Dupage Policy Journal

City of Warrenville Public Safety and Finance Committee of the Whole met July 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

A. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Aschauer called to meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL

Physically Present: Chairman Stuart Aschauer, Mayor Andrew Johnson, and Aldermen: John Paul Augustynowicz, Kathy Davolos, Craig Kruckenberg, John Lockett, and Bill Weidner

Absent: Aldermen Clare Barry and Judy Wilkie

Also Present: City Administrator Cristina White, Assistant City Administrator Alma Morgan, Finance Director Kevin Dahlstrand, Deputy Chief Jeff Jacobson, City Treasurer Maury Goodman, and Executive Assistant and Deputy City Clerk Dawn Grivetti

Also Absent: Police Chief Sam Bonilla and City Clerk Julie Clark

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Chairman Aschauer led the Pledge of Allegiance.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

E. OFFICIALS AND STAFF COMMENTS

Executive Assistant and Deputy Clerk Grivetti reminded the public that the Summer Daze event is taking place this Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2, in the City Hall Complex on Stafford Place and Warren Avenue.

Deputy Chief (DC) Jacobson reported that National Night Out will be held Tuesday, August 5 in Cerny Park from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

F. BUSINESS OF MEETING

1. Consideration of Request to Repeal and Replace City Code re Repossession of Vehicles DC Jacobson stated that a recent increase in reported vehicle thefts, repossessions, or relocations from private property prompted staff to investigate the high number of complaints. Staff discovered that in most cases, vehicles had been towed away by contracted tow companies that did not properly notify the Police Department as required by City Code. Following additional research and consultation with other municipal police departments and the City Attorney, staff concluded that current City Code requires clarity and a more robust mechanism for enforcement and compliance.

DC Jacobson noted that recommended changes to the City Code include updating tow company requirements to secure an online permit at the time of relocation using existing City software, and a fine provision for times when permits are not secured.

These revisions will alleviate staff time discerning the location of vehicles reported as stolen. DC Jacobson added that, upon approval of the Code changes, private property owners and tow companies would be notified and educated of the changes and requirements.

There was discussion regarding the fine structure in the current Code, and the simplification of the registration and permitting process using existing online software. There was also discussion regarding the process of removing or relocating a vehicle from public lots. DC Jacobson indicated the process is similar for vehicle relocation in public lots.

There was discussion regarding the amount of the permit fee and whether there is a requirement to report the retrieval of a vehicle. DC Jacobson indicated there is not and stated he will consult with the City Attorney to determine the value of including a requirement in the process.

ALDERMAN WEIDNER MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Davolos, to recommend the City Council approve an ordinance repealing and replacing current City Code Title 4, Chapter 8, Repossession of Vehicles, in its entirety, with draft City ordinance, Title 4, Chapter 8, Repossession and Relocation of Vehicles.

MOTION CARRIED VIA VOICE VOTE

2. Informational Update of Independence Day Activities

DC Jacobson provided an overview of Independence Day related Police activities from June 27 – July 6, 2025. He indicated Officers responded to 17 calls for fireworks. Nine of the calls were internal, and eight calls were from residents. One citation and one warning were issued. He also gave a comparison of the total number of staff hours worked during Independence Day events in 2024 and 2025.

Police Command Staff is currently evaluating any necessary changes for next year’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Ald. Weidner thanked the Police Department staff for the increased efforts in patrolling and educating the community during these events.

NO COMMITTEE ACTION WAS TAKEN NOR REQUESTED

3. Review and file Administration, Finance, and Police Department FY 2026 Work Plans and Decision Packages Status Report

The department workplans and decision package status report was presented for consideration. There were no questions.

Mayor Johnson reported that he and City Administrator White met with Congressman Foster today, where they discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) in a local government setting. He encouraged staff to consider ways to include the use of AT in department workplans going forward.

NO COMMITTEE ACTION WAS TAKEN NOR REQUESTED

G. MISCELLANEOUS

No miscellaneous items were discussed.

H. CLOSED SESSION

There was no closed session.

I. ADJOURN

ALDERMAN LOCKETT MADE A MOTION, seconded by Ald. Kruckenberg to adjourn.

MOTION ADOPTED VIA VOICE VOTE

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 

https://www.warrenville.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07282025-1529