City of Warrenville City Council met Oct. 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
I. Opening Ceremonies
A. Call to Order
Mayor Brummel called the meeting to order at 7: 00 p.m.
B. Roll Call
Present: Mayor David Brummel, Ald. Stu Aschauer, Clare Barry, Fred Bevier, Kathy Davolos, Leah Goodman, JeffKrischel, Bill Weidner, and Robert Wilson
Absent: None
Also Present: City Administrator John Coakley, Assistant City Administrator Cristina White, Finance Director Kevin Dahlstrand, Community and Economic Development Director Ron Mentzer, Deputy Public Works Director Phil Kuchler, Management Analyst Kristin Youngmeyer, Treasurer Larry Brenner, Attorney Brooke Lenneman, and City Clerk Emily Larson
Also Absent: Police Chief Ray Turano
C. Pledge of Allegiance
D. Proclamation:
Mayor Brummel proclaimed the month of October as Arts DuPage Month in Warrenville and called upon citizens to celebrate and promote the arts and culture in DuPage County.
E. FY 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report ( CAFR) by Brad Porter; Lauterbach and Amen
Brad Porter,_partner, Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, presented the annual audit report to the Council. He thanked Finance Director Dahlstrand and his staff for their efficient handling of the audit that was completed in August, 2019. He noted that the Government Finance Officers Association ( GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report ( CAFR) for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2019 ( FY 2019). Mr. Porter said he believes that the City will also meet the Certificate ofAchievement Program' s requirements and be submitted to the GFOA to determine its eligibility for the FY 2020 CAFR.
Mr. Porter said it was a clean audit and contained no discrepancies. The CAFR includes the Management' s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), which reviews the changes that occurred between last year and this year and what to expect in the future, as well as a transmittal letter that explains more about the City, and a report with statistics on ten-year trend information.
Note: the complete report is available on the City' s website and a hard copy of the report is available for review at City Hall.
Discussion: Ald. Goodman commented on the interfund loans and Mr. Porter said there are restrictions placed on the City' s assets and are non -spendable.
Ald. Wilson asked for an update on the Police Pension and the General Fund reserves. Mr. Porter said the City' s contributions are at 85 percent and the reserve fund balance had a target of 25 percent and is currently at 32 percent funded. Finance Director Dahlstrand noted the City is ahead of target.
Ald. Davolos asked ifthere are any concerns with the water and sewer funds. Mr. Porter said the fund has $ 21 million accumulated and it is very healthy.
II. Citizens Comments
Dorothy Deer Warrenville in Bloom WIB President announced that the City of Warrenville won in the 14,000 to 17, 000 population category, at the America in Bloom Symposium in St. Charles. WIB also received a special award for its landscaped areas. She thanked the Council for its support and a special thanks to all the volunteers who continue to help maintain the City Gardens.
Vivian Lund, Haylett Avenue, announced that the City was recognized as one of three communities, out of the 44 registered at the AIB Symposium, for providing special kids activities areas. She thanked the Warrenville Park District for providing the agility course in Summerlakes Park.
Bob SiebertAlbri11t Court. said Bob Johnson was laid to rest on September 30 and wanted to thank him for his service to the City ofWarrenville as a member of the Zoning Board ofAppeals, an Alderman, and the City Treasurer for a total of 38 years.
III. Officials and Staff Comments
A. Mayor
No report
B. Clerk
Warrenville in Bloom
Clerk Larson thanked the City and Public Works for installing cement pads for the flower planters at the end of Stafford Place. She said this will eliminate having to level them every year.
C. Treasurer
Financial Liabilities
Treasurer Brenner commented that the City' s pension liability is approximately 23 percent, while the City of Chicago is at $30 billion.
D. Aldermen
Warrenville Road
Ald. Krischel noted that several cross -walks are scattered along Warrenville Road and that he thought the project turned out very well. He also thanked the Public Works Department for fixing the flooding issues on the east side.
Warrenville in Bloom
Ald. Davolos attended the America in Bloom symposium in St. Charles and congratulated Warrenville in Bloom for their win in the population category.
Tourism and Arts Commission
Ald. Davolos announced there will be a sculpture installed at the Police Department in the near future, thanks to the member of the Tourism and Arts Commission.
Warrenville in Bloom
Ald. Goodman congratulated the members of Warrenville in Bloom for winning the population category award. She noted that the AIB judge' s recommendations should be used as a guide in the City' s improvement program.
E. Administrator
Warrenville Photos
City Administrator Coakley thanked Corporate America family Credit Union for donating a series of photos taken by Maurice Weiser and are now on display in the Council Chambers.
F. Attorney
No report
IV. Approval of Agenda
Ald, Weidner Moved, second by Ald. Wilson, to approve the items on the agenda for the October 7, 2019, City Council regular meeting.
Motion Adopted Via Voice Vote
V. Approval of Minutes
Ald. Weidner Moved, second by Ald. Wilson, to approve:
A. Minutes of the September 16, 2019 City Council regular meeting
B. Minutes of the September 16, 2019 City Council closed session meeting
C. Minutes of the September 23, 2019 Public Safety and Finance Committee regular meeting
Motion Adopted Via Voice Vote
VI. Consent Agenda — Omnibus Vote
A. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance 02019-51, authorizing the disposal of City -owned property through an auction conducted by PropertyRoom.com
B. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance 02019- 52, amending ordinance 02017-31, to adjust the amount and applicable interest rate provisions for inter -fund loans from the City General Fund to the Tax Increment Financing District #3 Fund
C. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance 02019-53, amending ordinance 02017- 32, to adjust the amount and applicable interest rate provisions for inter -fund loans from the City General Fund to the Tax Increment Financing District #4 Fund
D. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance 02019- 54, amending City Code Title 1, Chapter 8, Section 4 — Purchasing Procedures, adjusting the authorized purchasing levels for City Staff, as proposed
E. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation and adopt the Management Responsibilities and Safety Rules policies, effective immediately
F. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation and approve the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Preparation and Adoption Timeline as presented, including a City Council Budget Workshop on Saturday, March 14, 2020
G. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation and approve the calendar year 2020 City meetings schedule
H. Accept Public Safety and Finance Committee recommendation and approve the calendar year 2020 holiday schedule
I. Receive and file minutes of the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission regular meeting held on July 9, 2019
J. Receive and file minutes of the Environmental Advisory Commission regular meeting held on August 28, 2019
K. Receive and file draft minutes of the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals regular meeting held on September 19, 2019
L. Receive and file the FY 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
M. Receive and file report of invoices paid up to October 2, 2019, in the amount of $67,314.19
N. Authorize expenditures for invoices due on or before October 21, 2019, in the amount of $481,890.35
O. Receive and file report ofdebit card expenditures for the month of August 2019, the amount of $6,506.16
Ald. Weidner Moved second by Ald. Wilson, to approve the items on the Consent
Agenda as read.
Roll Call:
Aye: Ald. Krischel, Wilson, Bevier, Barry, Goodman, Davolos, Weidner, and Aschauer
Nay: None
Motion Adopted
VII. Regular Agenda
A. Citgo Gas Station — Purchase
Ald. Barry Moved, second by Ald. Weidner, to accept staff recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance 02019-55, approving a real estate purchase agreement for the former Citgo gas station property, located at 28W244 Warrenville Road.
Discussion: Director Mentzer explained that under the purchase agreement, the City will have approximately four months to define the cost of remediating contamination on the property, secure outside funding commitments, and determine if it will close and take ownership of the property. He said there are three key reason for buying the Citgo property:
1. Clean-up of the existing environmental contamination on property to a higher standard than would likely occur without City involvement
2. Encourage new development per the Old Town/Civic Center TIF #3 Plan
3. Provide a public open space and trail connection along the west side of the DuPage River to Warrenville Grove
Director Mentzer noted that the current owners closed the station in July 2016 because it was not profitable. The combination of the existing floodplain and contamination make it unlikely that private redevelopment would occur without City and tax increment financing TIF) involvement. He said the current purchase price is $ 30,000, which is less than four percent of the most recent appraised value for this property.
Discussion: Ald. Aschauer asked how much has the City spent so far on legal and consulting costs related to the potential purchase ofthis property. Director Mentzer said he did not have that figure with him but estimated there would be an additional $65, 000 going forward.
Ald. Goodman asked what is the urgency to buy the property now. Director Mentzer said without significant City involvement, it is unlikely there will be any material private sector investment in the property, or in the adjacent City -owned properties and added that there is no urgency if you are ok with the current condition of the property.
Ald. Goodman said it would be better to do the environmental investigation before purchasing the property. Director Mentzer agreed, saying his recommendation and the City' s decision to purchase the property will be tied to the results of the planned due diligence activities.
Ald. Goodman noted that if more contamination is identified on the property during due diligence phase, would that change his recommendation to buy the property. Director Mentzer clarified that at this time staff is not recommending the City close and take ownership of the property. That decision would be something that would be tied to information generated during the due diligence work staff is recommending the City perform on the property in the coming months.
Ald. Goodman expressed concern that extensive additional contamination could be found after the property is purchased by the City. She referenced the City' s experience with the Musselman property of such a situation. Director Mentzer explained that the IEPA Leaking Underground Storage Tank ( LUST) program has allocated approximately $1.5 million dollars for consulting and clean-up costs related to dealing with the contamination caused by the leaking underground storage tanks. He said that during the due diligence period, City staff and consultants will work with the IEPA to determine ifLUST funds can be used for remediation costs associated with cleaning the property to residential or park use cleanup standards. He noted, in the properties current condition, TEPA would likely allow much of the contamination to remain in place provided it was covered up with pavement.
Ald. Goodman said there is no reason that the City cannot wait for one year before purchasing the property. Director Mentzer stated he is not recommending purchasing the property but to do due diligence and identify the level of contamination, obtain cost estimated for the clean-up, and identify outside funding partners before making a formal recommendation on whether or not to acquire it.
Ald. Goodman said staff is currently overwhelmed with the ERP and has already spent time on this and she does not see the urgency to push this through; it does not make sense to her.
Ald. Barry said she is in favor of moving forward. She said the property is an eyesore and as part of the gateway to the City, it should be improved. She felt the City should more clearly identify the scope of contamination on the property and work to actively improve the property.
Ald. Davolos agreed with Ald. Barry, stating that the contamination must be identified, including the need to remove the underground storage tanks. She noted that TIF funds might be available. Director Mentzer acknowledged that costs associated with acquiring the property, removing the tanks, demolishing the existing building improvements and remediating the contamination are all TIF eligible costs and could be paid for with TIF #3 funds if available.
Ald. Davolos asked if the funds are available, would performing the planned site investigation due diligence activities during the winter be a problem. Director Mentzer said the recommended site investigation work is planned to be completed in the next 4- 6 weeks.
Ald. Weidner said he supports the project as the clean-up of the property is part of the vision for the area and also is needed to protect the river. He stated that while this project will challenge staff, he did not feel they are overwhelmed.
Ald. Bevier said he is not in favor of the motion and that buying the property would put the City at risk.
Ald. Wilson said this is an opportunity for the City to move forward and encourage positive change and improvement for the whole area.
Ald. Krischel noted that a significant amount of City resources and staff time has already been spent on dealing with this property and is in favor of the motion.
Ald. Aschauer said the City did not support DuPage County when they wanted to berm the whole area to take it out of the floodplain and that forced the gas station to close.
Ald. Goodman said the owner of the property created the contamination and should be made responsible for the clean-up. The City should be good stewards of tax money as there are other monies owed on the property that should be considered. She added that there might be future liabilities and the costs are open ended. She said staff is over extended at this time and she felt there will be future opportunities to consider making this purchase.
Ald. Weidner called for the question.
Mayor Brummel said the residents have been asking the City to do something with this property. This is an opportunity to fmd options to fund the program and to improve the character of that intersection area in a positive way.
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Ald. Weidner, Wilson, Barry, Davolos, and Krischel
Nay: Ald. Aschauer, Goodman, and Bevier
Motion Adopted
B. Citgo Gas Station — Environmental Consult
Ald. Barry Moved, second by Ald. Wilson, to accept staff recommendation and pass resolution R2019- 45, approving an engagement agreement with Barnes and Thornburg LLP for environmental counseling and due diligence assistance on the former Citgo gas station property.
Discussion: None
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Ald. Barry, Weidner, Krischel, Davolos, and Wilson
Minutes of October 7. 2019. Regular Council Meetin_
Nay: Ald. Goodman, Bevier, and Aschauer
Motion Adopted
C. Citgo_Gas Station — Environmental Consult
Ald. Barry Moved, second by Ald. Wilson, to accept staff recommendation and pass resolution R2019-46, approving a professional services agreement with Terracon Consultants Inc., for environmental consulting services on the former Citgo gas station property.
Discussion: None
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Ald. Davolos, Krischel, Weidner, Wilson, and Barry
Nay: Ald. Aschauer, Goodman, and Bevier
Motion Adopted
D. Citgo Gas Station — Terracon Consultant
Ald. Barry Moved, second by Ald. Wilson, to accept staff recommendation and pass resolution R2019-47, approving a professional services agreement with Terracon Consultants Inc., for a Phase I environmental site assessment and hazardous material survey of the former Citgo gas station property.
Discussion: None
Roll Call Vote:
Aye: Ald. Barry, Weidner, Krischel, Wilson, and Davolos
Nay: Ald. Aschauer, Goodman, and Bevier
Motion Adopted
VIII. Unfinished Business
None
IX. New Business
None
X. Closed Session
None
XI. Adjourn
Ald. Goodman Moved. Second By Ald. Wilson, to Adjourn.
Motion Adopted Via Voice Vote
The regular Council meeting adjourned at 8: 38 p.m.
https://www.warrenville.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10072019-797
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