Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton City Council met April 21

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

MAYOR PHILIP J. SUESS 

COUNCILMAN MICHAEL BARBIER I COUNCILWOMAN ERICA ERAY-PARKER | COUNCILMAN SCOTT BROWN COUNCILMAN BRADLEY CLOUSING | COUNCILWOMAN LYNN ROBBINS I COUNCILMAN SCOTT WELLER 

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: Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Absent: None 

City Staff Physically 

Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager 

Dawn Didier, City Attorney 

Robert Brill, Fire Chief 

Jim Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development 

Holly Schulz, Director of Human Resources 

Joseph Tebrugge, Director of Engineering 

Jason Ackerlund, Forestry Superintendent 

Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer 

Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk 

City Staff Electronically 

Present: Pat Keegan, Director of Information Technology 

2. Presentations 

Mayor Suess presided over the swearing-in ceremony for Candidate Firefighter Justin Isaac Mayeri, preceded by remarks from Fire Chief Brill. 

Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation to the Wheaton Thunder Purple 4th Grade Girls Basketball Team proclaiming, Wheaton Thunder Purple 4th Grade Girls Basketball Team Championship Day. 

Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation to the Wheaton Vipers Red 6th Grade Boys Basketball Team proclaiming, Wheaton Vipers Red 6th Grade Boys Basketball Team Championship Day. 

Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation celebrating Arbor Day 2025 followed by remarks from Forestry Superintendent Ackerlund who reported 2025 will be the 40th consecutive year that Wheaton will be recognized as a ”Tree City". 

Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation celebrating Earth Year 2025 to Ted Witte, Chair of the Environmental Improvement Commission. Chair Witte reported the success of the Recycling Extravaganza, hosted by the Environmental improvement Commission Iast weekend. He encouraged residents to attend the Native Plant Sale and Prairie Path Clean Up next weekend and thanked everyone in Wheaton for doing their part Mayor Suess read and presented a proclamation to Councilman Michael Barbier, in recognition of his service, commitment and dedication to the City of Wheaton. 

3. Citizens to be Heard 

None. 

4. 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 the Wheaton City Council Regular Meeting — April 7, 2025, as submitted. 

2. Adopt Resolution R-2025-26, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of One (1) 2025 Ford F250 Pick Up from Sutton Ford in Accordance with the Northwest Municipal Conference Suburban Purchasing Cooperative for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $50,179.00. 

3. Adopt Resolution R-2025-27, A Resolution Authorizing the Disposal of Certain Surplus Property (Communications). 

4. Adopt Resolution R-2025-28, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of One (1) Replacement Snowplow, Salt Spreader, and Hydraulic System for Unit 8 in Accordance with the National Purchasing Partners Cooperative (NPPGOV) for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $66,534.00. 

5. Adopt Resolution R-2025-29, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of License Supplement #1 Under the Master License Agreement with Chicago SMSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless. 

6. Adopt Resolution R-2025—30, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Amendment #2 to Agreement No. 411 with MaintStar, inc. for an Additional integration to the Software System. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays None 

Absent None 

Motion Carried Unanimously

5. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-19, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton Chapter 6, (Alcoholic Beverages) Class R and Class Z Liquor License Classifications Councilman Brown moved and Councilman Weller seconded that 0-2025-19, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton Chapter 6, (Alcoholic Beverages) Class R and Class Z Liquor License Classifications, be passed. 

City Manager Dzugan stated the Local Liquor Commission unanimously recommended to amend the City of Wheaton Liquor Code for Class R and Z liquor license classifications to permit the retail sale of alcoholic liquor versus only beer and wine. 

Roll Cali Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

6. Appointment to a City Board 

Mayor Suess moved and Councilman Clousing seconded that Benjamin A. Blume be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board for a term through April 18, 2026. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Nays None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

7. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-20, An Ordinance Amending the Pay Schedules for Officers, Assistants and Employees of the City of Wheaton, Illinois 

Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that 0-2025-20, An Ordinance Amending the Pay Schedules for Officers, Assistants and Employees of the City of Wheaton, Illinois, be passed.

City Manager Dzugan stated the ordinance amends the pay schedules for the period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, for positions not in collective bargaining units. He stated the adjustments, recommended by Director Schuiz, are to maintain competitive pay scales. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Counciiwoman Robbins 

Counciiman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

8. Receive Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #25-07 / Special Use / 500 College Avenue / Continental Energy Solution 

Councilman Brown moved and Councilman Clousing seconded that Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #25-07 / Special Use / 500 College Avenue / Continental Energy Solution, be received. 

City Manager Dzugan stated the report from the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended the approval of a special use with several conditions to allow 4 solar carports in the Billy Graham Center Parking Lot. He reported the parking lot is in a floodplain which requires special equipment protection efforts. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

in response to Councilwoman Bray— Parker, Director Tebrugge stated the engineering department has no concerns with the detention required being subtracted from the existing regional storage facility which already exists at Wheaton College near the girls’ softball field and was originally constructed with excess capacity.

Pass Ordinance 0-2025-21, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow the Construction and Use of Four (4) Solar Carports in the Existing Parking Lot of the Billy Graham Center, on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 500 College Avenue — Wheaton College 

Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Weller seconded that 0-2025-21, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow the Construction and Use of Four (4) Solar Carports in the Existing Parking Lot of the Billy Graham Center, on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 500 College Avenue — Wheaton College, be passed. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

9. Receive Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #25-08/ Multiple Variations / 705 N. Main Street / Keating 

Councilwoman Bray—Parker moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that Planning & Zoning Board Report Re: ZA #25-08/ Multiple Variations / 705 N. Main Street/ Keating, be received. 

City Manager Dzugan reported that the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved several variations for a new detached garage, replacing a previously demolished one in the same location and size. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

Pass Ordinance 0-2025-22, An Ordinance Granting Lot Width, Side Yard Setback, and Rear Yard Setback Variations to Allow the Construction and Use of a New Detached Garage, on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 705 N. Main Street - Keating 

Councilman Clousing moved and Councilman Weller seconded that 0-2025-22, An Ordinance Granting Lot Width, Side Yard Setback, and Rear Yard Setback Variations to Allow the Construction and Use of a New Detached Garage, on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 705 N. Main Street - Keating, be passed. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman WeHer 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker‘ 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

10. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-23, An Ordinance Granting a Rezoning from the O-R Office Research District to the R-5 Residential District, on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 1113-1135 Wheaton Oaks Court - Wheaton Oaks Management Company 

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that 0—2025-23, An Ordinance Granting a Rezoning from the O-R Office Research District to the R-5 Residential District, on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 1113—1135 Wheaton Oaks Court — Wheaton Oaks Management Company, be passed. 

City Manager Dzugan stated the Planning and Zoning Board unanimousiy recommended approval of a rezoning from O-R Office to R-S Residential for the property commonly known as Wheaton Oaks Office Park. He noted the zoning ordinance requires PUD approval when a deveiopment with over two units is proposed in the R—5 Zoning District, and therefore a specific plan will be presented in the future requiring the approval of the Council.

Councilman Brown expressed concern regarding projects lingering in the community and asked for the expected timeline. 

Rick Lewellyan, 514 Renn Ct., owner of Wheaton Oaks Management Company, plans to continue to maintain the property at a high level. He also stated they have a goal to remove the property at 1113-1135 Wheaton Oaks Court from the floodplain after zoning approval and draft plans for Council approval. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays None 

Absent None

Motion Carried Unanimously

11. Application for a Class R Liquor License - Scissors & Scotch of Naperville LLC d/b/a Scissors & Scotch - 21 Town Square 

Councilman Weiler moved and Councilman Ciousing seconded that the Application for a Class R Liquor License — Scissors & Scotch of Naperville LLC d/b/a Scissors & Scotch - 21 Town Square, be approved. 

City Manager Dzugan announced that, following the approval of the Liquor Code amendment regarding the Class R liquor license classification, Scissors & Scotch is seeking a license to sell alcohol customers receiving spa or salon services. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

12. Application for a Class Z Liquor License — PB Wheaton LLC d/b/a The Picklr Wheaton — 191 Rice Lake Square 

Councilwoman Bray‘Parker moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that the Application for a Class Z Liquor License — PB Wheaton LLC d/b/a The Picklr Wheaton — 191 Rice Lake Square, be approved. 

City Manager Dzugan stated that with the approval of the Class Z liquor license amendment, The Picklr Wheaton seeks a license to sell liquor at a private pickleball club. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilman Barbier 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

13. Council Comment

Councilman Weller expressed his appreciation for Councilman Barbier’s eight years of service on the Wheaton City Council. He acknowledged Councilman Barbier as a dedicated and active member of the community who consistently participates, listens, and genuinely cares. Reflecting on their shared successes and challenges, he commended Councilman Barbier’s unwavering presence, commitment to hard work, ability to engage in difficult discussions, and decision - making with integrity and compassion. Councilman Weller conveyed his gratitude to Councilman Barbier for his service and contributions to the continued prosperity of Wheaton. 

Councilwoman Robbins thanked Councilman Barbier for his service to the Wheaton City Council. She noted Councilman Barbier's engineering perspective and innovative approach. She mentioned their collaborative work on the budget and Capital Improvement Plan. She acknowledged his distinctive orange accessories and frequent discussions about sports and food. Finally, she wished him well. 

Councilman Clousing expressed his gratitude to Councilman Barbier for his dedicated service on the Wheaton City Council. He appreciated Councilman Barbier’s willingness to explain various matters to him as the newest member of the Council, acknowledging his unique perspective as both an engineer and a government employee. Councilman Clousing conveyed that he will miss serving alongside Councilman Barbier and extended his congratulations on regaining Monday nights to spend quality time with his children and family. 

Councilman Brown expressed his appreciation for Councilman Barbier's sincere commitment to serving the community. He commended Councilman Barbier for his open-mindedness and willingness to collaborate, rather than pursuing a personal agenda. He acknowledged that Councilman Barbier is a person of integrity who strives to ensure the prosperity of Wheaton, and thanked him for his dedicated service. 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker expressed that it has been a pleasure to work alongside Councilman Barbier over the years. She acknowledged his ability to prompt her to pause and reflect, crediting him for providing diverse perspectives and fostering deep thinking on community issues. She thanked him for his valued contributions and different viewpoints, appreciating his commitment to the community. Councilwoman Bray—Parker conveyed her gratitude for his dedication and wished him well in his future endeavors. 

Councilman Barbier expressed his gratitude to retired City Clerk Barrett—Hagen and City Clerk Rosedale for their patience, City Manager Dzugan for his willingness and availability to answer questions, Analyst Berg for excellent work and prompt project turnaround, Water Superintendent McMillen and the entire Water Department for their outstanding efforts in lead sen/ice replacements, Engineer Lagvankar for exceptional work, and former Mayor Gresk for setting the benchmark for exemplary service in Wheaton. He also acknowledged former Councilman Scalzo, who was elected in his late 20s, and former Councilwoman Suzanne Fitch for her contributions to Zoning. Additionally, he praised the current Council, calling it his favorite group, and individually recognized Councilwoman Bray-Parker, Councilman Brown, Councilman Clousing, Councilman Weller, Councilwoman Robbins, and Mayor Suess. He took a moment to reflect on his influence as a council member in reigniting the effort to rename the Warrenville US Postal Service location as the Corporal Jeffery Allen Williams Post Office Building, in honor of his high school teammate who did not return home after serving as a commander’s personal medic. This initiative culminated in the signing of H.R. 4407 into law by the president of the United States. 

14. Approval of Warrant 

Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that Warrant No. 894 in the amount of $1,182,728.66, be approved. 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Barbier 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays: None 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried Unanimously 

15. Closed Session 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilman Brown seconded to go into closed session at 8:05 pm for the purpose of discussing Pending or Imminent Litigation, 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). 

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Nays: Councilman Barbier 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried 

Councilwoman Robbins recused herself at 8:07 p.m. due to a potential conflict of interest in the Closed Session. 

The City Council returned to the open portion of their meeting at 8:22 p.m. 

Councilwoman Robbins rejoined the meeting at 8:23 p.m. 

16. Adjournment 

Councilman Brown moved and Councilman Clousing seconded that the regular Wheaton City Council Meeting be adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Roll Call Vote: 

Ayes: Councilman Brown 

Mayor Suess 

Councilman Clousing 

Councilwoman Robbins 

Councilman Weller 

Councilwoman Bray-Parker 

Nays: Councilman Barbier 

Absent: None 

Motion Carried

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04212025-2816