Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton City Council met Sept. 16

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order and Roll Call 

The regular Wheaton City Council Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Philip J. Suess. Upon roll call, the following were: 

Physically Present: Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

City Staff Physically 

Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager 

Dawn Didier, City Attorney 

Jim Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development 

Joseph Tebrugge, Director of Engineering 

Brian Gabryel, Deputy Chief of Police 

Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer 

Carly Johns, Administrative Assistant 

Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk 

City Staff Electronically 

Present: Sam Webb, Fleet Superintendent 

2. Citizens to be Heard 

Michelle Dunlap, 1336 S. Main St., Co-Chair of the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission, presented a proposal to the City Council to improve the Arbor Avenue/Warrenville Road crosswalk for enhanced safety. She reported key recommendations include the addition of crosswalk signs with flashing lights, the installation of activation buttons, and signage updates for improved visibility. She detailed the proposal aims to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, especially for school students, families, and residents accessing parks, the Illinois Prairie Path, and downtown Wheaton. She reported the proposal aligns with Wheaton’s Complete Streets Policy and the 2011 Bicycle Plan, which prioritize safe, accessible streets. She detailed the need for safer crossing options that do not involve IDOT, citing past difficulties with IDOT approvals. 

Chantise Davis, 2126 W. Roosevelt Rd., with DuPage United, expressed concerns regarding the City’s lack of communication regarding the traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk project near her home. She felt that DuPage United had not been recognized as a stakeholder for helping secure $250,000 in funding for the project. She requested that DuPage United be included in and notified of future meetings pertaining to the traffic signal and pedestrian cross walk.

Beatrice Ndayisenga, 2126 W. Roosevelt Rd., with DuPage United, requested the recognition of DuPage United for their participation in securing $250,000 of state funds, in the St. Francis funding resolution passed by the City Council at the September 3, 2024, City Council meeting. She expressed safety concerns crossing Roosevelt Road from Marian Park. 

Elsa Hailu, 2126 W. Roosevelt Rd., with DuPage United, requested a clear timeline on the construction on the traffic signal and crosswalk located near Marian Park within the next 30 days. She expressed safety concerns crossing Roosevelt Road from Marian Park. 

Mayor Suess reported the City of Wheaton had finalized its portion of the traffic signal and crosswalk project, including an agreement with St. Francis regarding funding. He confirmed that $250,000 in state funding is expected and will be applied to the overall project cost. He detailed the timeline forthe project is under the control of IDOT, and it is expected to be completed within the next two years. He reported IDOT's primary concern is the addition of a right turn lane at Roosevelt and County Farm Road, and the traffic signal project cannot proceed until that is completed. 

Bill Alrich reported the September 3, 2024, St. Francis funding resolution appeared suddenly to Marian Park residents. 

ln response to Bill Alrich, Mayor Suess stated that St. Francis put a funding mechanism in place for the project to move forward. He reported City staff has had communication with Mercy Homes regarding the easement for connection to St. Francis. 

ln response to Bill Alrich, Mayor Suess confirmed direction was provided by the Council to work with St. Francis to establish a funding source for the project to move forward, which was passed on September 3 and is reflected within that agreement. Bill Alrich requested that DuPage United be kept informed going forward. 

Claire Hughes expressed concern regarding a clause in the September 3, 2024, St. Francis funding agreement resolution specific to the fate of the traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk project should St. Francis decide not to proceed with the funding. 

ln response to Claire Hughes, City Manager Dzugan reported the clause relates to St. Francis having the funds to cover the expense as budgeted and the clause protects them from potential significant increases in project costs. City Manager Dzugan stated that if St. Francis decided not to proceed with funding, the City would communicate with DuPage United to acquire the additional funding to continue the project beyond the $250,000 from state funds. 

Kimberli Diehl, member of DuPage United expressed concern regarding the City’s communication with DuPage United pertaining to the traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk. She questioned the City’s ability to fund a traffic signal at Fapp Circle but not at the Marian Park/St. Francis entrance. 

ln response to Kimberli Diehl, Mayor Suess reported that Fapp Circle is a City street for public use and the St. Francis/Marian Park location is for private use. He confirmed the project has moved forward because of the funding St. Francis has agreed to. 

in response to Kimberli Diehl, City Manager Dzugan reported the City has contacted Marian Park Management and they have been kept informed throughout the process.

Mayor Suess expressed appreciation for the concern and passion of DuPage United members. He reported the City is moving forward with the crosswalk and the installation of a sidewalk and stated that he has had conversations with Mercy Homes to consider providing transportation to the residents of Marian Park. He reported the DuPage County Board Chair is happy to provide funding, however, Mercy Homes does not want the liability. He encouraged DuPage United to engage in a conversation with Mercy Homes. 

Kimberli Diehl expressed safety concerns for the residents of Marian Park crossing Roosevelt. 

3. Consent Agenda 

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that the following action be taken on the Consent Agenda items: 

1. Approve the minutes of Wheaton City Council Regular Meeting — September 3, 2024, as submitted. 

2. Adopt Resolution R-2024-79, A Resolution Authorizing the Disposal of Certain Surplus Property (PW). 

3. Adopt Resolution R-2024-80, A Resolution Approving the Madison West Plat of Consolidation. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

4. Pass Ordinance 0-2024-26, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton Chapter 6, (Alcoholic Beverages) & Appendix B (Fee Schedule) Relating to the Creation of a Class U Liquor License — Craft Cocktail Lounge 

Councilman Weller moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that 0-2024-26, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton Chapter 6, (Alcoholic Beverages) & Appendix B (Fee Schedule) Relating to the Creation of a Class U Liquor License — Craft Cocktail Lounge, be passed. 

City Manager Dzugan stated the ordinance had a first reading at the September 3, 2024 City Council meeting. He noted the Liquor Commission recommended approval of a new Class U license classification. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing

Councilwoman Robbins 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

5. Receive Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #24-11/ Text Amendment & Rezoning/ Article 31/ Roosevelt Road 

Councilman Bray—Parker moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #24-l1/ Text Amendment & Rezoning/ Articie 31/ Roosevelt Road, be received. 

City Manager Dzugan stated the report from the Planning & Zoning Board is for a text amendment and rezoning known as the Roosevelt Road Corridor. 

Director Kozik reported that the Roosevelt Road Corridor Plan began in 2018 when the City hired Camiros, Ltd. and Valerie Kretchmer and Associates to study and prepare a Comprehensive Plan for a two—mile stretch of Roosevelt Road from the lllinois Prairie Path to the Glen Ellyn border. He reported the City initiated an RFP to update the zoning ordinance in line with the plan, and Sightline Planning and Zoning was selected for the task. He detailed Sightline drafted an amendment to create a new Article 31, establishing a base district and four subdistricts. He reported the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the amendment, subject to revisions after public hearings in August. 

Jacob Seid, Sightline Planning and Zoning presented a summary ofthe process and ordinance. He reviewed the need for a new code, the project timeline, goals of the Corridor Plan, implementation of the future land use plan, the new ordinance and the subdistricts and detailed permitted and special uses within each of the subdistricts. He focused on uses specific to residential and non—residential uses and reviewed bulk and yard regulations and design requirements in addition to a high-level overview of amendments to other parts ofthe zoning ordinance. 

In response to Councilman Barbier and Mayor Suess, Jacob Seid stated Build to Zone is the area in which the front of the building must be built in from the property line. He detailed that in RR2 and RR3 where lots are larger, the idea is to bring the property closer to the street for more developable space. 

in response to Mayor Suess, Jacob Seid provided further clarification in terms of permissible residential development within each of the four subdistricts. 

Mayor Suess expressed concerns regarding the preclusion of residential development or commercial development in each ofthe four subdistricts relative to property demand in the future. 

Councilman Barbier expressed concerns regarding residential and housing aspects of the ordinance. 

Councilwoman Robbins expressed concerns pertaining to density, the concept of reuse, continuity and character. 

Councilman Clousing expressed concerns regarding conflicting goals relating to historic preservation and the preservation of structures.

In response to Council comment, Director Kozik stated any deveiopment beyond 12 units in any of the districts requires pianning and deveiopment review and approval beyond speciai use which include additionai controls. 

Directors Kozik and Tebrugge confirmed that anything over 1800 square feet in commercial and two and a half acres in a single—family residential development requires detention. 

City Manager Dzugan recommended further discussion following staff review of various possibilities and scenarios including further definition behind residential reuse with consideration given to the goal of attempting to reuse underutilized properties and structures. 

Mayor Suess warned that if nothing is done, the City will remain in the same situation today with countless deteriorating buildings lining Roosevelt Road and confirmed that is not the desired result. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

Motion to Direct Staff to Return to the City Council with Recommendations for Modifications Based on the Topics Discussed Pertaining to Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #24-11/ Text Amendment & Rezoning/ Article 31/ Roosevelt Road 

Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Weller seconded a Motion to Direct Staff to Return to the City Council with Recommendations for Modifications Based on the Topics Discussed Pertaining to Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #24-11/ Text Amendment & Rezoning/ Article 31/ Roosevelt Road. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray—Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

6. Adopt Resolution R-2024-81, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 484 with Alliance Contractors, Inc. for the Cole Avenue Retaining Wall for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $91,883.50 and a 5% Contingency

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that R-2024—81, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 484 with Alliance Contractors, Inc. for the Cole Avenue Retaining Wall for a Totai Amount Not to Exceed $91,883.50 and a 5% Contingency, be adopted. 

City Manager Dzugan stated five bids were received for repair and repiacement of a retaining wall supporting a culvert stormwater pipe aiong Cole Avenue. He reported significant erosion around the existing wail. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray—Parker 

MayorSuess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

7. Adopt Resolution R-2024-82, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Installation of Evidence Lockers from Bradford Systems Corporation Through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $37,626.01 

Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Weller seconded that R-2024-82, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Installation of Evidence Lockers from Bradford Systems Corporation Through the Sourcewell Purchasing Cooperative for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $37,626.01, be adopted. 

City Manager Dzugan stated although the new evidence lockers are $7,600 over budget, there are reserves in the capital equipment replacement fund to cover the difference. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray—Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously

8. Adopt Resolution R-2024-83, A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application to the DuPage County Community Development Commission for Community Development Block Grant Funds for the Roosevelt Road Water Main Project 

Councilman Weller moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that R-2024—83, A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application to the DuPage County Community Development Commission for Community Development Block Grant Funds for the Roosevelt Road Water Main Project, be adopted. 

City Manager Dzugan stated the resolution authorizes submission of a grant application with DuPage County seeking Community Development Block Grant Funds for 80% ofthe cost to replace a six-inch water main along Roosevelt Road. He reported this is the second time the City has sought this grant. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray—Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously

9. Council Comment 

Councilman Weller welcomed a new Wheaton resident, his nephew born on September 16, 2024. 

Councilwoman Bray—Parker expressed gratitude to the Community Relations Commission and City staff for their efforts and contributions in hosting a successful Festival of Cultures. 

10. Approval of Warrant 

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that Warrant No. 880 in the amount of $1,666,328.35, be approved. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays: None 

Absent: Councilman Brown 

Motion Carried Unanimously

11. Adjournment 

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09162024-2635