Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton City Council Planning Sessions met Aug. 26

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. Call to Order

The Wheaton City Council Planning Session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Suess. The following were:

Physically Present: Mayor Suess

Councilman Barbier

Councilwoman Bray-Parker

Councilman Brown

Councilman Clousing

Councilwoman Robbins

Councilman Weller

City Staff Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager

Halie Cardinal, Public Relations Coordinator

Present Electronically: Dawn Didier, City Attorney

II. Approval of Planning Session Minutes – July 22, 2024

The City Council approved the July 22, 2024, City Council Planning Session Minutes.

III. Lot #3 Art Wall Recommendation

Fine & Cultural Arts Commissioner Randy King stated that the Commission met with the chosen artist Peru Dyer Jalea (PERU143) to draft three proposed designs for the art wall mural. He stated that sketch 1 is the artist’s initial version for the space, which incorporates bright colors and shapes to form the word “Wheaton” in a simplistic manner using his signature abstract style. Sketch 2 builds off the initial sketch and incorporates icons that are representative of the City, such as using an icon representing the courthouse.

After extensive discussion, the Commission decided that sketch 2 incorporated too many icon elements, which detracted from the artist’s original style and that the “t” in sketch 1 needed a redesign. Sketch 3 is the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council, as it addresses their concerns with the other two sketches.

Commissioner King reiterated that Phase 2 of the project would involve installing a digital projection mapping system, which would overtake this static mural image at night. The projection mapping system would provide the ability to update the imagery at any time. He stated that the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission and staff are seeking the City Council’s feedback and consensus regarding proceeding with one of the designs.

Council members discussed the designs and expressed support for the Commission’s recommendation of proceeding with sketch 3.

Commissioner King stated that for Phase 2 of the project, the Commission will initiate a Request for Proposal process to determine possible options for the projection mapping system. Once the proposals are received, the Commission will bring the options to a future Planning Session to share the information and costs.

In response to Council questions, Commissioner King stated that the next steps for Phase 1 involve scheduling the artist, and that the installation is an approximate 3-4 day process. The cost for Phase 1 is $17,000.

IV. Intergovernmental Agreement/DuPage County Campus Regulatory Control

City Manager Dzugan stated that he, the Director of Planning, and the City Attorney have been collaborating with a legal consultant hired by DuPage County regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between DuPage County and the City. The IGA would grant certain regulatory control over the DuPage County Governmental Campus (campus) directly to the County. He stated that the IGA aligns with the City’s Strategic Priority of Financial Stability: pursue intergovernmental cooperation, consolidation, or service sharing for governmental efficiencies.

City Manager Dzugan reviewed the General Provisions of the proposed IGA, which states that the City would regulate those areas not included in the IGA. The IGA would have an initial 5-year term with automatic renewals, and it could be terminated with a 365-day written notice.

In regard to zoning, the proposed IGA would create a new County District through a Zoning Ordinance Amendment. The County would have the authority to issue approval for permitted uses identified in the newly created County District. The County would be required to hold public hearings for special uses and variations, with the City Council making the final decision on such requests.

In response to Council questions, City Manager Dzugan stated that the IGA’s permitted use would be identical to the City’s current Zoning Ordinance for the campus. The current zoning requires that the maximum building height be 75-feet or five stories, whichever is less.

City Manager Dzugan reviewed the proposed General Police Powers of the IGA, through which the Sheriff’s Office would be responsible for enforcement of state, county and local laws on the campus beginning Dec. 1, 2025. He stated that the Wheaton Police Department responded to 540 police calls from March 2023-March 2024. The IGA will significantly benefit the City since the Sheriff’s Office will take on campus-related calls. The Wheaton Police Department will have the ability to reallocate resources to accommodate service demands. The City will continue to provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the campus.

In response to Council questions, City Manager Dzugan stated that the Wheaton Fire Department frequently responds to calls on the campus, primarily to the mental health facility. Currently, the Sheriff’s Office does not accompany Wheaton Police Department personnel to calls to the campus.

In response to Council questions, City Attorney Didier stated that the wording “local laws” most often refers to the City’s traffic-related regulations such as handicapped parking violations. Under the IGA, the City would have the authority to enforce laws but not the obligation. Wheaton Police Department personnel do not have to be invited onto the campus to execute enforcement.

City Manager Dzugan stated that under the IGA, the City would continue to review and approve Site Development Permits. All stormwater improvements would need to be completed in accordance with the City’s stormwater regulations, and the County would still be subject to the stormwater utility fee. Regarding building codes, the County is to review, issue and inspect all building permits for work done on the campus based upon same international building code used by the City. The City still reserves the right to conduct inspections. The County is to follow the City’s Special Event Ordinance.

A section of the proposed agreement related to water main, sanitary and storm sewers outlines that the County would be responsible for maintaining their own mains and sewers, which they own. Water provided by the City would be charged at the same rate as commercial customers and the City’s connection fees would remain.

In response to Council questions, City Manager Dzugan stated that the County would not need approval from the City for permitted uses outlined in the IGA, but special use requests would require the County to hold a public hearing and present their proposal to the City Council for approval.

Council members noted that the IGA will benefit both parties, as it will increase efficiencies and workflow.

Council members also raised concerns about the potential development of the campus under the proposed IGA and how this could impact current residents in the surrounding area. Potential scenarios of concern included residential housing developments, constructing a performance center, and the County selling the property.

In response to a Council question, City Attorney Didier stated that should the County sell the property, they cannot remove the zoning regulations during the sale. The new owner would have to submit a request to the City Council for the area to be rezoned.

The City Council directed staff to move forward with the IGA process. City Manager Dzugan stated that for next steps, once the Council finds the document acceptable, it will proceed to the County for review, beginning with the DuPage County’s Public Works Committee.

V. Public Comment

There were no public comments.

VI. City Council/Staff Comments

There were no Council or staff comments.

VII. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08262024-2616