City of Wheaton City Council met Oct. 7.
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 Philip J. Suess.
Upon roll call, the following were:
Physically Present: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Absent: None
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
Vince Laoang, Director of Public Works
Robert Lehnhardt, Finance Director
Sharon Barrett-Hagen, City Clerk
2. Presentations
Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation to recognizing Maddie Cook, Joshua James and Anya Ranjan, Wheaton North High School, being named “National Student Pitch Competition” winners. Ms. Ranjan stated they received a lot of support from their parents, teachers and coaches and thanked the Mayor and City Council for recognizing their accomplishment.
Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation to Ms. Larniecia Smith and members of the Community Relations Commission declaring October 26, 2019 as “Make a Difference Day” in the City of Wheaton. Ms. Smith thanked the Mayor and City Council for the proclamation and introduced the Commission’s partners at the People’s Resource Center and DuPage PADS for their involvement in this important project, including the Stuff a Truck effort.
3. Citizens to Be Heard
None.
4. Consent Agenda
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that the following action be taken on the Consent Agenda items:
1. Approve the September 9, 2019 Public Hearing minutes and the September 16, 2019 minutes of the regular Wheaton City Council, as submitted.
2. Adopt Resolution R-2019-90, A Resolution Authorizing the Disposal of Certain Surplus Property (PW).
3. Adopt Resolution R-2019-91, A Resolution Approving a Grant of Storm Sewer Easement (151 South Summit Street).
4. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-46, An Ordinance Amending the Wheaton Liquor Control Ordinance, Chapter 6, Article III – Decrease in Class I (Restaurants) Liquor License/Muldoon’s Irish Pub / 133 W. Front Street.
5. Adopt Resolution R-2019-92, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Certain Construction, Use, and Indemnification Agreement (913 Golf Lane).
6. Adopt Resolution R-2019-93, A Resolution Accepting the As-Constructed Public Improvements for Northridge Estates Subdivision.
7. Approve Bond Waiver and Authorize Issuance of Raffle License to Cal’s All-Star Angel Foundation.
Roll Call Vote on Consent Agenda:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
5. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-47, An Ordinance Adopting a Text Amendment to the City of Wheaton Zoning Ordinance Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments in the City of Wheaton Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-47, An Ordinance Adopting a Text Amendment to the City of Wheaton Zoning Ordinance Prohibiting Cannabis Business Establishments in the City of Wheaton, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated a public hearing was held on August 26 followed by a first reading on September 16 to consider a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance which would prohibit cannabis business establishments as a use in any zoning district within the City.
Councilwoman Bray-Parker stated there are a lot of unknowns regarding this legislation and its effects throughout the State. She asked that staff monitor the experience of neighboring communities who may approve this use and asked that the City be able to reconsider this matter at a later date once additional data is available.
Councilman Zaruba stated that the first recreational licenses will be considered for those locations who have an existing medical marijuana facility. Because Wheaton has none, even if the City approved this use, Wheaton would not be considered for a license until sometime next year. He indicated that this delay would allow the City to evaluate issues other communities may experience. Councilman Zaruba cautioned that recreational marijuana use remains a federal offense.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
6. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-48, An Ordinance Amending Section B-3, Miscellaneous Administrative Fees, Appendix B – Fee Schedule of the Wheaton City Code
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that No. O-2019-48, An Ordinance Amending Section B-3, Miscellaneous Administrative Fees, Appendix B – Fee Schedule of the Wheaton City Code, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated the City Council had a first reading of this ordinance at their meeting on September 16. He indicated the ordinance would recover expenses related to certain usage of the new parking payment technology that will be implemented on October 8. Specifically, the fees will include a $.32 pay by mobile transaction fee and a $3.00 parking ticket processing fee.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
7. Appointments/Reappointments to City Boards/Commissions
Mayor Suess moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that Janet Gellert be appointed to the Bicycle Advisory Commission, Khizar Jafri be appointed and Nancy Flynn, Anthony Pope and Ted Witte be reappointed to the Environmental Improvement Commission, Kathleen Young be reappointed to the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission and Finny Rajchel be appointed to the Wheaton Downtown Design Review Board, for three-year terms, respectively.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
8. Receive Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #19-15/Rezoning/1408 Hill Avenue/Good News Publishers and Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-49, An Ordinance Granting Rezoning from the R-4 Residential District to the O-R Office Research District on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 1408 Hill Avenue – Good News Publishers
Councilman Barbier moved and Councilman Rutledge seconded that the Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #19-15/Rezoning/1408 Hill Avenue/Good News Publishers, be received.
City Manager Dzugan stated the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request from R-4 to O-R Office Research, for property located at 1408 Hill Avenue. He advised after demolishing the existing residence, the applicant plans to restore the site to a vegetative state with landscaping along the east property line.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
Mr. David Bea, attorney for applicant, requested a change in the proposed ordinance. As currently proposed, the ordinance requires that a plat of consolidation be submitted prior to the approval of a demolition permit. Mr. Bea indicated Good News Publishers would like to demolish the existing structure as soon as possible, and he asked that the ordinance require a plat of consolidation be submitted within 120 days of the applicant applying for a property tax exemption.
City Attorney Knippen feels that is a reasonable request.
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded to amend the proposed ordinance as requested. Motion carried by affirmative voice vote.
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-49, An Ordinance Granting Rezoning from the R-4 Residential District to the O-R Office Research District on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 1408 Hill Avenue – Good News Publishers, be passed as amended.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
9. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 90 for an Extended Scope of Work for the Comprehensive Plan/Market Study/Zoning Ordinance Update for the Roosevelt Road Corridor for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $21,480.00
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Resolution R-2019-93, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 90 for an Extended Scope of Work for the Comprehensive Plan/Market Study/Zoning Ordinance Update for the Roosevelt Road Corridor for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $21,480.00, be adopted.
City Manager Dzugan reported that Camiros has completed the scope of work originally contracted for the Roosevelt Road Corridor study. Due to the need to address and incorporate public and Council comments seeking some significant revisions to the plan, staff met with Camiros to discuss an appropriate extension of work to continue with the analysis related to the comments. He stated the proposed scope revisions will be made based upon comments received regarding the boundaries within the various subareas of the corridor, uses, and bulk regulations. City Manager Dzugan advised the proposed scope of work would create a process for feedback through open houses for a cost not to exceed $21,480.00.
Councilwoman Fitch expressed strong concerns about how the extended work would be performed and whether or not the Council would be able to review it for an accurate portrayal of public and Council comments. She feels Camiros did not approach the issue correctly originally and she expressed doubts about the process going forward. Councilwoman Fitch asked that a memorandum be prepared setting forth the comments received and the proposed revisions for Council’s review prior to holding the open houses. She would also like another review of the comments and any additional revisions after receiving input at the open houses.
City Manager Dzugan stated staff will prepare a memo, listing the comments and revisions, and present it to the Council. He stated that while the Planning & Zoning Board held several meetings, input obtained at those meetings was not received by property owners adjacent to Roosevelt Road. He confirmed that any new information will be shared with those property owners.
Councilwoman Fitch expressed concern that many comments have been received, but Council has not seen any revisions.
Councilman Barbier stated that since this is such a big project, the City needs to ensure it is done right and all comments received, as well as comments shared at the open houses, be incorporated into the plan.
In response to Mayor Suess, Director Kozik stated all changes have been communicated to Camiros as they were present at each of the previously held meetings.
In response to Councilwoman Bray-Parker, City Manager Dzugan stated the City will receive public input from the open houses, as well as from a website survey. Once all that information has been collected, any resulting revisions will be communicated to the Council. Director Kozik confirmed Council review is part of the contract for the extended scope of work.
Councilwoman Robbins expressed a major concern is that the public receives good communication on this project and be respectful of the holidays, especially with the dates for the open houses.
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that this item be continued to the October 21, 2019 Council meeting.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
10. Adopt Resolution R-2019-94, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 89 with P. R. Streich and Sons Inc. for Vehicle Pit Lift Improvements at a Total Amount Not to Exceed $192,678.00
Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that Resolution R-2019-94, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 89 with P. R. Streich and Sons Inc. for Vehicle Pit Lift Improvements at a Total Amount Not to Exceed $192,678.00, be adopted.
City Manager Dzugan stated the City received two bids for the removal and installation of new lift equipment in two of the vehicle bays in the Public Works facility with the low bidder being P. R. Streich and Sons. He stated $160,000 has been budgeted for this project and there are sufficient reserves to cover the additional cost to sealcoat the pit area.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
11. First Reading of An Ordinance Amending the Official Motor Vehicle and Traffic Schedules (Chapter 70) for the City of Wheaton (Metered Parking – South CBD)
City Manager Dzugan advised the proposed ordinance would remove the requirement for metered parking at 63 current locations south of the railroad tracks in an effort to encourage visitors during streetscape construction. He stated the amendments need to be made even though this may be a short- term change. City Manager Dzugan indicated metered parking locations will be part of a larger discussion to be held next year regarding rates, fines, hours, etc. for parking in and around the Central Business District.
Councilwoman Fitch feels it is a good idea to do this.
Councilman Rutledge stated he would prefer to eliminate parking meters completely, but feels parking time limits should remain in certain areas.
Mayor Suess suggested the City also expand this temporary change to the retail area along College Avenue and indicated he would like to leave the meters along Karlskoga Avenue for commuter parking in place.
Director Redman stated he would make the requested change to the ordinance which will return for final action at the next meeting.
12. Council Comment
Councilman Barbier stated he attended the Park District’s Octoberfest on Saturday and said it was a wonderful event.
Mayor Suess, along with Councilman Rutledge and Councilwoman Robbins, attended the 100-year birthday party for David Olson, a resident of Wyndemere, and presented him with a proclamation celebrating his 100th birthday.
13. Approval of Warrant
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilwoman Fitch seconded that Warrant No. 761 in the amount of $2,449,626.66, be approved.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
14. Adjournment
Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that the regular Wheaton City Council Meeting be adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10072019-1269
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