July 02, 2019
1. Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Hosé 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 Hosé led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
Council Attendance (Present): Commissioner Earl, Commissioner Walus, Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Kulovany, Commissioner Gray; Mayor Pro Tem Hosé
Absent: Mayor Barnett
Non-Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, Village Clerk April Holden
The Council meeting is broadcast live and a recording of the meeting is made using Village-owned equipment. The recording 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 Hosé 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 2019-8227 - A. Minutes: Council Minutes - June 18, 2019
Motion: Commissioner Earl moved to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Walus seconded the motion.
Mayor Hosé declared the motion carried by voice vote.
4. Presentation
A. Report: Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Quarterly Report
Michael Cassa, President and CEO, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, presented the quarterly report. Sales tax revenue for March was almost identical to last year. Home Rule sales tax was down 5.33% from one year ago; hotel taxes were up 2.21% from April 2018 to April 2019.
Mr. Cassa spoke of two initiatives the EDC is currently undertaking. The Strategic Plan 2020 is scheduled to be completed in April 2020. It consists of ten sections: Commercial section (consumer spending); downtown redevelopment; light industrial sector; office sector (Downers Grove is a destination for corporate headquarters); business retention; future economic drivers including technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, venture capital, attracting talent; tourism; marketing and communications; organizational administration; and finance and investor relations. Mr. Cassa said teams will be set up for each section. He is looking for input from all groups. The Strategic Plan 2020 will also include a best practices initiative and an analysis of site selection factors.
The second initiative is a project researching trends over the next five years in the commercial sector. Store closings affect sales and sales taxes. Mr. Cassa said the project is expected to be completed in mid-August. This will be part of the Strategic Plan and will look at overall consumer spending trends over the next five years. This will include brick and mortar sales as a percent of overall spending, e-commerce as a percent of overall spending, and mobile devices as a percent of use for all spending. The project will also include an analysis of commercial segments in terms of general trends in each sector, general trends related to consumer spending, consumer spending trends of brick and mortar vs. e-commerce, growth companies in each sector, and the impact on existing sectors in Downers Grove. Mr. Cassa said the retail segments are apparel, autos, electronics, furniture, general merchandise, grocery, hardware/home improvement, pharmaceuticals, and restaurants. Mr. Cassa said the EDC has an intern focused on this project. Everyday work will not be neglected.
Mr. Cassa described two vacant sites on Butterfield and noted that two anchor stores will be filled at those sites. Important sites need to be filled quickly because anchor stores attract customers.
Mr. Cassa expressed his gratitude for the support of the Village.
Mayor Pro Tem Hosé thanked Mr. Cassa for his leadership. Ensuring a vibrant and diverse economy is vital to keeping Downers Grove a destination in the western suburbs, and there is no more critical partner than the EDC in that.
5. Public Comments
This is the opportunity for public comments.
There were none.
6. Consent Agenda
COR 2019-8228 - A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6319, Payroll, June 21, 2019
BIL 2019-8229 - B. Bills Payable: No. 6464, July 2, 2019
RES 2019-8223 - C. Resolution: Authorize an Extension to the Agreement with Safebuilt Illinois, LLC for Residential Development Review Services
Summary: This authorizes an extension to the contract for residential development review services beginning on or about July 17, 2019, with Safebuilt Illinois, LLC (Safebuilt).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND SAFEBUILT ILLINOIS, LLC
RESOLUTION 2019-50
RES 2019-8222 - D. Resolution: Authorize an Extension to the Agreement with TPI Building Code Consultants, Inc. for Residential Development Review Services
Summary: This authorizes the execution of a one-year contract extension on or about July 10, 2019, for residential development review services with TPI Building Code Consultants, Inc. (TPI).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND TPI BUILDING CODE CONSULTANTS, INC.
RESOLUTION 2019-48
RES 2019-8224 - E. Resolution: Authorize an Extension to the Agreement with B&F Construction Code Services, Inc. for Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and Energy Inspections
Summary: This authorizes a one-year contract extension with B&F Construction Code Services, Inc. for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and energy inspections at a rate of $75 per hour, with a not to exceed amount of $31,000.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND B&F CONSTRUCTION CODE SERVICES, INC.
RESOLUTION 2019-49
MOT 2019-8231 - F. Motion: Award $43,985.00 to Air One Equipment for the Purchase and Installation of a Replacement Air Compressor
Summary: This authorizes the purchase and installation of a replacement air compressor at Station 103 from Air One Equipment for the amount of $43,985.
MOT 2019-8226 - G. Motion: Award a Contract for an Amount Not to Exceed $40,700.00 to Microsystems, Inc. for Microfiche Scanning
Summary: This authorizes the execution of a contract for microfiche scanning to Microsystems, Inc. in the amount of $37,000.00, plus 10% contingency in the amount of $3,700.00 for a total not-to-exceed $40,700.00.
MIN 2019-8245 - H. Minutes: Note Receipt of Minutes of Boards and Commissions
Summary: Library Board - May 22, 2019
Motion: Commissioner Earl moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Walus seconded the motion.
Mayor Hosé declared the motion carried by voice vote.
7. Active Agenda
8. First Reading
RES 2019-8225 - A. Resolution: Grant a Historic Landmark Designation for 4721 Highland Avenue
Stan Popovich, Director, Community Development, showed the location of the home between Prairie and Chicago on Highland. It is a craftsman style home. The Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB) found it met the criteria of Chapter 11, Historic Preservation. Mr. Popovich said, if approved, this will be the 27th home to be landmarked.
Commissioner Kulovany said it will be the 25th under the revised ordinance.
Ted Anderson, 4721 Highland Avenue, said he and his wife are the owners of this property. He thanked the Council for considering this. He said he is interested in the history of Downers Grove. They are glad their home is being recognized and they are happy to do their part. He noted that the neighbors support this.
Irene Hogstrom, 1232 Gilbert, said that behalf of herself and the Pierce Downer Heritage Alliance, she supports this. She thanked the Anderson's for bringing this forward.
Amy Gassen, 5320 Benton, said it is exciting to see another landmark application. She thanked the homeowners for bringing this forward.
Chuck Holtzen, 5226 Carpenter, said she is excited for the homeowners.
Mayor Pro Tem Hosé joined in thanking the Andersons and noted that this is a source of pride.
Commissioner Kulovany thanked the homeowners as well. Hopefully others will follow their example.
RES 2019-8234 - B. Resolution: Authorize an Agreement with Sam Schwartz for Transportation Planning and Engineering Services at Downers Grove North and South High Schools
Nan Newlon, Director, Public Works, said this and the next item address residential and vehicular safety at Downers Grove high schools as a large number of students, staff and faculty cross busy streets daily. The Village and District 99 agreed to engage a consultant with traffic and community planning expertise. She described the scope and focus of the project. The focus at Downers Grove North will include Main Street from Ogden Avenue to Lincoln Street. At Downers Grove South, it will include Dunham Road from 63rd Street to Norfolk Street; 63rd Street from Dunham Road to Springfield Avenue; and Main Street at Norfolk Street. Ms. Newlon noted that 63rd Street is a County road and a new traffic signal is scheduled there for 2020. The scope of services will include data gathering and analysis; review of best practices; identification of alternative treatments; community engagement; online surveys, open houses, and a student-focused activity; refinement and evaluation of alternatives; documentation of preferred alternatives to include a final report; and task force and public meetings.
With respect to the selection process, Ms. Newlon said a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised and seven responses were received. Staff from both the Village and District 99 selected two firms to be interviewed and Sam Schwartz was selected.
Ms. Newlon said the schedule is to begin the project in mid-July through December 2019. An intergovernmental agreement with Community District 99 provides that the cost of this work will be equally shared.
Mayor Pro Tem Hosé said Council has received a tremendous amount of input that will be provided to District 99. They are eager to find the right solutions. He thanked District 99 and Village staff for their work.
Commissioner Kulovany asked about the location - Main and Norfolk or Main and Oxford.
Village Manager Dave Fieldman said it is in that general area as there is an issuing crossing in that area.
Commissioner Kulovany then asked about the methodology. He said there is a contention that students who are east of Main Street are not walking to Downers Grove South because they consider it dangerous so the previous counts were very low.
Ms. Newlon said the County did counts according to their methodology looking at crossings. There may also be other things to look at there in terms of signage, geometric configuration of the road, etc.
Mr. Fieldman addressed the demand for pedestrian traffic and trying to model that and predict it if it were a different environment to cross. We will ask the consultant for help in this area.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt noted that this is a personal issue for many people. She appreciates that this sensitivity was considered and made a part of the selection process. Having a firm that has had some of these conversations with people be helpful because we will be able to bring people in as a community.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt asked about the funds for this.
Ms. Newlon said the Village had budgeted money for bicycle and pedestrian improvements and we will use it for this project.
Cinda Lester, 644 67th Street, said she has copied the Council on many emails. She quoted from a petition for traffic calming at 63rd and Springside as well as Main Street at Norfolk/Oxford. This area is used by many Downers Grove South students and is extremely dangerous with speed limits up to 40 miles per hour and multiple lanes. Downers Grove South does not provide bus transportation within 1.5 miles of the school. This three mile circle includes a large percentage of Downers Grove South students' homes including a portion of the area east of Main Street. She spoke of signalized traffic lights and other crosswalks. She said everyday children are forced to play a game of chicken crossing the streets. Many times students are crossing in the dark. She has witnessed several near accidents. Drivers do not pay attention to pedestrians and even school buses do not always stop.
Ms. Lester said new pedestrian signalization at these two locations cited in the petition is required at a minimum. She said the petition was forwarded to the County. The County did traffic counts and will include a full traffic signal in their 2020 budget. They found the counts were not there for Main at Norfolk/Oxford. She urged the Council to provide a short-term solution at Norfolk/Oxford. She said kids' safety is very important.
Mayor Pro Tem Hosé thanked Ms. Lester for her comments. He noted that the County has been talking about this matter for many years.
Todd Paradis, 417 67th Court, questioned the timing of this project. He questioned the results given all the construction currently going on.
Mr. Fieldman said the data was taken while students were in school and before the construction began, but this will be looked at again.
RES 2019-8233 - C. Resolution: Authorize an Intergovernmental Agreement with Community High School District 99 for Traffic Safety Enhancements at Downers Grove North and South High Schools
9. Manager's Report
Mr. Fieldman said that Council and staff are turning their attention to Long Range Planning which combines strategic planning with financial planning. These sessions go from August through September and will consist of our strategic goals, identifying issues, strategies to address the issues and creating a two-year work plan of priority action items for the Council. A draft plan will be published later this month. The public is encouraged to participate in these discussions.
10. Attorney's Report
11. Mayor and Council Member Reports
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said is sad that she and her family will miss the July 4th parade.
Commissioner Walus congratulated the Rotary Club on a successful RotaryFest. Money earned goes back into the community. She thanked the volunteers and attendees. Mayor Pro Tem Hosé noted that Commissioner Walus is now in charge of the weather.
Commissioner Earl said notifications will be on social media between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. if parade information changes due to the weather. The parade is scheduled to begin a 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Main and Grant Streets. The Fish Food Pantry will accept donations.
Mayor Pro Tem Hosé noted that Downers Grove's Special Olympic Gold Medalists Anna Cavallo and Kari Winter are the Grand Marshals of the parade. They competed in multiple events at the Summer Olympics games held at Illinois State University in June. Anna won gold in balance beam, uneven bars, and vault. Kari took home the gold in uneven bars and won silver in vault. Both are SEASPAR trained athletes. Mayor Hosé welcomed them to the front of the parade.
Mayor Pro Tem Hosé then reflected on Independence Day. The Declaration of Independence was issued on July 4, 1776, but it was actually 244 years ago today that the Second Continental Congress voted unanimously in favor of the Resolution for Independence, introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. John Adams wrote his wife, Abigail, the following day, that July 2, 1776, will be the most memorable in the history of America. But July 4 has been linked in history as American's birthday thanks to the writings of then 32-year-old Thomas Jefferson. His ideas have been innate since the dawn of time, but it was the first time anyone had written them down in quite this way: "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Thus America was born; an idea and ideal that has lit the world for nearly 2 ½ centuries. As we look around our Nation today, we see much anger, discord and disrespect in America's politics. That anger and disrespect has bled from our Nation's politics into its policies far too often lately to the detriment of those who have been marginalized in our society - citizens and non-citizens alike. As we celebrate our independence once again, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals Jefferson expressed and remember that when any person, regardless of their nationality, creed or color, is denied those unalienable rights, they are endangered for all of us.
12. Adjournment
Mayor Hosé asked for a motion to adjourn.
Motion: Commissioner Earl moved to adjourn. Commissioner Walus seconded the motion.
Mayor Hosé declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, April Holden Village Clerk
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