Dupage Policy Journal

City of Naperville Riverwalk Commission met Nov. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. CALL TO ORDER: 

The Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Committee Chairman Friant called the November 8, 2023 Naperville Riverwalk Commission meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. The meeting was held in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) at the Naperville Municipal Center located at 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL.

B. ROLL CALL: 

Present: Pam Bartlett (arrived 7:32 a.m.); John Cuff (arrived 7:32 a.m.); Jan Erickson; Jeff Friant; Ian Holzhauer (arrived 7:31 a.m.); John Joseph; Ryan Mohammadian; Bill Novack; Tiffani Picco; Sennah Rashidian; Mike Sullivan; and Carl Wohlt

Absent: Mary Gibson; and Pat Kennedy, Chairman

Also Present: Jesus Cortez, NCTV; Rebecca DeLarme, City staff; Brian Dusak, ERA; Rick Hitchcock, former Riverwalk Commission Chairman; Peggy Motta, Naperville Park District; Stephanie Penick, Naperville Riverwalk Foundation; and Carl Peterson, GRWA

C. PUBLIC FORUM: 

There were no public comments.

D. PROJECT UPDATES: 

1. Fredenhagen Park Fountain - Bill Novack 

Novack reported that Fountain Technologies has provided the plans for both the Fredenhagen Park fountain and the Horse Trough fountain, and he is working with ERA and GRWA on preparing the bidding documents. This is expected to go out for bid this winter with work being completed in 2024.

2. Riverwalk Master Plan and Document Update - Jeff Friant for Pat Kennedy 

Friant provided an update from Kennedy on the Master Plan document. He advised that there were no material changes and only updates to the document after numerous reviews. They will work on an improved process for next year to maintain the spirit of the document as a living document. It was confirmed the review process will take place annually.

A motion to approve the updated Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan (updated November 8, 2023) was made by Erickson and seconded by Friant.

MOTION CARRIED

3. Update on Eagle Street Gateway Design - Bill Novack 

Novack reported that they have finished the environmental public comment period and are awaiting approval of the federal grant agreement. It is expected to go out for bid this winter with construction beginning next spring.

4. Update on South Gateway Preliminary Design - Brian Dusak 

Dusak reported that minor changes to the alignment and path elevations were compared to the concept alignment and reviewed at last week’s PDC Committee meeting. He noted changes were minimal and they have taken into consideration the public concerns and design issues and are working toward finalizing preliminary engineering.

E. OLD BUSINESS: 

There was no old business to discuss.

F. NEW BUSINESS: 

There was no new business to discuss.

G. REPORTS: 

1. Approval of Minutes - Jeff Friant for Pat Kennedy 

Approve minutes from the October 11, 2023 Riverwalk Commission meeting

A motion to approve the October 11, 2023 Riverwalk Commission meeting minutes was made by Joseph and seconded by Sullivan. MOTION CARRIED with Bartlett abstaining

2. Chairman - Jeff Friant for Pat Kennedy 

There was no Chairman’s Report.

3. Finance - Bill Novack 

Novack reported that City Council concluded their budget workshops with no changes to the Riverwalk CIP. Discussion followed on the expiration of the state grant for the 430 South Washington Street project with Novack advising that they petitioned for a two-year extension with an expiration date of August 2026. For next year’s Capital program, the plans will be updated so the park project will be ready to bid as the bridge construction project wraps up. The 2024 budget will include Eagle Street Gateway construction and the Fredenhagen Park and Horse Trough fountain repair. Construction for the South Gateway and 430 South Washington is planned for 2025.

4. Park District - Tiffani Picco 

Receive the monthly Park District report

Picco reviewed highlights from the Park District report included in the agenda packet.

The fountains have been shut down for the season.

They are cutting back invasive weeds and other vegetation in Section 8 and are looking at redesigning some of the beds. Staff will treat the weeds in spring and follow up with plantings. Erickson expressed her appreciation for the attention to the area.

The Vietnam Wall replica will be on display near the Grand Pavilion from November 9th to 13th.

Novack added that the Grand Pavilion roof shingles previously replaced in the spring will be removed and replaced with the matching colored shingles next week.

Motta advised that tree removal and clearing out by the Visitors Center will begin within the next week.

5. Riverwalk Foundation - John Cuff 

There was no report.

6. Donor Recognition - Rebecca DeLarme 

DeLarme reported that the Fall ’23 Legacy Gift Order is in production and should be completed within the next week. Next year’s Fall deadline may be pushed up to August 15th from September 1st to make sure the order is complete before inclement weather. The Spring ’24 Legacy Gift Order deadline is March 15, 2024 and currently consists of one 4” x 8” commemorative brick and three 8” x 8” commemorative bricks.

7. Planning, Design, and Construction - Jeff Friant 

Receive the October 31, 2023 Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee draft meeting minutes

Friant reported on the discussions from the previous week’s PDC Committee meeting regarding the Prairie Nature Garden, noting the resident concern regarding the cost and the review of the updated concept and lower cost information presented by Park District staff.

The surface treatment under the Oliver Hoffman Pavilion for the Eagle Street Gateway project was discussed in detail and the 10 and 100-year storm event information was reviewed for the South Gateway project. 

Holzhauer reported on his recent trip to India as part of the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

H. MEETING SCHEDULE: 

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

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

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

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

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, January 2, 2024, 7:30 a.m.

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

Riverwalk Commission, January 10, 2024, 7:30 a.m.

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

I. ADJOURNMENT: 

A motion to adjourn was made by Cuff and seconded by Novack. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 a.m. MOTION CARRIED

https://naperville.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1067324&GUID=79B5FE1E-ED5D-43B1-B495-5679D1A47372