodplain Education
This authorizes a program for public information, including community outreach and education activities to be undertaken by the Village with regard to flooding and special flood hazard areas.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A PROGRAM FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION (PPI) FOR LOCALIZED POOR DRAINAGE AREAS (LPDS) AND FLOODPLAIN EDUCATION
RESOLUTION 2019-22
MIN 2019-8117 K. Minutes: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions
Liquor Commission - December 6, 2018; Plan Commission - February 4, 2019
Motion: Commissioner White moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Earl seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Earl, Walus, Waldack, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
7. Active Agenda
8. First Reading
ORD 2019-8 ORD 2019-8099 A. Ordinance: Annex 6120 Springside Avenue to the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois
Stan Popovich, Director, Community Development, showed slides depicting the location of property which is contiguous to the Village. The homeowner has requested annexation and zoning would default automatically to R-1 zoning.
9. Mayor's Report
1) Mayor Tully congratulated Invesco Company for recently receiving the earth flag from SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education). He is happy to see companies being environmentally sustainable.
2) The Mayor said it takes a combination of sources to receive awards, and he wanted to stress that it is because of the Village's outstanding staff that so many of these awards are possible.
3) Mayor Tully reminded everyone that there is an election in the Village on April 2. He encouraged everyone to become informed voters and to vote. It is important. He wished everyone running for office good luck. He noted that the next Council meeting would take place on April 9.
10. Manager's Report
11. Attorney's Report
Pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code, the following are presented for Village Council consideration:
- An ordinance annexing 5614 Katrine Avenue to the Village of Downers Grove
12. Council Member Reports
Commissioner Hosé announced that early voting will be available at Village Hall from March 18 to March 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Commissioner Hosé also announced that the Passport to Safety and Wheely Big Trucks will be held on Saturday, April 6 at Lincoln Center between 10:00 a.m. and noon.
Commissioner Waldack noted that spring break is nearly here. Downtown Management Corporation has activities planned. Information can be obtained at downtowndg.org.
Commissioner Walus announced the 7th annual Mustang Trot will take place on Sunday, April 7 at Downers Grove South High School at 9:00 a.m.
13. Council Member New Business
MOT 2019-8121 A. Motion: Direct Staff to Prepare and Display a Plaque Honoring Brian Krajewksi, George Swimmer and Milton Sees for the Contributions to the Construction of the Belmont Underpass
Commissioner Waldack introduced this item, saying that one of the major infrastructure projects of the last decade was the Belmont underpass. It was a very complex project but cost the Downers Grove taxpayers nothing. It had its beginnings after an 81st District election involving George Swimmer and Brian Krajewski. Mr. Swimmer's platform was railroad safety and the ICC had indicated there were dangerous railroad crossings in the Village. Later Mayor Krajewski and Mr. Swimmer began a long involved process to get the underpass built involving many agencies attempting to work together and get the needed money. In addition, Milton Sees of IDOT put his career on the line to get final funding. Commissioner Waldack said that Brian Krajewski and George Swimmer were the catalysts of this project.
Motion: Commissioner Waldack moved to direct staff to prepare and display a plaque honoring Brian Krajewski, George Swimmer and Milton Sees for their contributions to the construction of the Belmont underpass. Commissioner White seconded the motion.
Mayor Tully spoke about the trials and tribulations and time it took to finish this project. He has no problem with this request.
Commissioner White asked when the final action was taken to move forward with this, and when construction began.
Mayor Tully replied that the project was completed ahead of schedule. There were a series of votes taken over a period of time.
Commissioner White commented that his memory is that Brian Krajewski, George Swimmer and Milton Sees spearheaded this project, and he has no problem with this.
1. Dr. Gordon Goodman commented that George Swimmer worked on this for many years. Mr. Krajewski made it a priority as Mayor of the Village. There were many pieces to this project and it took conviction. He is pleased that the Village is recognizing these individuals.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners Waldack, White, Walus, Earl, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried.
14. Adjournment
Commissioner White moved to adjourn. Commissioner Earl seconded the motion.
Votes: Yea: Commissioners White, Earl, Walus, Waldack, Hosé, Barnett; Mayor Tully
Nay: None
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
April Holden
Village Clerk
©2024 The Village of Downers Grove | All Rights Reserved