City of Naperville Riverwalk Commission met July 12

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Sep 22, 2023

City of Naperville Riverwalk Commission met July 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. CALL TO ORDER:

The Riverwalk Commission Chairman Kennedy called the July 12, 2023 Naperville Riverwalk Commission meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. The meeting was held in the lunchroom of the Naperville Municipal Center located at 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL.

B. ROLL CALL:

Present: Valla Aguilar (until 8:02 a.m.); John Cuff (until 8:33 a.m.); Jan Erickson; Mary Gibson; Ian Holzhauer (until 8:27 a.m.); Pat Kennedy, Chairman; Bill Novack; Tom Stibbe; Mike Sullivan; and Carl Wohlt

Absent: Pam Bartlett; Jeff Friant; and John Joseph

Also Present: Matt Colbert, City Staff; Rebecca DeLarme, City Staff; Brian Dusak, ERA; Joe Kennedy, NCTV; Andy and Chris Newton, Boy Scouts of America; Carl Peterson, GRWA; Stephanie Penick, Naperville Riverwalk Foundation; Katie Rubush, City Staff; and Marilyn Schweitzer, resident

C. PUBLIC FORUM:

Schweitzer shared comments acknowledging that staff and volunteers should be commended for their efforts with the 2031 Master Plan and noted the importance of keeping focus and not being sidetracked by new possibilities. She added that accomplishments of major projects such as the completion of Moser Tower should be celebrated. Kennedy thanked Schweitzer for her comments and perspective.

At this time, Kennedy addressed the President’s Report, acknowledging Aguilar’s last meeting with the Riverwalk Commission, and thanked her for her excellent representation of Naperville and North Central College along with her public relations reporting to the Commission.

D. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Fredenhagen Park Fountain - Bill Novack

Receive Fredenhagen Park Fountain Options document

Attachments: 20230703 Fredenhagen Fountain Options

Novack provided the history on the need for repair or possible replacement of the Exchange Club Memories Fountain. He noted the meetings previously held with the Exchange Club and Fredenhagen family, and City Council’s previous support for repair and directive to view other possibilities that would not require as much long-term reinvestment. He reviewed the Fredenhagen Park Fountain Options document that was included in the agenda packet and put together by Geoff Roehll, Principal with Hitchcock Design Group, and former Riverwalk Commission Chairman. This information was also previously presented and discussed at the prior Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee (PDC) meeting.

The options reviewed included fixing the existing fountain, with revised cost for repair now being approximately $290,000. Repairs would include safety improvements, improvements to chemical treatments with the chlorine that was causing excessive corrosion, a new leak detection system, corroded equipment repair, a new liner and lighting replacement. Novack advised that Roehll was currently gathering information for the long-term maintenance costs.

Option one received the most support from the group with discussion following on the draw of the water feature, the reduction in the repair estimate and the proposed upgrades being beneficial for the short and long-term maintenance. The importance of lighting in the area was also discussed, as the area would be highly visible from Washington Street, and also opened up with the 430 South Washington Street project.

The second option discussed was a natural water feature that would be smaller in height and may include stacked stones, plants, possible ecological information/statues of certain wildlife. This option received strong support from three Commissioners who cited the appeal to families and children. A splash pad was also suggested and it was noted that feature was previously discussed and would require twice per day maintenance during the season, with constant water monitoring and the possibility of shower in the area. Concern with water on the existing donor bricks and stones was also noted. Implementing a natural water feature with ecology information was suggested for other areas of the Riverwalk, as part of the Master Plan and/or possibly between Fredenhagen Park and Hillside Road.

The third option in the document was a sculptural component which could be the most expensive option, depending on the sculpture selected. It was noted that long-term maintenance for this option may be less expensive.

The draw of the fountain in Fredenhagen Park for photos was discussed, with Mr. Newton noting specifically wedding photos. At this time, Sullivan spoke of the importance of Boy Scouts of America and the Commission thanked both Andy and Chris Newton for their attendance at the meeting.

Novack reported that the consensus at the previous PDC meeting was for option one, with the consensus from the Riverwalk Commission now being between options one and two. He would like to gather more information relative to the long and short-term investment and maintenance on both options, compare the day-to-day maintenance for each, and bring back to the Commission at next month’s meeting for continued discussion and final recommendation. Novack will also share these options with the Exchange Club and Tom Castagnoli for their feedback.

Schweitzer inquired if option two could be brought back with the natural feature representing Illinois ecology. Novack will work with Dusak and Peterson on more detailed information related to Illinois ecology for this option.

2. Riverwalk Master Plan - Pat Kennedy

Novack noted the discussion at the recent PDC meeting on updating the Master Plan. Dusak and Peterson are reviewing and will be providing a draft of revisions at next month’s PDC meeting.

3. Riverwalk Bicentennial Fund (RBF) - Pat Kennedy

Kennedy shared an update from Joseph advising of funding received for the South Extension from Representative Janet Yang-Rohr’s efforts, with Novack advising that the City’s Communications Team was currently working with her office on a joint announcement. Kennedy reported that a follow-up meeting will be scheduled with Edward Hospital and Ryan Companies to discuss design coordination for the intersection at Martin Avenue and Washington Street, and their partnership with the project going forward. The RBF is working with their consultant to make final edits to the marketing video and it will be shared with the Commission soon. They are also in preliminary development of a website to support the 2031 Master Plan that would be the central portal for fundraising activities. Roehll has expressed interest in joining the RBF Board and they continue to look to expand beyond their core board members and develop a broader base of community interest, including adding members for fundraising efforts.

4. Update on Eagle Street Gateway Design - Brian Dusak and Bill Novack

Dusak reported they are putting the final touches on the bid documents. The DuPage County Stormwater permit was secured last week and they are awaiting one final document for the environmental assessment. They are still anticipating going out to bid late summer or early fall. Novack introduced Matt Colbert and Katie Rubush, both with the City’s Engineering Team. Colbert is working with ERA and the state historic preservation office on the Eagle Street Gateway design and Rubush is leading the South Extension design for the City’s Transportation, Engineering and Development group.

5. South Extension Preliminary Design - Brian Dusak and Bill Novack

Dusak discussed the concept alignment and elements evolving over the last several months based on discussions with the PDC and Riverwalk Commission. They are currently reviewing the alignment and exhibits that GRWA put together and assigning grades. The Public Open House has been scheduled for July 19th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the NEU meeting room at the Municipal Center. Invitations were sent to residents on Melody Lane and the surrounding area. Kennedy requested Novack also notify the Edward Hospital representative.

6. Giving Machines on the Riverwalk - Bill Novack

Novack discussed the recent request regarding allowing Giving Machines on the Riverwalk that was presented at last month’s Riverwalk Commission meeting. He noted previous requests from parties and the need for those activities to be in the public right of way. The Park District’s ordinance that prohibits these activities on the Riverwalk was discussed and it was noted the individuals would be meeting again with the Downtown Naperville Alliance.

E. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discuss the merit and value of reporting on Riverwalk financials monthly - Bill Novack

Novack discussed the monthly financial report, noting that each month we continue to be solvent. He inquired if there was value in providing this information on a monthly basis as there is usually minimal change and noted that the report could be provided if there were ever any questions. Consensus from the Commission was to be provided with the financial information at the beginning of the year and mid-year, which would line up with the capital budget review, and to be advised when running close to fulfilling any budget item.

2. Walk On! Event in Memory of Chuck Papanos on July 28, 2023 - Jan Erickson

Erickson announced the upcoming Walk On! Event in Memory of Chuck Papanos, which will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion and the walk begins at 6:30 p.m.

F. REPORTS:

1. Approval of Minutes - Pat Kennedy

Approve minutes from the June 14, 2023 Riverwalk Commission meeting

A motion to approve the June 14, 2023 Riverwalk Commission meeting minutes was made by Stibbe and seconded by Erickson. MOTION CARRIED with Kennedy, Novack and Wohlt abstaining

2. Chairman - Pat Kennedy

The Chairman’s report was addressed immediately following item C.

Public Forum.

3. Finance - Bill Novack

There was no report and Novack will provide the capital budget at next month’s meeting.

4. Park District - Tom Stibbe

Receive the monthly Park District report

Stibbe reviewed highlights from the Park District report that was included in the agenda packet. The Naperville Salute event was very successful with minimal damage to Rotary Hill. The Millennium Carillon has reopened and concerts have started again. The schedule can be found on the Park District’s website. The Park District had the Carillon plaque refinished due to recent damage. The Horse Trough fountain pump was repaired. The Park District’s Planning Department is working on renderings for the rain garden near the volleyball courts.

Stibbe announced his retirement from the Park District, effective September 8th. The Commission expressed their congratulations to Stibbe.

5. Riverwalk Foundation - John Cuff

There was no report.

6. Donor Recognition - Rebecca DeLarme

DeLarme reported that the Fall ’23 Legacy Gift Order deadline was September 1st and currently consists of three 4” x 8” commemorative bricks, three 8” x 8” commemorative bricks, and one bench order. Two additional bench orders are expected within the week.

7. Public Relations - Pat Kennedy for Valla Aguilar

Receive the monthly Public Relations report

Kennedy referred to the Public Relations report that was provided in the agenda packet. The Naperville Riverwalk was mentioned in 75 articles, social media posts, and broadcasts in June. Highlights included the Naperville Salute Event, Best Places to Live in Illinois, and Summer Events (Fairs, festivals, NPL storytime).

Kennedy noted that the RBF is discussing opportunities to coordinate participation with donors at events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Master Plan projects.

8. Planning, Design, and Construction - Bill Novack for Jeff Friant

All relevant information from the PDC meeting was already addressed in this meeting.

G. MEETING SCHEDULE:

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, August 1, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Commission, August 9, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, September 5, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Commission, September 13, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

H. ADJOURNMENT: