City of Wheaton City Council met April 15

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

May 12, 2019

City of Wheaton City Council met April 15.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

The regular Wheaton City Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Michael J. Gresk.

Upon roll call, the following were:

Physically Present: Mayor Gresk

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

City Staff Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager

John M. Duguay, Assistant City Manager

James Knippen, City Attorney

James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development

Paul G. Redman, Director of Engineering

Holly Schulz, Director of Human Resources

Vincent Laoang, Director of Public Works

Robert R. Lehnhardt, Finance Director

Sharon Barrett-Hagen, City Clerk

2. Presentations

Councilman Suess read and presented a proclamation to Mayor Gresk in honor of his years of service and dedication to the Wheaton community. Mayor Gresk thanked the Council for the proclamation and thanked the community and his colleagues on the Council for supporting him as Mayor for 12 years. He stated he has truly enjoyed his time serving the community as Mayor and in his other volunteer roles, and feels the long-time staff members are what makes the City work so well.

Mayor Gresk read a proclamation in recognition of Councilman John Prendiville’s service on the City Council and his commitment to the citizens of Wheaton.

Mayor Gresk read and presented a proclamation to Ms. Renee Ryan and Ms. Sachiko Eubanks, declaring Saturday, April 27, 2019 as “World Tai Chi and Qigong Day in Wheaton. Ms. Ryan thanked the Mayor and Council and invited everyone to participate in various activities at the Theosophical Society in Wheaton and at their offices in Winfield on that day.

3. Citizens to Be Heard

Ms. Linda Pecharich, 1809 Driving Park Road, spoke about the problems with flooding in their neighborhood, the deteriorating condition of Driving Park Road, and concerns with no sidewalks for children to use. She asked the Council to make this neighborhood a priority and address these issues. Ms. Pecharich feels that the resurfacing scheduled for Driving Park Road this year is nothing more than a band aid and believes the road should be completely reconstructed. She asked that instead of spending money to repair the Roosevelt Road underpass, the City instead direct those funds to improve conditions in her neighborhood.

Ms. Rita Brown, 504 Turf Lane, stated she has lived in her home for 48 years and has experienced flooding on several occasions within the last ten years. She said they have installed water pumps and they have spoken with the City’s engineering staff, but said it would be too expensive for them to install major landscaping, including a drainage ditch, to mitigate the flooding. Ms. Brown begged for help from the City to address flooding which has affected her home’s value, has affected her financially and has affected her peace of mind.

Mr. Ted Utchen, 1686 Grosvenor Circle, spoke on three issues: lights remaining on in the library late at night, constructions signs remaining on Roosevelt Road after construction has been completed, and his desire for Wheaton Center to install new parking signs for handicapped parking that indicate payment needs to be made to park in handicapped parking spaces at the garage.

Mr. D. J. Slinger, 1704 Webster Court, spoke about flooding on the streets of Wheaton, particularly in the 700-800 lock of Ranch Road. He stated that area is impassable in winter due to ice on the road. He confirmed that the City removes the ice, but it continually builds up again.

Ms. Jennifer Worobec, 527 Turf Lane, discussed the flooding she experiences. She stated her home is in the path of the Thomas Overland Flow, which flows across her front yard, resulting in her driveway covered in ice all winter. Ms. Worobec has consulted with the City’s engineering staff and would have to spend over $12,000 to try to correct this. She also spoke of her concerns about the lack of sidewalks in the area. She begged the Council to consider the impact the flooding has on her and her neighbors and provide them with some relief.

Mr. Seth Chapman, 1921 Cherry Street, stated he understands how budget constraints affect what can or cannot be done, but feels nothing is more important than the safety of children because of no sidewalks in the area. He also spoke of the large number of potholes on their streets and asked the Council to make an investment in their neighborhood. Mr. Chapman feels the safety of the children should be considered, rather than the safety of the pedestrian underpass.

Ms. Chris Zych, 415 Turf Lane, stated while band aids have been done over the years, no major work has been done on Turf Lane. She said Turf Lane is a cut through from the high school and the large number of potholes, combined with students cutting through, makes it very unsafe for the neighborhood children. Ms. Zych feels the underpass is nothing that needs that much money when the safety of children is at stake.

Mr. Robert Mangan, 608 Bridle Lane, stated the neighbors came to the meeting with serious concerns which merit the attention of the Council. He questioned why $2.3MM should be spent on an underpass when the safety of children and quality of life on the northside of Wheaton is at stake.

City Manager Dzugan stated last year the City approved a new sidewalk program with construction of sidewalks based on a prioritization ranking next to the schools. The City is working towards a goal of having sidewalks on every street, at least on one side. With regard to flooding, he stated this neighborhood is one of 19 areas the City has analyzed. City Manager Dzugan stated the results of those studies will be brought before the Council who will take a comprehensive look at those results and make a decision on how to prioritize and fund flood mitigation in those areas. He also stated the City’s Public Works Department will do some resurfacing on the neighborhood streets. While he agrees the resurfacing could be considered a band aid, the resurfacing will provide 7-8 years of use and cannot wait until major flood work can be done in this area.

4. Consent Agenda

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilman Rutledge seconded that the following action be taken on the Consent Agenda items:

1. Approve the April 1, 2019 minutes of the regular Wheaton City Council.

2. Approve Bond and Milton Township Waivers and Authorize Issuance of Raffle License to the DuPage County 4-H Foundation.

3. Adopt Resolution R-2019-21, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Certain Construction, Use, and Indemnification Agreement (1618 Wilmette Street).

4. Adopt Resolution R-2019-22, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Certain Construction, Use, and Indemnification Agreement (932 N. West Street).

5. Adopt Resolution R-2019-23, A Resolution Approving Second Amendment to Telecommunications License Agreement Between Sigecom, LLC d/b/a WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone and the City of Wheaton.

Roll Call on Consent Agenda:

Ayes: Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

5. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-14, An Ordinance Amending Sections 26-54, 58-24.1, 58-24.2 and 58-24.3 of the Wheaton City Code

Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilman Scalzo seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-14, An Ordinance Amending Sections 26-54, 58-24.1, 58-24.2 and 58-24.3 of the Wheaton City Code, be passed.

City Manager Dzugan stated this item appeared on the April 1, 2019 City Council agenda as a first reading. He stated the ordinance relates to uses on sidewalks in the Downtown area. He stated the ordinance has been modified to provide more discretion in determining approval of the placement of sidewalk tables and chairs.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

6. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-15, An Ordinance Amending Section B-7 (B)(1)(a), Appendix B (Fee Schedule, (Engineering Department) of the Wheaton City Code

Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-15, An Ordinance Amending Section B-7 (B)(1)(a), Appendix B (Fee Schedule, (Engineering Department) of the Wheaton City Code, be passed.

City Manager Dzugan stated this item appeared on the April 1, 2019 City Council agenda as a first reading. He indicated the ordinance adjusts the site improvement fee from 2% of the cost of the improvements to one half of one percent for local government entities only.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

7. Pass Ordinance O-2019-16, An Ordinance Amending the Pay Schedules for Officers, Assistants and Employees of the City of Wheaton, Illinois

Councilman Scalzo moved and Councilwoman Fitch seconded that Ordinance O-2019-16, An Ordinance Amending the Pay Schedules for Officers, Assistants and Employees of the City of Wheaton, Illinois, be passed.

City Manager Dzugan stated this item also appeared on the April 1, 2019 City Council agenda as a first reading. He indicated the ordinance represents pay scales for about 40% of the City’s work force while the remaining 60% are union employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. City Manager Dzugan advised the ordinance contains a 2% annual range adjustment.

Councilman Barbier stated he is looking forward to the completion of the benchmark study and future discussions during the budget process

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

8. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-17, An Ordinance Amending the Short Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Contained in Ordinance No. O-2018-20

Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilwoman Fitch seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-17, An Ordinance Amending the Short Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Contained in Ordinance No. O-2018-20, be passed.

City Manager Dzugan stated the proposed ordinance amends the Short Year 2018 budget with most of the changes due to estimating the eight-month budget.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

9. Adopt Resolution R-2019-24, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Contract No. 63 with Spectrum Contracting Corporation for the 2019 Manhole Rehabilitation Project for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $45,125.00

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilman Rutledge seconded that Resolution R-2019-24, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Contract No. 63 with Spectrum Contracting Corporation for the 2019 Manhole Rehabilitation Project for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $45,125.00, be adopted.

City Manager Dzugan stated the resolution would authorize work to rehabilitate five manholes with difficult access due to their location in rear yards.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

10. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-18, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance Nos. E-1156, F-1885, F-1900 and F-1947 “An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of a Conditional Use Permit and Planned Development for the Parcel of Property Commonly Called the Aurora Yards and More Particularly Described in Exhibit A Attached Hereto and Made a Part Hereof” – Wheaton Center – Towers & Mid Rise Painting

Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilman Rutledge seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-18, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance Nos. E-1156, F-1885, F-1900 and F-1947 “An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of a Conditional Use Permit and Planned Development for the Parcel of Property Commonly Called the Aurora Yards and More Particularly Described in Exhibit A Attached Hereto and Made a Part Hereof” – Wheaton Center – Towers & Mid Rise Painting, be passed.

City Manager Dzugan stated staff received a request from the owners of Wheaton Center to paint the towers and midrise buildings. He stated the proposed ordinance approves painting with an off-white color with the base of the buildings and balconies a brownish black color.

In response to Councilman Rutledge, Director Kozik stated the Wheaton 121 building owners brought their proposal for repainting before the Downtown Design Review Board, but that request did not need to go before the City Council.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

11. Adopt Resolution R-2019-25, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel from Gas Depot Inc. Through the Joint Purchasing Program with DuPage County

Councilman Scalzo moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that Resolution R-2019-25, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel from Gas Depot Inc. Through the Joint Purchasing Program with DuPage County, be adopted.

City Manager Dzugan advised DuPage County is the lead agency for this joint bid.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

12. Adopt Resolution R-2019-26, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Crack Sealing and Seal Coating Services from Denler Inc. Through the Joint Purchasing Program with the Village of Woodridge

Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that Resolution R-2019-26, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Crack Sealing and Seal Coating Services from Denler Inc. Through the Joint Purchasing Program with the Village of Woodridge, be adopted.

City Manager Dzugan stated this resolution is for the purchase of crack sealing and seal coating services from Denler Inc. through a joint purchase bid with the Village of Woodridge. He indicated the City has budgeted approximately $72,000 for these services and, based upon quantity, the work may be done under budget.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously

13. Council Comment

Councilwoman Fitch suggested an additional Council comment time after hearing Citizen Comments to address any concerns raised. She said she had met with the citizens who came in from north Wheaton and the conditions they spoke of are absolutely true. She feels the City needs to reprioritize funding for this neighborhood for at least one sidewalk and road reconstruction to make sure the basic needs of residents are being met. Councilwoman Fitch expressed her thanks to Councilman Prendiville for being an excellent colleague to work with. Because of his vision and hard work, the downtown is being revitalized and the City is seeing a lot of private investment.

Councilman Rutledge thanked Mayor Gresk for listening to the public, the Council, consultants and staff and for consistently demonstrating a commitment to the best interests of the City of Wheaton. He stated Mayor Gresk fostered a sense of civility and decorum, not just at City Council meetings, but throughout the City. Councilman Rutledge expressed his gratitude for Mayor Gresk’s long and generous service.

Mayor Gresk stated he is most appreciative of the kind words being spoken about him and has enjoyed his 12 years on the Council.

Councilman Scalzo echoed comments made about Councilman Prendiville and feels the City greatly benefitted from his service. He said he has known Mayor Gresk for many years, considers him a mentor and a friend and feels he was the right Mayor for the City over the past twelve years, guiding the City through some difficult times. Councilman Scalzo expressed his gratitude for Mayor Gresk’s accessibility and acknowledged his pride in the diversity of Wheaton. He said it will be hard to imagine Wheaton without Mayor Gresk.

Councilman Barbier thanked Mayor Gresk and said he will be missed.

Councilman Suess commended Mayor Gresk and his family for their service to the community over a total of approximately 24 years. He feels Mayor Gresk has made Wheaton a better place to live and expressed his gratitude.

14. Approval of Warrant

Councilman Suess moved and Councilwoman Fitch seconded that Warrant No. 750 in the amount of $2,253,771.09, be approved.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Suess

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Gresk

Councilman Rutledge

Councilman Scalzo

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Prendiville

Motion Carried Unanimously