City of Warrenville Public Safety and Finance Committee of the Whole met Nov. 24
City of Warrenville Public Safety and Finance Committee of the Whole met Nov. 24
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
A. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman Kruckenberg called to meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
B. ROLL CALL
Physically Present: Mayor Andrew Johnson, and Aldermen: John Paul Augustynowicz, Clare Barry, Kathy Davolos, Craig Kruckenberg, Bill Weidner and Judy Wilkie
Absent: Chairman Stuart Aschauer and Alderman John Lockett
Also Present: City Administrator Cristina White, Assistant City Administrator Alma Morgan, Finance Director Kevin Dahlstrand, Police Chief Sam Bonilla, Public Works Director Phil Kuchler, Assistant Community Development Director Kristine Hocking, Human Resources Generalist Juan Ortiz, City Treasurer Maury Goodman, and Executive Assistant and Deputy City Clerk Dawn Grivetti
Also Absent: City Clerk Julie Clark
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chairman Kruckenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no comments.
E. OFFICIALS AND STAFF COMMENTS
Mayor Johnson recommended the public “shop local” during the holiday season.
F. BUSINESS OF MEETING
1. Consideration of City Liability Insurance Renewal for CY 2026
Human Resources Generalist (HRG) Ortiz presented the calendar year 2026 liability insurance renewal proposal from Arthur Gallagher, LLC. The renewal includes all existing coverage lines with a total premium of $593,654 reflecting a 0.21% decrease from the 2025 premium. The renewal also represents an estimated 12% savings in the FY 2026 Budget, as an increase was anticipated when the Budget was approved.
HRG Ortiz added that the Illinois Public Risk Fund (IPRF), the City’s workers’ compensation carrier, has allocated a $15,105 grant for safety-related equipment, training, and programming.
ALDERMAN BARRY MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Wilkie, to recommend the City Council accept a renewal quote from Gallagher for City insurance coverages for calendar year 2026, in the amount of $593,654.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
2. Presentation of City Strategic Plan Initiatives and FY26 Citywide Work Plan Updates
Assistant City Administrator (ACA) Morgan presented the FY 2025 and FY 2026 Strategic Plan initiatives and the FY 2026 Citywide mid-year work plan.
Ald. Weidner asked for clarity on the process for arranging initiatives as Tier 1, 2 or 3. ACA Morgan replied that staff’s focus is typically on Tier 1 and 2 priorities. If time permits, Tier 3 initiatives can be considered as well throughout the fiscal year. A Council vote would be required if a new initiative is added or if an initiative is removed from the workplan.
There were no further comments from Committee members.
3. Informational Update on 2026 Employee Health Insurance Premiums
ACA Morgan informed the Committee that health insurance costs continue to rise nationwide. The medical insurance premium renewal for January 1, 2026, is significantly higher than what the City has experienced in prior years. She noted that key factors contributing to the increase include higher medical claims, rising prescription drug costs and broader market trends. The City recently received notice that preliminary renewal estimates for calendar year 2027 could potentially increase from 13.5% to 21.6%. The City has not seen double digit increases in health insurance costs since the City joined the Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC) in 2015.
Mayor Johnson asked if the City is contracted with IPBC, or if the City could opt out of membership. ACA Morgan replied that membership is optional, although rates are better for the City with membership than without.
Ald. Weidner asked staff to provide an estimated dollar amount of expected increase to the budget. Finance Director (FD) Dahlstrand replied that staff is actively researching the cost estimates over the next three years based on current enrollment and expects to have cost projections available for future budgetary discussions.
There was positive discussion regarding the City’s current rates, and ACA Morgan noted that Comparable Communities not with IPBC offer rates considerably higher than what the City of offering.
NO COMMITTEE ACTION WAS TAKEN NOR REQUESTED
4. Consideration of Mayor and City Council FY 2027 Budget Consideration submissions Finance Director (FD) Dahlstrand introduced six Elected Official Budget
Consideration Requests for discussion and consideration for inclusion in the FY 2027 Budget.
a) Sidewalk Plan, submitted by Mayor Johnson
Mayor Johnson expressed his interest in updating the City’s 2015 Sidewalk Plan in FY 2027 to make the City more walkable and connected.
Ald. Weidner asked if a recent assessment exists listing and prioritizing unconnected sidewalks. City Administrator White stated the Strategic Plan includes a sidewalk assessment initiative to reengage the Complete Streets Workgroup in FY 2027 to determine where gaps in the sidewalks exist and to prioritize connections throughout the City. There was further discussion regarding the amount of funding needed to initiate the proposed plan.
ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Wilkie, to direct staff to include the Sidewalk Plan Request in the FY 2027 work plans and Budget preparation at the estimated amount of $10,000.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
b) Speed Cameras, submitted by Mayor Johnson
Mayor Johnson proposed a speed camera program to reduce speeding and increase neighborhood safety in areas where speeding is perceived. He stated the idea for installing and implementing a speed camera program came from an example set by the Village of Schaumburg where they have installed speed cameras that do not issue tickets but will issue warnings to vehicle owners.
Police Chief (PC) Bonilla stated staff has researched and discussed the idea. The City is currently conducting a traffic study that may provide more resources to meet the City’s specific needs. PC Bonilla added that the cameras cost $3,000 per camera per month with no revenue stream to offset the cost. He suggested the City could make a better determination on the usefulness of such cameras after the traffic study is complete.
There was further discussion on the progress and proposed outcomes of the Traffic Study. Ald. Weidner suggested sidewalks and bike routes should also be included in the City’s Traffic Study.
PWD Kuchler reminded the Committee that the Traffic Study is not assessing every street or road in the City. It is focused specifically on streets that are rated at over 25 miles per hour and samples of residential streets to assess traffic behavior patterns on those streets. He added that the tool kit provided as an outcome of the study will aid staff in assessing requests for speed calming devices throughout the community.
Ald. Barry suggested waiting for the Traffic Study to be complete before advancing this initiative. After further deliberation, Mayor Johnson stated his appreciation for the discussion and concurred the initiative could be delayed until the results of the Traffic Study are received. Mayor Johnson withdrew the request for FY 2027.
c) Traffic Calming, submitted by Mayor Johnson
Considering the previous discussion, Mayor Johnson withdrew his request for traffic calming devices as well.
d) Ferry Creek Stream Revitalization in Warrenville, submitted by Aldermen Weidner and Kruckenberg
Ald. Weidner reintroduced the Ferry Creek Stream Revitalization initiative with the support of Alderman Kruckenberg to improve water quality of the Ferry Creek watershed. He inquired about the progress DuPage County Stormwater Management has made to secure grant funding for the greater watershed project.
Assistant Community Development Director Hocking stated the County has applied for IEPA grant funding for a greater watershed study, which would include areas further up and downstream from Warrenville. All municipalities included in the watershed area are part of a stakeholder group. Following the study, stakeholders would be able to apply for individual grants. She suggested the City waits for the County to perform their study, which would put the City in a better position to obtain additional grant funding. The item is included in the Community Development Workplan for future notifications and updates.
Aldermen Weidner and Kruckenberg removed their request for FY 2027.
e) Plan Commission Meeting Recording and Publication Initiative, submitted by Ald. Lockett
In Ald. Lockett’s absence, Mayor Johnson provided more information about the request to make recordings of Plan Commission meetings available to the public. He suggested that making available audio or video recordings of Plan Commission meetings might increase public engagement. He recognized that by comparison, few people view the City Council meeting recordings, and the City has other resources for engaging the public including the monthly newsletter and social media platforms. CA White concurred that online viewership of City Council public meetings is relatively low according to available data.
Ald. Weidner suggested that many decisions are made at Plan Commission meetings between staff and developers in the initial development stages before a final proposal is presented to the City Council. He suggested the City Council should be involved in earlier discussions.
Ald. Davolos offered her concerns with the Council receiving unanimous recommendations from the Plan Commission without providing input.
There was discussion regarding the cost of recording and uploading video using staff time versus outsourcing the project.
ALDERMAN BARRY MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Davolos, to direct staff to include the Plan Commission Meeting Recording and Publication Initiative Request in the FY 2027 work plans and Budget preparation.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
f) Annual Budget Amount Dedicated to Climate Action Plan of 2016, submitted by Ald. Weidner
Alderman Weidner stated that, although the Climate Action Plan was approved by City Council in 2016, no action has taken place. He suggested funding to develop green infrastructure improvements could come from the Hotel Tax Fund similar to the way aesthetic enhancement initiatives and special events are considered for funding by the Tourism and Arts Commission. In his scenario, the Environmental Advisory Commissions (EAC) could identify areas where Hotel Tax funds could be utilized for green initiatives on City-owned properties.
Ald. Kruckenberg suggested a plan for green infrastructure improvements be developed first before the City commits to funding improvements.
Ald. Davolos stated the City has a plan for green initiatives described in the annual Sustainability Report (formerly known as the Climate Action Initiatives Annual Review). She asked if the anticipated goals of this budget request could be coordinated with the existing green infrastructure initiatives.
There was discussion regarding EAC’s involvement in identifying and developing initiatives. Ald. Weidner suggested staff or the EAC could identify locations where natural plantings would fit on public property and recommend budgeted Hotel Tax funds to be available for plantings and maintenance of such. Finance Director Dahlstrand clarified that the Hotel Tax Fund could be used for such an initiative, however, there is limited money in the fund and there are several dedicated initiatives already associated with the funds.
Ald Davolos suggested a workgroup of staff and volunteers discuss the initiative and develop a plan to accomplish the proposed goals of the Climate Action Plan.
CA White acknowledged staff’s lack of environmental expertise to identify the best locations and maintenance of natural plantings. She noted the City is fortunate to have volunteer groups with such expertise who regularly interact with the City and might be a better source to implement such a plan. Staff could then be consulted for discussions on budget impact.
Ald. Weidner stated his appreciation for the feedback and requested, as a first step to accomplish the initiative, funding for a map of city owned property that could identify locations where natural plantings or bioswales could be appropriately constructed. The information could then be presented to the EAC for prioritizing plantings.
Mayor Johnson suggested the EAC continue the discussion and provide further input to the Council in one year’s time. Ald. Weidner concurred but insisted a map of appropriate planting locations on City-owned property should be the first step with funding to be budgeted in the FY 2027 Budget.
ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Davolos, to include the development of a list of City-owned property, sizes, and costs to implement natural plantings including maintenance of such on City property in the FY 2027 work plans and Budget preparation.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
5. Consideration of Consolidated Public Meeting Schedule
Mayor Johnson presented a proposal to consolidate City Council and Committee of the Whole meetings into one meeting held twice each month in an effort to make meetings more efficient and effective. CA White stated that a workgroup of Council and staff members met several times to consider multiple variables including survey data from other communities, meeting start time and days, the structure of a meeting agenda, and the order of agenda items. She presented a comparison of current and proposed meeting structures and offered benefits and challenges to the proposed format of consolidated meetings.
CA White noted that with the new format, staff is recommending Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals (PC/ZBA) items that do not receive unanimous recommendation from the PC/ZBA would appear under the City Council Regular Agenda.
CA White discussed additional recommended changes to be effective January 1, 2026, including the scheduling of budget presentation meetings, a change to the start time of meetings, and informal agenda planning meetings. Aldermen Barry and Davolos commented on the flexibility of the proposed format, allowing various topics to be discussed more frequently rather than during prescribed Committee of the Whole meetings.
ALDERMAN BARRY MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Wilkie, to recommend the City Council direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to make the necessary code amendments to consolidate the meetings as proposed.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
6. Consideration of an Enterprise Fleet Management Lease for a 2025 Ford F-350
Public Works Director (PWD) Kuchler stated staff recently discovered that a vehicle scheduled for replacement in FY 2027 is in need of immediate repairs. Rather than repairing the 21-year old vehicle now and replacing it in the next fiscal year, staff is recommending replacing the vehicle in the current fiscal year. He added that there are sufficient funds in the Capital Maintenance and Replacement Fund for the purchase.
There was discussion about the immediate availability of a comparable vehicle.
ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Davolos, to recommend the City Council pass a resolution waiving competitive bidding and approving the lease of one pickup truck through the Enterprise Fleet Management Program.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
7. Update on Calendar Year 2025 Property Tax Levy and Abatement Ordinance
FD Dahlstrand stated the first reading of the Tax Levy ordinance will be on December 1, 2025, with a public hearing and final approval on December 15. The tax cap for 2025 is 2.9%, and the City will be requesting approximately $157,000 in additional funding for the Police Pension Fund. He reminded the Committee that the abatement ordinance indicates the City will pay the debt service of the 2023 general obligation bonds from TIF #3 funds. A representative of Lauterbach and Amen will be present at the December 1 City Council meeting to answer any questions.
NO COMMITTEE ACTION WAS TAKEN NOR REQUESTED
8. Consideration of Police Department Request to Solicit and Accept Donations for CY 2026 Special Olympics Illinois and National Night Out Against Crime Events
Police Chief (PC) Bonilla presented the Department’s annual request to solicit donations for Special Olympics Illinois and National Night Out events.
Ald. Weidner applauded the Police Department staff’s efforts in making the events so successful.
ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Wilkie, to recommend the City Council approve the request to solicit donations for all calendar year 2026 events, including National Night Out Against Crime and Special Olympics IL Law Enforcement Torch Run events.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
9. Consideration of a Request Amending City Code Title 4, Chapter 8, Repossession and Relocation of Vehicles
PC Bonilla stated, following a recent law change, staff is requesting a change to City Code regarding notification posting requirements of repossessed vehicles.
ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Aid. Davolos, to recommend the City Council approve an ordinance amending City Code Title 4, Chapter 8, Repossession and Relocation of Vehicles, as illustrated through draft ordinance language strikeouts and inserts.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
10. Contract Renewal for Citv Prosecutor Services with Christine Charkew cz
PC Bonilla informed the Committee of the change of retirement date of the City's prosecutor, Attorney Charkewycz. Her intent is to retire in July 2026. Staff is recommending a renewal of her contract through June 30, 2026.
ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Wilkie, to recommend the City Council approve the contract renewal for City Prosecutor services with Attorney Christine Charkewycz for the period of January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE
11. Review and File Administration. Finance. and Police Department FY 2026 Work Plans and Decision Packages Status Report
The work plan status report was presented for review. There were no comments.
NO COMMITTEE ACTION WAS TAKEN NOR REQUESTED
G. MISCELLANEOUS
H. CLOSED SESSION
I. ADJOURN
ALDERMAN BARRY MADE A MOTION, seconded by Aid. Wilkie, to adjourn.
MOTION ADOPTED VIA VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
https://www.warrenville.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11242025-1566