City of Wheaton City Council met January 13

By Angelica Saylo Pilo

Apr 3, 2020

City of Wheaton City Council met Jan. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

The public hearing of the Wheaton City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Suess.

The public hearing was held in the Council Chambers, Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, Illinois. Upon roll call, the following were:

Present: Mayor Suess

Councilman Michael Barbier

Councilwoman Erica Bray-Parker

Councilwoman Suzanne Fitch

Councilwoman Lynn Robbins

Councilman Christopher Zaruba

Absent: Councilman John Rutledge

City Staff Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager

John Duguay, Assistant City Manager

James Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development

Paul Redman, Director of Engineering

Susan Bishel, Public Relations Coordinator

Andrea Rosedale, Administrative Assistant

II. Public Hearing – Vacation Request/Public Alley right-of-Way/Summit Street Subdivision

a. Presentation

Craig Henninger, 842 N. Summit St., spoke on behalf of Henninger Homes regarding their vacation request for the alley on the east end of Summit Street. He stated in conjunction with the builder’s proposal to construct five new homes, the City included a condition of approval to submit a petition for the alley east of the subject property. The request is to mitigate drainage for the nearby lots. It is currently used as an easement for utilities and the area will continue to maintain that easement.

b. Public Comment

Shawn Rooney, 222 N. Prospect St., inquired whether the builder would be paying for the land if it is vacated, and he expressed concern that the trees in the alleyway could be removed. Mr. Rooney suggested that the land could possibly be divided among the adjacent property owners. He expressed concern that if the alley were built upon, the structure would be close to his home.

Mr. Henninger stated this vacation request was a collaborative effort with City staff. He stated if the alley were vacated, the builder wouldn’t need to a variance for lot depth. He stated they do not intend to build in the alley, and the builder doesn’t intend to remove trees unless it is required for drainage.

c. Council Comment

In response to Councilwoman Fitch’s question about stormwater improvements, Director of Engineering Redman stated while it is preliminary at this point, the proposed improvements generally would require regrading of some areas to compensate for any filled area and installing a storm drain on the north end of the subject area.

Assistant City Manager Duguay answered Mayor Suess’s question about compensation for the land by stating that under City Code, if a permanent easement is required over the entire right-of- way, there is no compensation required.

Director of Planning & Economic Development Kozik confirmed Councilman Zaruba’s question regarding where a fence could be constructed. A new homeowner would be able to put up a fence that would extend the additional 12 feet of the vacated alley. City Manager Dzugan stated if the alley were not vacated, this would not be allowed, and there would be a 12 foot difference between fences on the adjoining properties.

Councilman Barbier stated due to the permanent easement, granting this request seems to be the most straightforward solution.

In response to Councilman Zaruba’s question, Director of Engineering Redman stated the alley is currently not being used for anything and consists of grass and trees.

III. Adjournment

Councilman Zaruba moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded a motion to close the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Councilman Zaruba

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Bray-Parker

Councilwoman Fitch

Mayor Suess

Councilwoman Robbins

Nays: None

Absent: Councilman Rutledge

Motion Carried Unanimously