Minutes Archive

December 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.

2. Roll Call

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

Council Attendance (Not Present): Commissioner Walus

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

3. Minutes of Council Meetings

MIN 2022-9663  -  A. Minutes: Village Council Meeting Minutes - November 15, 2022

Summary: Village Council Meeting Minutes - November 15, 2022

MOTION: To adopt the meeting minutes of the November 15, 2022 meeting, as presented.

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by roll call.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYES: None

Mayor Barnett explained the process for public comment. He also explained that the public could provide comments and/or engage with the Village Council through the Village E-Remarks System, the CRC system, at Coffee with the Council, via email and by phone. 

4. Public Hearings

PUB 2022-9632  -  A. Public Hearing: 2022 Tax Levy Public Hearing

Mayor Barnett called the public hearing to order at 7:03 p.m. pursuant to the Illinois Truth in Taxation Law to consider the proposed 2022 Tax Levy of the Village of Downers Grove.  He said the notice of the hearing was published in the Daily Herald Newspaper on November 23, 2022 and a copy of the notice and the proof of publication were presented and made a part of the official record of the hearing.

The Mayor summarized the procedures to be followed for the public hearing.

Village Manager David Fieldman presented the Tax Levy information via PowerPoint. Manager Fieldman explained that the Property Tax Levy had been presented several times prior to this meeting and the information had not changed since last presented.  He continued by stating that the Village levied taxes in a specific amount and did not establish a tax rate.  The amount of property taxes due on any particular property in the Village was based on that property's value compared to the value of all other properties within the Village limits, with the average home paying approximately $775 per year.  Manager Fieldman provided a breakdown of the percentage of taxes that the average homeowner paid to other government entities.  He said that property tax paid to the Village consisted of multiple components that supported specific services and obligations of the Village. He explained that the FY 23 Property Tax Levy was $16.89 million - the same as the current year (FY 22) Levy, it had not changed. Manager Fieldman said the Flat Levy approach was per the direction of the Village Council to reduce the impact to tax payers in FY24.  He further explained that further information regarding the Property Tax Levy was included with the meeting's agenda materials.

There were no Council or public comments. 

Mayor Barnett adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.

5. Consent Agenda

BIL 2022-9664  -  A. Bills Payable: No. 6702 - December 6, 2022  

COR 2022-9665  -  B. Claims Ordinance: No. 6483, Payroll - November 4, 2022 and November 18, 2022

MOT 2022-9634  -  C. Motion: Approve the Purchase and Renewal of General Liability, Property, Excess Liability, Professional Liability, Law Enforcement, Cyber, and Workers Compensation Insurance Coverages

Summary: This motion approves the purchase and renewal of General Liability, Property, Excess Liability, Professional Liability, Law Enforcement, Cyber, and Workers Compensation Insurance Coverages.

RES 2022-9635  -  D. Resolution: Approve an Agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. RES 2022-94

Summary: This resolution approves an agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.

RESOLUTION 2022-94 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. AND THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

MOT 2022-9735  -  E. Motion: Approve a 3-Year Contract for the Purchase of Firefighter Uniforms with On Time  Embroidery, Inc.

Summary: This motion approves a 3-year contract for the purchase of firefighter uniforms with On Time  Embroidery, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $275,000.00.

RES 2022-9737  -  F. Resolution: Approve a Settlement Agreement and Release Between the Village of Downers  Grove and Dorothy McAdams RES 2022-95

Summary: This resolution approves a Settlement Agreement and Release between the Village of Downers Grove  and Dorothy McAdams, Case No. 22 LA 473.

RESOLUTION 2022-95

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND DOROTHY MCADAMS

RES 2022-9738  -  G. Resolution: Approve the Purchase of up to Nine (9) Vehicles/Equipment RES 2022-96

Summary: This resolution approves the purchase of up to nine (9) vehicles and pieces of equipment, waiving  competitive bidding, in an amount not to exceed $917,000.00.

RESOLUTION 2022-96 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF UP TO NINE (9) VEHICLES/EQUIPMENT

MOT 2022-9744  -  H. Motion: Approve the Purchase of One New Plow Assembly from Lindco Equipment Sales  of Merrillville, IN.

Summary: This motion approves the purchase of one new plow assembly from Lindco Equipment Sales of  Merrillville, Indiana for a total price of $17,449.19.

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 Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYES: None

6.  Active Agenda

ORD 2022-9687  -  A. Ordinance: Adopting the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget in Lieu of Passage of an Appropriation  Ordinance ORD 5952

Summary: This ordinance adopts the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget in lieu of passage of an Appropriation Ordinance.

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET IN LIEU OF PASSAGE OF AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE, as presented. ORDINANCE 5952

RESULT: Motion carried by roll call.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYES: None

 

MOT 2022-9630  -  B. Motion: Estimate the 2022 Aggregate Tax Levy for the Village of Downers Grove

Summary: This motion estimates the 2022 Village aggregate tax levy as shown in the motion made below.  This was the subject of a Public Hearing on December 6, 2022.

MOTION: To adopt a motion to find and determine that the aggregate levy for the Village of Downers Grove, as defined in the Illinois Truth in Taxation Law, estimated to be necessary to be raised by taxation for 2022 upon the taxable property in Downers Grove is $29,564,221.50. This amount is based upon an estimated levy of $4,473,275 for corporate and police; $2,935,500 for fire; $5,011,830 for police pension; $4,467,226 for fire pension; $5,921,063 for library operating; $788,275 for Refunding Bonds 2014 Series debt service; $516,050 for Refunding Bonds 2015 Series debt service; $744,600 for Refunding Bonds 2016 Series debt service; $489,200 for Stormwater Bonds 2019 Series debt service; $1,829,702.50 for Refunding Bonds 2020 Series debt services, and $1,870,350 for Facility & Stormwater Bonds 2022 Series debt services.

The estimated levy for Special Service Area #6, Fairview Fire Protection District Special Service Area, is $117,150 and the estimate levy for Special Service Area# 11, Downtown Downers Grove is $400,000. The estimated levies are $0 for the following Special Service Areas: Area #4, Green Acres; Area #5, Atwood; Area #7, Dunham Subdivision; Area #8, Nelson Meadow Subdivision; Area #9, 35th & Saratoga Subdivision; Area# l 0 Bridgepoint Downers Grove Subdivision; Area# 12, Fairview Ridge Subdivision; Area # I 3, Kapovich Subdivision.

A public hearing was held on these proposed levies on December 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers. The adoption of the proposed levies have been scheduled for December 13, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Council Chambers. Staff is also directed to prepare ordinances to abate certain 2022 tax levies.

RESULT: Motion carried by roll call.  

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé 

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYES: None

Mayor Barnett stated that anyone interested in viewing materials related to the Village's Long Range Plan and Budget could view them on the Village website.  He also explained that the process had spanned over the past several months.  He said the Village Council worked hard at reviewing what had gone on through the course of the year and the year prior in order to determine what the year ahead would entail.  Further stating, at this point the Council had collectively decided what they thought the scope of Village operations should be.

The Mayor also spoke of the Property Tax Levy, stating that the $17 million amount was a little less than 1/3 of what it took to operate the Village.  He further explained that the balance of the revenue it took to operate the Village came mostly from funds related to economic activity. 

Mayor Barnett reminded everyone that the average homeowner paid about $2.15 a day in property taxes. He concluded by stating that Downers Grove had the best police protection and fire protection around and that was something that he and everyone should be very proud of.

ORD 2022-9672  -  C. Ordinance: Amending Traffic Control Provisions at Various Intersections ORD 5953

Summary: This ordinance amends traffic control provisions at various intersections as stated within sections 14.63 and 14.8 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code.

MOTION: To adopt AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TRAFFIC CONTROL PROVISIONS AT VARIOUS INTERSECTIONS, as presented. ORDINANCE 5953

RESULT: Motion carried by roll call.  

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYES: None

7. First Reading   

ORD 2022-9736  -  A. Ordinance: An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Property Located at 4226 Venard Road

Community Development Director Stan Popovich presented this item via PowerPoint. He explained this was a rezoning request from a previously zoned R-2 to B-3.  The request was being made in order to facilitate an addition to the existing T99 building and provide for parking along the rezoned parcel.  He concluded by stating that the Plan Commission found the requested zoning met all the zoning map amendment standards and recommended approval of the petition. 

RES 2022-9714  -  B. Resolution: Approve an Agreement with Fire Services, Inc. for the Purchase of a 2024 E-   ONE Cyclone Rear Mount 100' Platform Quint Apparatus (E-One Truck) and Approve the Disposal of the Village's  Current 2011 Smeal 100' Rear Mount Platform Ladder Truck.

Fire Chief Scott Spinazola presented this item.  He explained that the new ladder truck was expected to be delivered in 2024 to replace the ladder truck that was purchased in 2011.  He said that the new truck was an essential apparatus that served multiple functions including EMS responses, sub fire suppression activities, application to water streams at elevated levels, and provided a working platform for tasks such as rescue ventilation and overhaul to be completed. The ladder truck was and would be centrally located at Station 102 at 5420 Main Street to maximize its response to residents.  He explained that through the RFP process it was determined that the E-One Truck was best suited for the needs of the Village at the price of $1,646,755, plus a $100,000 contingency.  He also added that the Village had been offered $75,000 for the trade-in of the current ladder truck.  Chief Spinazola stated that the final price of the truck, including the trade-in, was $1,571,755.

Council Comments/Questions

Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt stated that even though $1.5 million seemed like a lot of money, given the current environment, she was excited to see that the price of the truck came in at under $2 million.  She said she thought it was a worthwhile investment and it was good to see it at that price point. 

Commissioner Gilmartin asked if there was any way to keep the old ladder truck.

Chief Spinzaola said that there was not enough space to store it.  He also said the upkeep and continued preventative maintenance of it was of concern, in order to keep the vehicle ready for when and if they needed it.

Mayor Barnett asked when the current ladder truck was purchased, to which Chief Spinazola responded in 2011.  The Mayor said that 13 years was a good amount of time to have it in service.  The Mayor also said that the Village ran what is called an Equipment Replacement Fund, so the Village had the ability to plan for these types of things.  He concluded by stating that this was an anticipated and planned expense.

ORD 2022-9715  -  C. Ordinance: 2022 Aggregate Tax Levy Ordinance

ORD 2022-9716  -  D. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #4  (Green Acres Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9717  -  E. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #5    (Atwood Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9718  -  F. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #6  (Fairview Fire Protection District)

ORD 2022-9719  -  G. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,    2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #7  (Dunham Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9720  -  H. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #8  (Nelson Meadow Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9721  -  I. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #9  (35th & Saratoga Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9722  -  J. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #10  (Bridgepoint Downers Grove Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9723  -  K. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #11  (Downtown Downers Grove)

ORD 2022-9724  -  L. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #12  (Fairview Ridge Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9725  -  M. Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January,  2022 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #13  (Kapovich Subdivision)

ORD 2022-9726  -  N. Ordinance: Abating a Portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation  Refunding Bonds, Series 2014

ORD 2022-9727  -  O. Ordinance: Abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation  Refunding Bonds, Series 2015

ORD 2022-9728  -  P. Ordinance: Abating a Portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation  Refunding Bonds, Series 2016

ORD 2022-9729  -  Q. Ordinance: Abating a Portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation  Bonds, Series 2019

ORD 2022-9730  -  R. Ordinance: Abating a Portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation  Refunding Bonds, Series 2020

ORD 2022-9731  -  S. Ordinance: Abating a Portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation  Bonds, Series 2022

Manager Fieldman explained that First Reading Items C-S were all related to the Property Tax Levy that had been presented during the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, so there was no further presentation. 

8. Manager's Report

Manager Fieldman thanked the staff team that worked on the Budget; they put the Village in a position to go through the planning and decision making process.  He said it was an exceptional team from top to bottom, spanning over several departments. 

9. Attorney's Report

Pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca presented the following:

  1. An ordinance rezoning certain property Located at 4226 Venard Road.
  2. An ordinance approving the 2022 Aggregate Tax Levy Ordinance.
  3. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #4 (Green Acres Subdivision).
  4. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #5 (Atwood Subdivision).
  5. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area Special Service Area #6 (Fairview Fire Protection District)
  6. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area Special Service Area #7 (Dunham Subdivision).
  7. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area Special Service Area #8 (Nelson Meadows Subdivision).
  8. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area Special Service Area #9 (35th & Saratoga Subdivision).
  9. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area Special Service Area #10 (Bridgepoint Downers Grove
  10. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #11 (Downtown Downers Grove).
  11. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first Day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #12 (Fairview Ridge Subdivision).
  12. An ordinance levying taxes for the Fiscal Year commencing on the first day of January, 2022 and ending on the thirty-first day of December, 2022 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #13 (Kapovich Subdivision).
  13. An ordinance abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy related to the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2014.
  14. An ordinance abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2015.
  15. An ordinance abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy related to the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2016.
  16. An ordinance abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy related to the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2019.
  17. An ordinance abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy related to the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020.
  18. An ordinance abating a portion of the 2022 Tax Levy related to the General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2022.

10. Public Comment

There was no public comment.

11. Mayor's Report

Mayor Barnett explained that though he and the other Council members may disagree at times, they were able to work together in a pleasant manner.  He said he felt they did a good job on behalf of the Village and he hoped that they were setting an example for the community.  The Mayor said that treating each other with respect was very important and he encourage all to show each other respect.  He said everyone, including the residents, was working for the same thing - a better Downers Grove.

12. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Sadowsi-Fugitt said that there had been violence within the LGBTQ community and she thanked Equality at Downers Grove and Youth Outlook, amongst some other groups in town, who had been incredibly supportive of the community.  She also said she wanted all the members of the LGBTQ community in Downers Grove to know that they are loved and hoped that they felt a sense of belonging in Downers Grove. 

13. Adjournment

Mayor Barnett asked for a motion to move the meeting into Executive Session. 

MOTION: To convene the December 6th, 2022 Village Council meeting into closed session pursuant to section 2(C)(1) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act to consider the appointment, employment compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employee of the Village .  

RESULT: Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

MOTIONED TO APPROVE: Commissioner Hosé

SECONDED BY: Commissioner Sadowski-Fugitt

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

NAYES: None

Mayor Barnett declared the motion carried by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Berardi

Village Clerk

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