April 19, 2022
In order to give as many visitors as possible an opportunity to speak and in the interest of adjourning the meeting by 9:00 p.m., please limit your comments to 5 minutes in length, unless further time is granted by Council. Thank you.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Barnett called to order the Village Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. and led those in the room in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2. Roll Call
Council Attendance (Present): Mayor Barnett, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Walus, Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Kulovany, Commissioner Glover
Council Attendance (Remote): Commissioner Gilmartin
Non-Voting: Village Manager Dave Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, and Village Clerk Rosa Berardi
MOT 2019-8286 - A. Motion: Allowing for electronic participation in the Village Council meeting of April 19, 2022.
Summary: To allow Commissioner Gilmartin to participate electronically in the Village Council meeting of April 19, 2022.
MOTION: To allow electronic participation in the Village Council meeting of April 19, 2022, as presented
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Walus
AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, Mayor Barnett
NAYES: none
3. Proclamations
A. Earth Day
B. Arbor Day
4. Minutes of Council Meetings
MIN 2022-9389 - A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2022
Summary: Village Council Meeting Minutes - April 12, 2022
MOTION: To adopt the meeting minutes of the April 12, 2022 meeting, as presented.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé
SECONDED BY: Commissioners Walus
AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, Mayor Barnett
NAYES: none
5. Public Comment
Mayor Barnett gave the guidelines for public comment and explained that members of the public can ask questions or engage Council members through the Village's reMarks system, the CRC (Community Response Center), Coffee with the Council, direct email, or by phone.
James Kelly, resident, stated he had a concern about the building he has an office space in at 5312 Main Street. He said there were many building code violations that the landlord has not addressed. He further stated when reported them to the Village, they were disregarded and he received notification that he needed to get a Certificate of Occupancy. He stated that he sees that the Village Social Worker is working hard with the homeless situation and has also seen a representative of the PADS Street Outreach doing the same.
David Rose, resident, expressed views on environmental sustainability and the war between Russia and Ukraine.
6. Mayor's Report
There was no Mayor's Report
7. Consent Agenda
BIL 2022-9428 - A. Bills Payable: No. 6658 - April 19, 2022
Summary: Bills Payable No. 6658 - April 19, 2022
MOT 2022-9418 - B. Motion: Award a Three-Year Contract to Brand It On Apparel Company of Schaumburg, Illinois in the Amount of $29,940.00 for the Supply of Public Works Uniforms
Summary: This motion awards a three-year contract to Brand It on Apparel Company of Schaumburg, Illinois in the amount of $29, 940.00 for the supply of public works uniforms.
MOT 2022-9419 - C. Motion: Approve a Contract with Holiday Sewer & Water Construction, Inc. of Wauconda, Illinois for the Williams Street Water Main in the Amount of $423,500.00, Which Includes a 10% Contingency
Summary: This motion approves a contract with Holiday Sewer & Water Construction, Inc. of Wauconda, Illinois for the Williams Street Water Main in the amount of $423,500.00, which includes a 10% contingency.
RES 2022-9438 - D. Resolution: Amendment to the Non-Union Classification & Compensation Plan
Summary: This resolution amends the Non-union Classification and Compensation Plan. RES #2022-39
MOT 2022-9442 - E. Motion: Award a Contract to Microsystems Inc. to Scan Community Development Permit Files into a Digital Format in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $93,500.00, Which Includes a 10% Contingency
Summary: This motion awards a contract to Microsystems Inc. to scan Community Development permit files into a digital format in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $93,500.00, which includes a 10% contingency.
MOTION: To adopt all items on the Consent Agenda, as presented
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé
SECONDED BY: Commissioner Walus
AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, Mayor Barnett
NAYES: none
8. Active Agenda
MOT 2022-9414 - A. Motion: Final Design of the Construction of a Sidewalk on Blodgett Avenue from 59th Street to 61st Street
Summary: This motion grants approval to proceed with the final design of the construction of a sidewalk on Blodgett Avenue from 59th Street to 61st Street.
MOTION: Motion to proceed with final design plans for the construction of a sidewalk on Blodgett Avenue from 59th Street to 61st Street.
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé
SECONDED BY: Commissioners Walus
AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, Mayor Barnett
NAYES: none
ORD 2022-9364 - B. Ordinance: An Ordinance Amending the Village Budget for FY21
Summary: This ordinance amends the Village Budget for FY21. ORD #5921
MOTION: Motion to approve AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE #5831 AND THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021, as presented.
ORD #5921
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé
SECONDED BY: Commissioners Walus
AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, Mayor Barnett
NAYES: none
Mayor Barnett said he suggested anyone watching for the first time go back to take a look at the meeting on 4/5/22, where there was an extensive discussion and presentation with details on this topic. This ordinance is a housekeeping matter as a function of having a better year than planned.
9. First Reading
There are no items under the First Reading portion of the agenda.
10. Manager's Report
MOT 2022-9439 - A. Motion: Approve the Scope of the Social Services Gap Analysis Report
Village Manager, David Fieldman, presented the report which included the goal of the Social Services Referral Program; the background of the program; the scope of the Social Services Gap Analysis Report; and the next steps to be taken.
MOTION: Motion to approve the scope of the Social Services Gap Analysis Report with bullet three of the Service Gap section to read "The Village is unable to identify and contact an agency that provides the requested service and can provide the service in a timely manner".
RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call
MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé
SECONDED BY: Commissioners Walus
AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, Mayor Barnett
NAYES: none
Village Council Questions/Comments
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt stated if a resident is not able to access care due to systemic capacity issues, she considers that a gap. She continued by stating the inability to access care has been more exaggerated since COVID-19, especially among mental health providers. She spoke of personal experience with her child, in addition to issues her friends have had, dealing with what can be a year-plus waitlist with providers. She said she would like to tweak bullet three of the Service Gap, under the Scope of the Report, to be more specific. She thinks a gap that should be included is systemic capacity issues, where there is a lack of providers in the area and they're not able to keep up with demand.
Commissioner Walus stated that she has parents she works with that consistently complain they're on long waiting lists and struggle to find people that can service their children. She believes this is also the case for adults and due to today's environment and everything going on, she believes providers are overloaded. She agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt and wants to include it in the report. She stated that she appreciates staff work on this and feels that it is very thorough.
Commissioner Hosé stated that he appreciates the report and feels that staff has done a nice job encapsulating everything in the three service gaps proposed; stating they make a lot of sense, as does the definition of gap. He states that he is not sure that what Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt proposed is in itself a gap, but it is worthy to note. He continued by stating he is not sure it is something we can do anything about, short of providing service ourselves - and we are not ready for that conversation. Commissioner Hosé is ok with tracking providers that have long lists but he is not sure how that information will be utilized.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt stated that regarding bullet point two, there is nothing that can be done if a resident does not accept a referral. She said that even though she feels that it is a gap, there is nothing we can do about it. She continued by saying she feels it is worthwhile and important to know if there is a gap concerning long waitlists and people not being able to access care; potentially causing patients to drop off and not access care. She stated she feels it is important to keep track, so we know where those gaps are in services. She said she hoped we could look into other options, such as non-profits, to try and provide services in the area. She is comfortable moving forward but feels it's worthwhile to track.
Commissioner Kulovany asked if the potential wording at end of bullet three should read "provides the requested service within a reasonable period of time".
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said that would work.
Commissioner Kulovany stated regarding bullet number one - if a resident is not aware of the availability of the social services provided by the Village Referral Service - it's a problem. He stated that Village residents have a general problem with being surprised by things. He said he is not sure would we would be able to identify or what we could do to solve the issue.
Mayor Barnett stated he feels the words "can provide" should be included in the definition of the word gap, stating "the inability of the Village to successfully refer a resident to a social service agency which can provide the requested service". He said he is not sure if the intention is in the business of providing or which accomplishes the provision; as they are two very different things. He continued by stating he understood this to be an agency that can provide the requested service. He said he felt as if the first bullet in Service Gap exists, which is why we have it in place. He feels when you look at the scope of Village demographics, a cross-section of 50,000 people, and all of the potential service providers, there's a lack of awareness that there are so many. That is what the position of the Social Worker has been tasked with; to make people aware of the number of providers available (500 or so). The Mayor said he doesn't feel that is the definition of a gap, instead, it is what we know. He agreed with Commission Hosé, stating he doesn't believe there is anything that can be done about that. He said the answer was to hire someone that can make those connections. He continued by stating he feels the same way about the second point; if a resident has been identified as needing help, has been contacted with options, and chooses not to take action, that is no longer a gap. He said that person made an individual choice not to take help. He spoke of Commission Sadowski-Fugitt's point, stating if Village public safety officials could not get to someone in need of help within a couple of hours that would be a gap. He stated that is different than residents accepting help or being made aware of it. Mayor Barnett said he feels that the third bullet point should be adjusted in a way to meet Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt's definition. He does not feel like the first two bullets are part of the service gap definition they are trying to identify.
Commissioner Gilmartin stated he appreciated the continued work on this. He also agreed with Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt about the metric of overcapacity or being at capacity. He agreed that if someone refuses services then our work is done. However, he said he felt the data points are still important to know because if we are seeing a pattern of not accepting in a certain area, it could be an indication that we have not connected residents with the right solution. Commissioner Gilmartin said he also feels that tracking can lead to insights that may not have been on the surface. He said he supports Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt in continuing with the addition of the capacity gap. He stated that everything that has been presented is worthy of measuring, taking a look at where the metrics fall 6 months or 12 months from now.
Mayor Barnett asked Manager Fieldman if we have been collecting data.
Manager Fieldman stated that data is being collected, but it is hard to measure people who are not aware of what you are trying to measure - so there will never be a quantitative kind of data point. He stated, however, that Village staff is always looking for ways to increase awareness of the existence of the program. He concluded by stating the second and third items are measured monthly.
Commissioner Kulovany stated that he would think first responders responding to calls recognize problems and connect those people and their families to our program. He further stated as far as capacity, if 1% of the population sought help from our program all at once our Social Worker would be very busy, as that would be 490-500 people or instances. He stated in general he agrees with the scope.
Mayor Barnett said the important thing to remember is the Council is trying to narrow down the scope of the report; concurring with Commission Hosé regarding what to do with the information. He asked the Council to agree on what the seven of them what back in terms of information. He said in that context, adding to the scope doesn't seem out of line to him. He said the real challenges are when there are consistent denials or rejections of service, what needs to be done with that information, further stating that is a discussion for a different day
Commissioner Gilmartin asked if the motion discussed is just regarding the metrics to be used and not about how the metrics should be measured. He asked if the Human Services Committee would determine how to recognize metrics or give recommendations regarding them.
David Fieldman replied by stating he feels there is a good handle on data collection, data measurements, and metric reporting. He said that staff wants to get an idea of what the Council thinks constitutes a service Gap.
Public Comment
James Kelly, resident, returned to the podium. He stated there's a resident that has reached out to agencies to help one of her children and the agencies are overloaded; she has been left at a dead end. He stated that the Village should be seeking the assistance of agencies outside of the DuPage County area. He spoke about the mental health conditions of the human race in the past 3 years. He stated the Village should have a checks and balances approach to the Social Services Program
David Rose, resident, returned to the podium and stated that he has not been a fan of this. He stated that he does not feel the Village Council is really sure what they are trying to accomplish and rushed into hiring a Social Worker.
Mayor Barnett summarized the process from the beginning. He explained what Council is trying to accomplish is to help people and to connect them to the help they need.
Manager Fieldman stated that staff had clear direction from the Village Council and they are excited to continue with this at the next Human Service Commission meeting, to take place on 4/26/22, in the Village Committee Room.
Mayor Barnett called a five-minute break and the meeting resumed in the Village Council Chambers.
Item B. - FRSP Discussion: Design of Council Chambers and Public Plaza.
Deputy Village Manager, Mike Baker presented. The presentation was regarding two important spaces, the Betty Cheever Council Chambers and the Blackburn Civil Rights Plaza. He stated he was seeking Council input on the functional design of the Council Chambers and also the landscape design and visual features to be incorporated into the Plaza. He explained how the Council Chambers space would be used, stating that School District #58 will hold board meetings in the space, as will the Park District. The school district and the Village would use the space for teacher and staff training. Mr. Baker said he envisions it being a much more active space than the current space, especially during daytime hours. Mr. Baker introduced the Design Team: David Yandel, FGM; Regan Porter, FGM; Tim King, Hitchcock Design Group; Christopher Wong, Selbert Perkins Design.
David Yandel, Design Team Project Manager, said the design team is happy to be here and they are looking for comments and feedback. He discussed the Council Chambers and that he would like to nail things down as they head toward the design/development phase of this project.
Raegan Porter, Interior Design Lead for the Project, walked everyone through the design options. Option #1 included a flexible option with mobile tables that could include an at level full modesty dais, staff seating, podium, seating for 110 guests, and included a mobile partition to split the space into two meeting spaces. Option #2 included a raised dais, at 6 inches instead of the current 14 inches, with a different layout for staff seating, the podium, guest seating and the moveable partition - this option is less flexible. Per the Americans Disability Act (ADA) both options would require a ramp and Ms. Porter gave specifics about the ramp locations.
Mr. Yandel added that the fixed dais could also be on a flat plain at a lower level. He continued by stating that there could potentially be a hybrid of semi-fixed tables, with a semi-fixed dais that would be mounted but could ultimately be moved.
Ms. Porter continued with some additional details about the partition, the doorway, and the design details of the room, including stone and/or tile.
Commissioner Gilmartin thanked the design team for presenting in such a clear way. He stated that when looking at the rendering shown with different materials, he is certain that a non-raised dais would be difficult as far as sightlines for the guests in the back; currently there is a raised dais with stadium-style seating. Commissioner Gilmartin said he likes the idea of the flexibility of use for meetings other than Council meetings. He reiterated the sightline concern for people in attendance and added there would even be sightline issues from the dais out to the audience.
Commissioner Hosé said he tends to be a little more formal and he agrees with Commissioner Gilmartin's comments about sightlines. He liked the concept of flexibility in theory but feels there is a level of formality that he does not want to sacrifice. He further stated he wants the design to reflect that this room is primarily used as a seat of government and wants it to be a little less conference-like and a little more courtroom-like. Commisioner Hosé said he would also like the room to include the Village of Downers Grove seal and perhaps those of the other intergovernmental agencies that will also use the room. He stated he would like people to walk in and know that this is a place where legislation is considered and passed.
Commissioner Kulovany stated that he agreed with his colleagues' comments. He said he believes it's important that Council can be seen and that seats are comfortable. He stated there are some security considerations about the dais that are important to retain moving forward and he is leaning toward the fixed dais option, as opposed to more of a community room type of feeling.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt stated that she is on the opposite end of the spectrum as Commissioner Hosé, She said she would like to remain as approachable as possible. She said she respects the level of formality and agrees with Commission Gilmartin and Commissioner Kulovany regarding sightline concerns. She would like to try to make it a little less intimidating for the audience members and also feels the Council needs to be able to see them when engaging with them. She would also prefer the fixed raised dais, so everyone can see one another and connect that way.
Commission Walus stated that her initial thought was being so high makes Council less approachable. She said she does not necessarily know that she wants the Chambers to feel like a courtroom since there are community members who are already anxious about speaking before Council. She stated she feels a 6-inch raised dais is high enough to that allow Council to be able to see everyone, but low enough that Council seems a little more approachable. Commissioner Walus stated that the fixed dais is a good idea moving forward.
Commission Glover stated that he agrees. He is also in favor of the raised dais, not just because of sightlines and formality, but because it is also going to be used for other organizations and will help them as well. He asked if the rise is only 6 inches and because the ceilings would be lower than the current height.
Ms. Porter answered that it is because a 6-foot-long ramp is needed.
Commissioner Glover stated that it seems the room is a little un-centered and asks if that is on purpose.
Ms. Porter said it is because there are storm shelters on either side and there have to be rated doors to those storm shelters. She spoke of double doors going in on either side of the room and the stone materials being used within the room to try and provide symmetry and center the space.
Mr. Yandel stated that this is not the final design and that they have drawn ad nauseam versions and narrowed it down to these two, to show the flexibility versus having a fixed option. He stated that working within a 6-inch to 7-1/2-inch dimension for the riser is the primary goal. He said the dividing partition adds some complexity in terms of how big the rooms would be and how many doors would be necessary to egress from those spaces if that wall is closed. Concerning sightlines, they understand that the size and shape of the new room would be different than what Council Chambers is now; currently, it is almost square at 49ft x 50ft, with the new Chambers measuring 30ft x 60ft. He said the rooms have the same areas but will have slightly different geometry and proportions. He stated the current designs were driven a little bit by the goal to get two meeting rooms of two different sizes, as well as maintain the formality of a Council space. Mr. Yandel said concerning sightlines, there would potentially be additional monitors integrated into the space for those who may be sitting in the back and trying to find the right AV layer on top of the design layer is one of the next steps.
Mayor Barnett stated that this will be done one time and wants it done right. He said he could picture the space with about 135 people and everyone mad and wanting their opportunity to speak. He did not see how people would get in and out of rows and queue up to speak. He didn't know how the public would see the Council or how the Council would see them. He said with the depth of 65ft vs 50ft, 15 feet is a long way. He asked if there would be any way to get an elevation change from the front to the back of seating while keeping compliant with ADA. The Mayor stated he would like a center aisle, allowing people that disagree on issues to sit on separate sides and prevent any altercations. He also agrees that there is value to formality but would sacrifice all of it for separation and space for people they know are frustrated. He said he does not want the new Council chambers to look chaotic. Mayor Barnett agrees with a fixed raised dais option, to create formality in the space. He said he agrees sightlines are an issue and he thinks of the reality of an angry resident sitting 65 feet from the Council.
Mr. Baker thanked all for their feedback about the functional layout of the space and room. He assured the Council that the feedback would be incorporated into the next steps of the design process. He said moving forward with the design process, former Mayor Better Cheever will be honored not only in the Chambers but also in the Civic Center lobby.
Commissioner Kulovany asked if the floor can be sloped as opposed to stepped up. He spoke of the Tivoli Theater being sloped but still has seats that go back quite a bit.
Mr. Baker stated that the design team will look at that idea and get back to Council.
Mayor Barnett mentioned the examples that were emailed to the Council and none of them positively got his attention, except for the shape of the dais in the Beaverton example - a visual was shown. He said he felt the challenge with the current dais has been the lack of completeness of the arc; having to lean forward to talk to Commissioner Kulovany on an end. He said he would more complete of an arc, where everyone can be able to sort of be talking to each other as opposed to just at the audience. The Mayor said he feels there is some appeal in that layout to him. He stated he is going to underscore that one more time because it shows differently on the two drawings shown early, the flexible layout versus the fixed dais. He also spoke of queuing up the audience, making it easy and obvious where that is supposed to happen. Mayor Barnett said that last on his list is the ceiling height, the taller the better for all reasons already mentioned; a little air space and a little feeling of something opposite of claustrophobic will be helpful to the Council.
Mr. Yandel stated that the rendering probably does not show it, but the reason the space is at the front of the building is so that they could get the ceiling height to be 1-1/2 stories tall; the ceiling height is tracking at 13-14 right now.
Mayor Barnett stated that when looking at examples around Downers Grove, Glenview did a nice job with rehabbing their ceiling,
Mr. Yandel stated the volume helps with acoustics; gives the room a little more breathing space, and there are a lot of positives that come out of that.
Mr. Baker stated the conversation would transition to the Blackburn Civil Rights Plaza. He turned over the presentation to Tim King, Landscape Architect with Hitchcock Design Group.
Mr. King touched on the overall landscape plan for the site. He said they are working with staff to be sure that Village code requirements are met for the landscape plan. He continued by saying that the plaza itself does not have code requirements and with the design of the building there is a nice entrance space to work with. Mr. King said there will be some grading changes and they will need to take into consideration ADA- accessible walkways to the building entrances and through the space. The Police Department entrance will be on the north side of the building and the Village Hall entrance on the west side. Mr. King showed renderings of the plaza and space, including landscape and hardscape areas, indicating a naturalized planting design approach will be taken rather than a garden design. He stated the design team is seeking Council's feedback regarding what they believe the space will be used for and how they want the space to be laid out.
Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said she appreciated the thought of naturalized plantings. She would like this to be a place to potentially showcase public art or fine arts; possibly partnering with non-governmental organizations to make it happen. She also said she feels this is an opportunity to bring people together in a plaza that is celebrating the history of Civil Rights, different cultures, diversity, and the change-makers that have lived in the Village. She wants the Plaza to have more than just a name and something meaningful for the community.
Mr. Yandel stated that this is a very collaborative process among the design team. He stated that once the general conversation regarding the Plaza is heard, he, Tim, and Chris Wong, would come back and talk about the ideas they are working on.
Commissioner Gilmartin gave thanks for showing the rendering and asked if any part of the design would allow for space for public gatherings; where a group could meet for an after-work talk or that type of gathering.
Mr. King said that the initial conversations were to create a flexible space. He said it is subjective to how big the plaza space will be in relationship to the pl
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