Minutes Archive

September 06, 2022

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. He explained the protocol for the meeting and the guidelines to submit public comment.

2. Roll Call

Council Attendance (Present): Mayor Barnett, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Walus, Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt, Commissioner Kulovany, Commissioner Gilmartin, Commissioner Glover

Council Attendance (Not Present): None

Non-Voting: Village Manager Dave Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca, and Village Clerk Rosa Berardi

3. Public Hearings

PUB 2022-9592 - A. Proposed Annexation Agreement for the Property Located at 3811 Sterling Road

Mayor Barnett called the Public Hearing to order at 7:03 p.m.

Mayor Barnett explained that the Public Hearing was concerning the annexation of the property located at 3811 Sterling Road. He said the Notice of Hearing was published in the Daily Herald newspaper on August 22, 2022 and was a part of the proceedings. Mayor Barnett also summarized the procedure for the public hearing.

Community Development Director, Stan Popovich, used a PowerPoint presentation to present this item. He showed the location of the property and the Village boundary lines. Mr. Popovich said the petitioner was proposing to construct a single-family home on a vacant lot, through DuPage County permitting, because it was not located within the Village of Downers Grove city limits. The petitioner requested a connection to Village water and since the property is not contiguous to Village boundaries, the petitioner was asked to enter into an Annexation Agreement. Mr. Popovich asked if there were any questions or comments.

Commissioner Kulovany asked if any neighbors of this property had requested to be connected to Village water.

Mr. Popovich stated that there are neighbors that already had been connected to Village water.

Mayor Barnett stated that the item would be seen as a future agenda item and adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m.

4. Proclamations

A. Suicide Prevention - Hope for a Day After reading the proclamation, the Mayor asked all residents to take the time to understand the importance of mental health education and to recognize the importance of taking care of ourselves and others. He spoke of suicide help resources such as the DuPage Crisis phone support and the National Suicide Lifeline.
B. Hunger Action Month
After reading the proclamation, the Mayor asked all to give some thought to finding opportunities to volunteer or to donate to the food support systems mentioned in the proclamation.

5. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2022-9564 - A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - August 16, 2022

MOTION: To adopt the meeting minutes of the August 16, 2022 meeting, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Walus

AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Sadowski-Fugitt, Kulovany, Gilmartin, Glover, and Mayor Barnett

NAYES: None

6. Consent Agenda

COR 2022-9567 - A. Claims Ordinance: No. 6471, Payroll - August 12, 2022

BIL 2022-9566 - B. Bills Payable: No. 6684 - September 6, 2022

MIN 2022-9565 - C. Minutes: Note Receipt of Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes Summary: Note Receipt of Boards and Commissions Meeting Minutes: Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, June 23, 2022; Historic Preservation and Design Review Board, June 22, 2022; Plan Commission, July 11, 2022 and August 1, 2022.

MOT 2022-9583 - D. Motion: Authorize a Change Order to Foster Coach Sales, Inc. for Ambulance Equipment Purchases in the Amount of $18,500.00

Summary: This motion authorizes an amendment to the purchase agreement of two 2023 Ford F550 Ambulances from Foster Coach Sales of Sterling, IL, increasing the amount to $745,530, an increase in the amount of $18,500.00.

MOT 2022-9585 - E. Motion: Approve an Agreement with Swallow Construction Corporation of West Chicago, IL for the Fleet Culvert Pipe Replacement in the Amount of $219,059.50, Which Includes a 10% Contingency

Summary: This motion approves an agreement with Swallow Construction Corporation of West Chicago, IL for the fleet culvert pipe replacement in the amount of $219,059.50, 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, Sadowski-Fugitt, Kulovany, Gilmartin, Glover, and Mayor Barnett

NAYES: None

7. Active Agenda

ORD 2022-9573 - A. Ordinance: Authorizing the Extension of a Special Use to Permit a Multi-Tenant Retail Building with Drive-Through at 931 and 935 Ogden Avenue to January 13, 2023 ORDINANCE 5942

Summary: This ordinance authorizes the extension of a special use to permit a multi-tenant retail building with drive-through at 931 and 935 Ogden Avenue to January 13, 2023.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jim Kelly, resident, asked if this was the location of the new Popeyes Chicken.

Mayor Barnett said this was different and that project is not as far along.

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXTENSION OF A SPECIAL USE TO PERMIT A MULTI-TENANT BUILDING WITH DRIVE-THROUGH AT 931 AND 935 OGDEN AVENUE TO JANUARY 13, 2023, as presented. ORDINANCE 5942 RESULT: Motion carried by roll call.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Walus

AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Glover, Gilmartin, Kulovany, Sadowski-Fugitt, and Mayor Barnett

NAYES: None

8. First Reading

RES 2022-9574 - A. Resolution: Proposed Annexation Agreement for the Property Located at 3811 Sterling Road Village Manager Dave Fieldman stated that this item was a resolution regarding the proposed Annexation Agreement for the property located at 3811 Sterling Road. He said that Mr. Popovich had already given a presentation on the item during the Public Hearing and had nothing further to present.

VILLAGE COUNCIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS

Mayor Barnett stated this this was the first opportunity to discuss this annexation and the next step was for the item to appear on a future Active Agenda.

9. Public Comment

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Noel Manley, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Ed Briner, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Ilene Briner, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Heather Hackett, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Norm Sidler, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Laura Hois, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Mary O'Dowd, Darien resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Michael Nielsen, spoke against the Drag Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Phil Sullivan, 1110 Grove Street, expressed concern with the homeless population at Fishel Park.
Anne Wick, resident, voiced her support for the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Laura Temple, resident, voiced her support for the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Michael Hahn, resident, expressed his disappointment in the Library Board members and called for their resignation.
Tina Chan spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Linda Schranz, resident, voiced her support for the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Unidentified resident of Downers Grove spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Gary Bakker, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Kelly Aguayo, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Laura Perino, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Nancy Sullivan, 1110 Grove Street, expressed concern with the homeless population at Fishel Park.
Nancy Belda, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Marian Kritzler, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Jim Kelly, requested that rather than complaining about the homeless population, people try to reach out and help them in any way they can.
Brian Sewell, resident, expressed concern with the homeless population at Fishel Park. He also spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Scott Melrose, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
George Swimmer spoke about issues with the homeless population throughout the country and in Downers Grove. He also stated he admired the people that were voicing their opinions at the meeting.
Lisa Hultmart, Darien resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.
Carrie Swimmer, resident, spoke against the Drag Queen Bingo event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library.

10. Mayor's Report

Mayor Barnett thanked all those that came to the meeting and said that the Village Council appreciated their input. He said he wanted to make sure everyone was heard. He explained that the members of the Village Council consisted of a group of people that are friends and neighbors of the community. They are trying to govern in the best way possible, but there are limiting factors to what the Council has authority over.

The Mayor responded to the complaints concerning homelessness by stating there are significant State restrictions on what the Village can and cannot do; explaining times are very different than they were 40 years ago. He said many things are not a matter of choice and issues need to be governed in a certain way. He suggested everyone read about the Illinois Safe-T Act, as it is an important piece of State legislations that affects the way every community operates.

Next, the Mayor asked everyone to read the Library Act, stating that it defines how the library is structured. He said the Village has some authority to appoint members to the Board, but beyond that the Village Council did not have authority over the Library Board.

The Mayor reiterated that whether or not the Council or audience appeared happy with the comments that were made at the meeting, he and his peers appreciated the attendance and input.

Mayor Barnett called for a five minute break at 8:44 p.m.

After the break, Mayor Barnett said that the conversations that took place at the meeting were important ones that every member of the Village Council took seriously. He said all of the Council members had been listening, taking notes, and appreciated hearing from all sides of the issues. The Mayor said that all of the comments would be taken into consideration.

11. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt said that she was grateful to have had the second annual Suicide Prevention Proclamation read at the meeting. She said that since the start of COVID, suicide prevention had become more important than ever. She further stated that as a volunteer of several LGBTQ+ organizations, she would have been remiss if she did not reiterate that LGBTQ+ youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide; which equated to one LGBTQ youth every 45 seconds. The Commissioner said that research suggested it was due to bullying and stigma. She asked all to lead with love and empathy to provide for an all-inclusive Downers Grove community. Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt aslo said she looked forward to the Grove Foundation Golf Outing on Saturday, September 10^th and thanked everyone that registered for the event.

Commission Gilmartin said based on the emails he had received and from what he heard at the meeting concerning the Drag Bingo event, he thought it was important to share his thoughts. He thanked all that came out to express their thoughts and opinions. He said while he supported the event, he understood there were concerns in the community. He said he hoped the Library's FAQ page helped to allay any fears or worries about the event. He suggested those that had not read it, take the time to read it, as it clearly explained the event and its content. The Commissioner further stated that for those that sought purpose of the event, it was simply about representation and inclusion. He said the event meant so much to those who felt neither represented nor included. He viewed the event as an opportunity for all youth to go out and have fun time while playing Bingo. Commissioner Gilmartin said the library is a public space that is an extension of the community. He believed as a community it was important for all to recognize the opportunities to learn and grow when it came to understanding those that are different from us. He said it was important to stand up and support those that had been marginalized.

Commissioner Gilmartin then spoke of libraries being at the forefront of support and inclusion for centuries. He gave an example of when women's rights were limited in the 19^th Century and libraries became sanctuaries by creating separate reading rooms for women. He also spoke of the 1939 American Libraries Association Bill of Rights stating that a person's rights should not be denied because of origin, age, background or views. The Commissioner said that libraries had sought to provide services to a wide variety of people long before it was popular or even accepted. He stated that the library is the knowledge center in the Village and it is the library's role to expand awareness of diversity in all kids of ways. He gave examples of the events and services that take place at the library such as resume building, college planning, reading to the dogs, toddler story time, food and pantry drives, Excel training and Dungeons and Dragons Night. Commissioner Gilmartin concluded by stating he supported all of the library's efforts.

Commissioner Hosé spoke of the groundbreaking of the new Civic Center. He said it was a nice opportunity to celebrate the work that the Council had done to get them to the point of the new Civic Center. The Commissioner said it was nice to see those that contributed along the way such as Mayor Tully and Commissioner Earl. He said it was a good opportunity to celebrate with their new partners at School District 58. Commissioner Hosé said he was looking forward to a big party at the new building's ribbon cutting.

12. Manager's Report

A. Long Range Planning - Priority Action Items

The Mayor said that since the meeting had run long and there were so many heavy subjects for the Council to consider, the Manager's Report would be moved to a future meeting date.

13. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

MOTION: To adjourn the September 6, 2022, Village Council meeting. RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Walus

AYES: Commissioners Hosé, Walus, Sadowski-Fugitt, Kulovany, Gilmartin, Glover and Mayor Barnett

NAYES: None

Mayor Barnett declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk