City of Warrenville City Council met June 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
In accordance with Governor Pritzker’s Disaster Proclamation, Section 7(e) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120/7(e), and a determination by the Mayor of the City of Warrenville, this meeting was held virtually.
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, Aldermen: Jay Anderson, Stu Aschauer, Clare Barry, Kathy Davolos, Leah Goodman, Jeff Krischel, 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, Public Works Director Phil Kuchler, Police Deputy Chief Jeff Jacobson, Attorney Brooke Lenneman, and Acting Deputy City Clerk Laura Schwarting
Also Absent: City Clerk Julie Clark
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Brummel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
D. Recognition for 40 years of Service to the Community – John O. Davis and Tim Cosgrove, Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals
Mayor Brummel presented volunteers Davis (virtually) and Cosgrove (in-person) each with a plaque in recognition of their 40 years of individual volunteer service to the City. Mayor Brummel said volunteers play a vital role within the City, and then acknowledged their individual talents, efforts, and commitments.
Community and Economic Development Director (CEDD) Mentzer expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with both individuals who care deeply about the community. He added their efforts have made a lasting impact on the City.
Mr. Cosgrove and Mr. Davis were each given an opportunity to speak, and said they plan to continue their volunteer service.
II. CITIZENS COMMENTS
Bob Siebert, Albright Court, voiced his objection to information presented at a recent Plan Commission meeting and the limiting of time an individual may comment at public hearings. Citing this concern, he said the City of Warrenville Organizational Chart, naming Warrenville citizens first, should be removed from the FY 2022 Budget book (page 15).
III. OFFICIALS AND STAFF COMMENTS
A. Mayor
Mayor Brummel reminded residents fireworks will take place on July 3rd at 9:00 p.m. from Bower Elementary School (near Cerny Park). He said certain limitations last year have affected other festivities for this year, but that residents can look forward to a full celebration next year.
Mayor Brummel commented that due to certain COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, all future meetings will be conducted in-person. He reminded Council members their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6, 2021 (post July 5 City holiday), and that staff meeting packets and correspondence will revert to being picked up in the Aldermen’s office at City Hall.
Mayor Brummel encouraged residents to join him in this year’s Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, which goes through July 10. He said those achieving the 1,500-minute (total) requirement for the challenge will receive a t-shirt.
B. Acting Deputy City Clerk
No report
C. Treasurer (position vacant)
None
D. Aldermen
Alderman Anderson thanked Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove for their years of service, saying it was both impressive and inspiring.
Alderman Aschauer thanked Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove for their time and effort given to the City, and said their hard work benefited everyone.
Alderman Barry congratulated Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove on their years of service. She related in her experience with them while she was serving on the Plan Commission, she found them to be well-versed in what they do and was amazed by their knowledge and professionalism with developers.
Alderman Davolos echoed the other aldermen’s sentiments for Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove. She said she learned so much from attending the Plan Commission meetings and appreciated their perspectives and expertise, which helped her grow as an alderman.
Ald. Davolos then commented that she was grateful for so many relevant training opportunities being provided to Warrenville police officers. She asked that Deputy Chief Jacobson communicate to department officers how valuable to the community they are, and how amazing she believes the Department is.
Alderman Goodman echoed prior sentiments expressed toward Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove. She said while working on the Plan Commission, she learned from them how to run meetings, interact with the public, and represent Warrenville. She added that she appreciated their professionalism in difficult situations and their ongoing commitment.
Ald. Goodman thanked Public Works Director (PWD) Kuchler, Deputy Chief Jacobson, and all local first responders and workers who assisted other communities following Sunday’s tornado. She said she felt fortunate that Warrenville avoided damage, and was appreciative of the hard work and help given to those communities through mutual aid. She said she hopes the communities know they can count on Warrenville.
Alderman Krischel congratulated Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove for their dedication, and thanked them for their continued service.
Alderman Weidner thanked Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove for their involvement, professional dedication and leadership, and added that they have left their mark on the city. He then gave examples of their many accomplishments, such as the Cantera development.
Alderman Wilson expressed his appreciation of both Mr. Davis and Mr. Cosgrove for having the foresight to set goals for the future concept of Warrenville, and then keeping those goals on track through hard work and perseverance. He thanked them, and all Warrenville volunteers, for their service.
E. City Administrator (CA) Coakley mentioned he reviewed the most recent COVID 19 updates and asked those who are currently unvaccinated to consider getting vaccinated. He added that the City posted a Facebook link to a DuPage County Health Department video (Spanish) regarding vaccinations in order to reach out to more residents.
CA Coakley addressed Sunday’s storm and its devastation on surrounding communities. He said that Warrenville was extremely fortunate, which he appreciates, and hopes everyone who was injured or who suffered a loss in the other communities will be okay. He added that Warrenville will be available to provide recovery support for the neighboring communities.
F. City Attorney Lenneman
No report
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The following item was removed from the Consent Agenda by Alderman Davolos for discussion:
VI J. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and adopt the City logo size and color on a white water tower, as presented
Alderman Weidner made a motion, seconded by Alderman Davolos, to approve the agenda for the June 21, 2021, City Council regular meeting, as amended.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Aye: Aldermen: Goodman, Anderson, Weidner, Wilson, Krischel, Barry, Aschauer, and Davolos
Nay: None
MOTION ADOPTED
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderman Weidner made a motion, seconded by Alderman Davolos, to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2021, City Council regular meeting, and the minutes of the June 14, 2021, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee meeting.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Aye: Aldermen: Wilson, Davolos, Barry, Krischel, Goodman, Anderson, Weidner and Aschauer
Nay: None
MOTION ADOPTED
VI. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE
A. Accept Plan Commission recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance O2-21-22, approving revised preliminary planned unit development plans; a preliminary plat of subdivision; conditional re-designation of land uses; and conditional approval of site specific amendments to the Cantera Development Control Regulations and general site plan documents; and other relief for the Sundance Project at 28301 Ferry Road on Lots 1A and 1B in Cantera Subarea E
B. Accept Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance O2021-23, approving reduced side-yard variation for property at 2S161 Route 59 for a garage addition
C. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance O2021-24, amending Title 6, Chapter 2 of the City Code regarding Waste Collection and Disposal
D. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance O2021-25, approving the first and second amendments to the communications site lease agreement between the City of Warrenville and T-Mobile Central LLC
E. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation, waive second reading, and pass ordinance O2021-26, approving and authorizing the execution of easement agreements, substantially in the form attached and in a final form approved by the City Administrator, with private property owners relating to storm sewer improvements on Virginia Avenue, Lorraine Avenue, and Wilbur Avenue
F. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and pass resolution R2021-43, approving a one-year agreement with Eligo Energy, including 100% green energy Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and $24,155, in civic contributions
G. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and pass resolution R2021-44, approving Verizon Wireless as the City’s cellular plan provider under the State of Illinois procurement contract
H. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and pass resolution R2021-45, waiving the competitive bidding requirements of the City Code and approving the purchase of new filter media for Well #10 from Filtronics, Inc.
I. Accept staff recommendation and pass resolution R2021-46, approving an agreement with AT&T Corp. for use of the parking lot at 28W615 Ferry Road for the July 3, 2021, fireworks display
J. Removed for discussion
K. Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and authorize staff and the City Attorney to draft easement documents to make Rigi Road and Barclay Drive public roads that will be owned and maintained by the City
L. Receive and file minutes of the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on June 10, 2021
M. Receive and file minutes of the Environmental Advisory Commission meeting held on March 16, 2021
N. Receive and file minutes of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness Commission meeting held April 14, 2021
O. Receive and file minutes of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness Commission meeting held May 12, 2021
P. Receive and file report of invoices paid up to June 16, 2021, in the amount of $29,912.50
Q. Authorize expenditures for invoices due on or before August 14, 2021, in the amount of $281,567.42
R. Receive and file report of Master Debit Card Expenditures for the month of May 2021, in the amount of $7,847.64
Alderman Weidner made a motion, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda items, as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Aye: Aldermen: Anderson, Krischel, Davolos, Weidner, Aschauer, Wilson, Barry and Goodman
Nay: None
MOTION ADOPTED
VI. J: Accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and adopt the City logo size and color on a white water tower, as presented
Alderman Goodman made a motion, seconded by Alderman Weidner, to accept Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation and adopt the City logo size and color on a white water tower, as presented
Discussion:
Ald. Davolos requested additional discussion to ensure the logo and branding slated to be used on the water tower is best suited for the city’s marketing toward Warrenville’s quality of life and environmental features. She related a personal travel story of how a water tower slogan and artwork influenced her family life, and the importance she felt toward Warrenville’s water tower doing the same for all passersby. Ald. Davolos expressed concern over the project cost versus the end product. She then shared alternate examples of artwork setups to include the word “Naturally” for the two different sized water towers throughout the city.
Mayor Brummel said he understood Ald. Davolos’ concern, and then explained it was the shape of the water tower that did not allow for the word “Naturally” to be included in the recommended design. He added that he supported the staff recommendation.
Ald. Goodman said while she feels “Naturally” is an important element of the City’s branding, it is equally important to have the name of the city and the “W” logo seen by the public. She added that she was not attempting to dismiss Ald. Davolos’ concerns, but felt having less on the water tower would make it easier to read and to identify. She suggested that this is not a one-size-fits-all project and that other alternative design elements, including the word “Naturally,” could be used on future city water tower painting projects.
Ald. Krischel said he understood the disappointment of not having the inclusion of “Naturally” in the water tower’s design, but agreed that putting too much onto the tower’s surface could lead to a design that was not easily read or enjoyed. He added that he supported the staff recommendation.
Ald. Weidner said he feels the word “Naturally” is an important part of expressing Warrenville life and amenities, but understands it might not work in this application. He said the use of “Naturally” could be saturated throughout in other city branding projects, materials, and communications.
Ald. Wilson said he accepts the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee recommendation, as presented.
Ald. Anderson stated that without being able to see what “Naturally” looks like on the renderings, he trusts the staff’s recommendation. He added that due to the length of the city’s name and “Naturally,” he understands it might not be possible to include everything onto the tower’s surface area. He added it was most important to use the “W” logo, as it is a good anchor for the City’s identification and can be easily built on for marketing messages. Ald. Anderson added he supports the staff recommendation.
Ald. Aschauer said he supports the staff recommendation with due respect to all aldermen comments.
Ald. Barry said she had been considering alternative design applications for this project. She explained her design idea of using the entire water tower surface so it can be easily viewed and recognized from each direction; “W” logo on two sides with “Warrenville Naturally” stacked on two sides. She added she was unsure how a redesign would affect project costs and its timeline.
Mayor Brummel clarified the vote and asked for a roll call. Ald. Davolos requested additional clarification from PWD Kuchler regarding the recommended design’s application and its flexibility related to water tower size; the one million gallon versus the 500,000 gallon towers. Mayor Brummel deferred clarification to CA Coakley who said the intent of the recommendation was to have one design that would be applied to all towers. He added that based on the Council’s comments, and at their direction, the design could be reassessed each time it is to be applied. Ald. Davolos asked if the sizing of the design would be adjusted proportionally to the tower size. PWD Kuchler discussed information from the backup material with the Council, including the artwork dimensions which indicated sizing would preclude the use of the word “Naturally” on all water towers.
Ald. Barry asked if there was time to obtain an additional rendering from the design firm related to her design suggestion and if there would be an additional cost. She then asked if this agenda item required a vote at this meeting, or whether it could be continued to the next Council meeting to obtain additional perspective. Additional discussion occurred regarding timeframes, rendering projections and use of the logo elements as they were originally designed. Mayor Brummel then clarified the motion on the floor.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Aye: Aldermen: Weidner, Aschauer, Anderson, Krischel, Goodman and Wilson
Nay: Alderman: Barry and Davolos
MOTION ADOPTED
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
A. Accept recommendation from the Long Range Financial Planning representatives and authorize a total of $125,000, from the Hotel Tax Fund for the FY 2023 Hotel Tax grant program and direct staff to include this funding in the FY 2023 Budget
Alderman Barry made a motion, seconded by Alderman Goodman to accept recommendation from the Long Range Financial Planning representatives and authorize a total of $125,000, from the Hotel Tax Fund for the FY 2023 Hotel Tax grant program and direct staff to include this funding in the FY 2023 Budget
Discussion:
CA Coakley said this item is important to the Tourism and Arts Committee (TAC) to determine what funds will be available to them for allotment during the next fiscal year (FY 23). The annual TAC grant process for that fiscal year begins in July 2021. He added that policy provides for $150,000 to be allocated, but due to the COVID-19 economic impacts and projection for a slow recovery, the Long-Range Financial Planning (LRFP) work group recommends that $125,000.00 be allocated for the FY 23 budget.
Ald. Barry said she supports the recommendation, and said that because of COVID-19 last year and under current economic climate conditions, TAC is unsure how many grant applications will be submitted. Having a FY 2023 amount designated for the July 2021 TAC workshop will help those members with the allocation of grant funds and relevant explanations to the applicants.
Ald. Goodman commented on a new federal program for Arts funding, which was distributed by Congressman Underwood’s staff. She suggested the information be made available to the not-for-profit groups and municipalities at the TAC Workshop. She said there is information on an upcoming webinar that explains how to apply for this one-time funding, which she forwarded to CA Coakley.
Ald. Weidner asked about the CMRP shortfall and if any balancing of it had been reached through the reduction of Hotel tax dollars. CA Coakley responded by directing Council to the agenda backup material prepared by Finance Director Dahlstrand. After giving an overview, he said additional future financial planning would occur during the July LRFP workshop. He added that this agenda item was time-sensitive, therefore, needed immediate consideration.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Aye: Aldermen: Krischel, Goodman, Wilson, Anderson, Weidner, Aschauer, Davolos, and Barry
https://www.warrenville.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06212021-994
Alerts Sign-up