===== PDF PAGE 5 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] CITY OF WEST CHICAGO — 475 Main Street CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Regular Meeting September 16, 2019 1. Call to Order. Mayor Ruben Pineda called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Alderman Hallett led all in the pledge of allegiance. 3. Invocation, The City Clerk gave the invocation. 4. Roll Call and Establishment of a Quorum, Roll Call found Aldermen Lori J. Chassee, James E, Beifuss, Jr., Heather Brown, Jayme Sheahan, Michael D, Ferguson, Alton Hallett, Sandy Dimas, Melissa Birch-Ferguson, Christopher Swiatek, Matthew E. Garling, Jeanne M. Short, Rebecca Stout, and Noreen Ligino-Kubinski present, Alderman Bonnie A. Gagliardi was absent. The Mayor announced a quorum. City Clerk Nancy M. Smith was also present. Also in attendance were City Attorney Patrick K. Bond, City Administrator Michael L. Guttman, Museum Director Sara Phalen, Chief of Police Mike Uplegger, Community Development Director Tom Dabareiner, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Rosemary Mackey, and Special Events Coordinator Bethan Bayci. 5. Public Participation. A. Proclamation: Union Pacific Railroad Recognition. B. Proclamation: National Rail Safety Week The Mayor read his Proclamation Commemorating the Historic Visit of Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 Great Race Across the Midwest, West Chicago, Illinois, in which he extended sincere congratulations to the UP on the occasion of its 150” anniversary of the transcontinental railroad's completion and gratitude in being chosen as one of the UP's tour stops for the “Great Race across the Midwest.” A copy of the Proclamation is attached. The Mayor also read his Proclamation on National Rail Safety Week (copy attached) in which he proclaimed as September 22 — 28, 2019, and encouraged all citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety education. The Mayor further stated his gratitude for having the Big Boy in West Chicago for four days. He then presented the Proclamation to Liisa Stark, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs. She spoke and said she is responsible for nine states. She was pleased that Illinois is one of them and the home of the railroad. She thanked the City for the opportunity to be here this evening, and felt the Proclamation was well written. She praised the partnership with West Chicago, and said they estimated 65,000 people came to see the Big Boy. She then introduced General Manager for Operations Andrea Drozdov, Analyst for Rail Operations Support Brandy Linquist, and Manager for Operations in West Chicago Tim Suiter. Ms. Stark presented a plaque of appreciation to the Mayor, and to Police Chief Uplegger for the many hours the Police Department devoted to the event. She also had one for the Fire Department. The Mayor said he met Ed Dickens, the Chief Engineer who provided much information. The Mayor also praised the partnership and said West Chicago is a Railroad Town. C. Proclamation: Sister Cities: 20" Anniversary. At the Mayor's request, the City Clerk tead his Proclamation Honoring West Chicago Sister Cities on the Occasion of its 20" Anniversary in Partnership with Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany, in which he proclaimed recognition, respect, and congratulations to West Chicago Sister Cities and the Partnerschaftsverein on the 20" Anniversary of their partnership. A copy of the Proclamation is attached. The Mayor then recognized Becky Hall, President of the West Chicago Sister Cities Organization. She said they are leaving this week end for a trip to Taufkirchen and some of the travelers were in attendance. Many have hosted and met our visitors. She then presented Sister City pins to the Council. She thanked the Council for the City’s support. She said the smallest support grows into bigger support, and all on the City Council have provided some support. The Mayor wished the group a wonderful trip, and said,they would be with people they have known for 20 years. He said Taufkirchen has its own brewery, and he encouraged anyone who could, to visit. He had a great visit there himself. The following people spoke during Public Participation: 1) Diane Ferguson, 30W276 Pomeroy Street, West Chicago, spoke about the McAuley School. She was concerned that the transfer of its ownership to the Historical Society was not discussed at the Development Committee meeting of September 8, 2019, due to the,huge ===== PDF PAGE 6 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] City of West Chicago Regular City Council Minutes September 16, 2019 Page 2 amount of time spent on possible legalization of marijuana dispensaries in West Chicago. It was pushed to the October meeting. A copy of her statement is attached. 2) David Sabathne, CEO and Director of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce, 155 Spencer, West Chicago, spoke about Sister Cities, and said at the time Sister Cities was established he was an alderman. He has traveled to Taufkirchen several times on official and unofficial trips. On one occasion his son and his band were asked to come and perform. He said sometimes there are unintended consequences, He received an email from someone who asked if he was part of the Sabathne family that immigrated to Altoona, PA. As a result, he found out that he has family in Germany and one of them has all the family records and was able to give a great history of the family, including a story about his grandfather. So now he has a second family in Taufkirchen. He thanked the City for getting behind this effort, and encouraged the Council to continue any support they can. The people in Taufkirchen host us like royalty. Mr. Sabathne also thanked the Council for the Big Boy 6. City Council Meeting Minutes — September 3, 2019. Alderman Chassee made a motion, seconded by Alderman Brown, to approve the minutes of September 3, 2019, with no changes. Voting Aye: Alderman Chassee, Beifuss, Brown, Sheahan, Ferguson, Dimas, Birch-Ferguson, Swiatek, Stout, and Ligino-Kubinski. Aldermen Hallett, Garling, and Short abstained. Voting Nay: 0. Motion carried. 7. Corporate Disbursement Report. Alderman Dimas made a motion, seconded by Alderman Chassee, to approve the September 16, 2019, Corporate Disbursement Report in the amount of $838,048.52. Voting Aye: Aldermen Chassee, Beifuss, Brown, Sheahan, Ferguson, Hallett, Dimas, Birch-Ferguson, Swiatek, Garling, Short, Stout, and Ligino- Kubinski. Voting Nay: 0. Motion carried. 8. Consent Agenda — Consideration of an Omnibus Vote. * Development Committee: Alderman Stout read and explained the following items: A. Resolution 19-R-0041 — A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Certain Downtown Fagade Grant Program Agreement — Maria Mercedes Arroyo Gonzalez — 207 Main Street (in an amount not to exceed $950.00) B. Resolution 19-R-0042 — A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Certain Downtown Fagade Grant Program Agreement — Jersey Hurst, LLC — 111-115 Galena Street (in an amount not to exceed $12,268.00) C. Resolution 19-R-0043 — A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Certain Downtown Fagade Grant Program Agreement — Jersey Hurst, LLC — 136 West Washington Street (in an amount not to exceed $16,782.00) D. Resolution 19-R-0045 — A Resolution Accepting a Plat of Easement and Authorizing Mayor to Execute Same for a Storm Sewer and Drainage Easement — 124 West Stimmel! Street Alderman Stout made a motion, seconded by Alderman Sheahan, to approve the above items. Voting Aye: Aldermen Chassee, Beifuss, Brown, Sheahan, Ferguson, Hallett, Dimas, Birch-Ferguson, Swiatek, Garling, Short, Stout, and Ligino-Kubinski. Voting Nay: 0. Motion carried, 9. Reports by Committees. A. Ordinance 19-0-0028 — An Ordinance Approving a Second Amendment to the Final PUD of the Shoppes of West Chicago Located at 191 West North Avenue Alderman Beifuss made a motion, seconded by Alderman Swiatek, to adopt the above item. During discussion, Alderman Beifuss said this came before the Plan Commission and the Development Commission several times. The amendment was not approved at the Plan Commission due to a lack of a quorum. There then followed extensive discussion on the concern that the proposed banquet hall needs more parking spaces than are available and so would like to share parking spaces with the other tenants. The current tenants have hours different from the banquet hall, but this could change with new tenants, thus causing a parking shortage and parking in unauthorized areas. Alderman Garling said he would like to see this local business thrive. The tenant and owner were recognized by many of the Aldermen to speak. The owner talked of various possible solutions, such as paving over the originally planned drive through area or contracting with a valet service. City Administrator Guttman said staff would have to look at the possibility of paving the drive through area for parking. Alderman Beifuss said given the potential of adding additional spaces, he would like ===== PDF PAGE 7 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] City of West Chicago lar Ci incil Min, September 16, 2019 Page 3 to table this item until staff can work more with adding spaces. Alderman Chassee seconded the motion to table. Voting Aye: Aldermen Chassee, Beifuss, Brown, Sheahan, Ferguson, Hallett, Dimas, Birch-Ferguson, Swiatek, Garling, Short, Stout, and Ligino-Kubinski. Voting Nay: 0, Motion carried. The Mayor said staff will look into it further. 10. Unfinished Business. None 11. New Business. None 12. Correspondence and Announcements. Upcoming Meetings - September17, 2019 Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals (cancelled) - September 23, 2019 Public Affairs Committee - September 24, 2019 Historical Preservation Commission - September 26, 2019 Finance Committee (cancelled) - October 1, 2019 Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals - October 3, 2019 Infrastructure Committee The City Clerk announced that the American Legion is sponsoring a fundraiser/fish fry at the American Legion Hall on Friday, October 4, 2019. There will be a live band. This is open to the public. The City Clerk announced also that at the American Legion on Friday, October 11, 2019, there will be a disc jockey. This event is in honor of all West Chicago High School alumni. There is no charge to attend. There will be a cash bar and bar food. Alderman Ferguson added that his high school class is having their 50" Reunion and decided to invite all former alumni. The event starts at 7:00 pm. The Mayor said this weekend the West Chicago Park District will have their Rhythms and Brews event at the Shell, with catering by Hawthorne's Back Yard. There will be German beer. 13. Mayor’s Comments. The Mayor said the Mexican Independence Day events were well attended. The parade started at the Middle School and went downtown. It was very long. About 300 students participated. The students were part of the Move with the Mayor event. They had their own signs, and were excited to participate. The Mexican Consulate was also in attendance. The 750 pound pifiata did not fail to please everyone. The Mayor announced the regrettable news that 7" Ward Alderman Bonnie Gagliardi resigned as of this evening, because of her job. She will keep in touch. The Mayor said the 7" Ward had two great aldermen. 14. Executive Session. There was no executive session. 15. Items to be Referred for Final Action from Executive Session. Not applicable. 16. Adjournment. At 8:04 pm, Alderman Chassee made a motion, seconded by Alderman Stout, to adjourn, Motion was carried by voice vote. Respectfully submitted, nin ancy M1 City Clerk ===== PDF PAGE 8 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Proclamation Commemorating the Historic Visit of Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 Great Race Across the Midwest West Chicago, Illinois « WHEREAS, the City of West Chicago has a rich railroad history and longstanding partnership with the Union Pacific Railroad (UP); and WHEREAS, on July 27 — 29, 2019 the City joined the celebration of UP’s 150" anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion in a BIG way; and WHEREAS, the UP’s newly restored Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive, was ready to return to the rails for the “Great Race across the Midwest” and West Chicago was honored to be chosen as an official display stop for a period of three days; and WHEREAS, coordinating an event of this scale required many weeks of planning for the myriad infrastructure, public safety, parking, and logistic issues involved; and WHEREAS, the combined efforts of City elected and staff, and the superb cooperation of UP representatives, led to a seamless event in which more than 45,000 people enjoyed a once in a lifetime historic visit with the world’s only operating Big Boy locomotive; and WHEREAS, train enthusiasts and history buffs came from all over Illinois and many other states including Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Ohio. Many international visitors from Italy, China, Brazil and the United Kingdom, who learned about the Big Boy during their stay and prioritized a stop in West Chicago; and WHEREAS, crowds of people patiently waited their turn to tour the Experience the Union Pacific Rail Car, the brand new multi-media walk-through exhibition that provided a glimpse of the past while telling the story of modern-day railroading. Equally exciting was a chance to talk with Union Pacific Engineer Ed Dickens, who shared his experiences with the restoration of the incomparable Big Boy; and WHEREAS, staff and volunteers of the West Chicago City Museum were on hand for extended hours over the course of the three days to share local railroad history at the Museum and the CB&Q Depot; and WHEREAS, the visit of the Big Boy No. 4014 proved to be a great opportunity for the City to showcase its restaurants, public art, and beautification efforts; and WHEREAS, the exposure of West Chicago’s vibrant community was of great residual value to the City, nonetheless the star of the show was unquestionably the UP’s magnificent No. 4014. Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, and measuring 133’ long x 16’ 4” tall, the Big Boy lived up to its name, NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ruben Pineda, Mayor of West Chicago, Illinois, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby extend sincere congratulations to the UP on the occasion of its 150" anniversary of the’transcontinental railroad’s completion, gratitude in being chosen as one of the UP’s tour stops for the “Great Race across the Midwest”, and pledge continued commitment to a strong and successful partnership with the UP. F TC 2019. Mayor Ruben Pineda Dana Drench City Clerk Nancy M. Smith ===== PDF PAGE 9 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Mayoral Proclamation National Rail Safety Week WHEREAS, 2,214 rail grad crossing collisions resulted in 819 personal injuries and were responsible for 270 fatalities in the United States during 2018; and WHEREAS, 1,050 trespassing incidents have occurred in the United States resulting in 571 pedestrians being killed and another 479 injured while trespassing on railroad property rights of way during 2018; and WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety, reminding the public that railroad right of ways are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws will reduce the number of fatalities and injuries; and WHEREAS, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Operation Lifesaver, United States Department of Transportation, and all local, state, county, and railroad law enforcement officers, first responders, and railroad corporations commit to partnering together in an effort to educate at a national level all aspects of railroad safety, to enforce applicable laws in support of National Rail Safety Week. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that I, Ruben Pineda, Mayor of West Chicago, do hereby attest my full support proclaiming September 22 to 28, 2019, National Rail Safety Week and I encourage all citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety education. Proclaimed this 16"" day of September, 2019. <1 24\24 Mayor Ruben Pineda sh horas Da: lerk yer Raney Md Smith RAIL ===== PDF PAGE 10 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Proclamation Honoring West Chicago Sister Cities on the Occasion of Its 20" Anniversary in Partnership with Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany September 16, 2019 WHEREAS, West Chicago Sister Cities was established to foster and promote friendships and mutual understanding between the people of the West Chicago area and foreign countries, and WHEREAS, since 1999 West Chicago Sister Cities has sought to achieve its mission through partnerships with education, culture, and shared dialogue; and WHEREAS, this October marks the 20" Anniversary of the West Chicago Sister Cities partnership with Taufkirchen (Vils), Germany, through Sister Cities International; and WHEREAS, this observance is a fitting occasion to commemorate the significant impact that the partnership has made in building bridges across cities around the globe in order to create and sustain world peace; and WHEREAS, for the past twenty years West Chicago Sister Cities brought the world to West Chicago to celebrate the importance of a more peaceful and prosperous future through continued people-to-people exchanges; and WHEREAS, during this 20" Anniversary, the City of West Chicago recognizes it is an opportune time for our citizens and the world to come together and show how powerful humanity can be when we unite to promote peace, progress and prosperity for a better world; and WHEREAS, we encourage all citizens to commit to creating “Peace through People” locally, nationally, and internationally. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ruben Pineda, Mayor of West Chicago, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois, by virtue of the authority vested in me, on behalf of the City of West Chicago do hereby proclaim our recognition, respect, and congratulations to West Chicago Sister Cities and Partnerschaftsverein on the auspicious occasion of the 20" Anniversary of their partnership. Proclaimed this 16'" day of September, 2019. av, wae Mayor Ruben Pineda Yau Cv In Arak City Clerk Qancy M. Smith ===== PDF PAGE 11 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] Read into the Record at City Council Meeting Authored by Diane Ferguson, West Chicago Resident Topic : McAuley School Date: September 16,2019 I’m here again to speak on behalf of McAuley School. | realize McAuley is not on tonight’s agenda and the topic is currently before the Development Committee for review. | acknowledge and reluctantly accept that the topic of McAuley School was tabled until the October Development Committee meets, My purpose tonight is to make record of the manner in which the Agenda Item Number 5G, Titled McAuley School was handled at the September Development Committee meeting on September 8, 2019 Granted the council chambers were chaotic and packed with citizens advocating for marijuana dispensaries, however, with that | do not feel that McAuley School got fair hearing. As it states in the agenda summary , | have been advocating for the transfer of ownership for over a year. The necessary legal research and construction of a resolution had to be done thoroughly. It was done by both District 33’s lawyer and Pat Bond for The City. The Agenda Summary contained all the emails and one of the best written, comprehensive resolutions to be presented. All variables and legwork of the past year were attached to the agenda item summary. Because of the climate of the meeting, the committee chair reshuffled the agenda and pushed McAuley to October with little more than a few questions on how to proceed. Questions raised were all answered in the pages attached to the agenda summary. Four of the committee members admitted to me later that they had not read the summary prior to the meeting and therefore were not prepared to discuss it at length. This coupled with the anxious gallery regarding the marijuana dispensaries, McAuley was pushed to October. Very disappointing that all the taxpayer money went into lawyers and time only to have another concern, (dispensaries) being sent onto Planning Committee in October. There wasn’t an immediate need to give marijuana the attention it got over a piece of history that is ===== PDF PAGE 12 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] crumbling under its lack of stewardship other than the crowd of adversarial citizens that kept the committee in session past 1030pm. It was disappointing to hear the chair say transfer of ownership wouldn't happen in time to save McAuley School before winter. Sad to think it’s already decided to drag our feet well beyond the year its already taken. I'd be less than truthful if | didn’t admit to being saddened by the outcome on 9-8- 19 That being said | soldiered on, speaking to John Haffner on Tuesday morning. He shared my surprised and disappointment in yet another delay by the City and its seeming lack of urgency to move this along to transfer McAuley before winter so it can be shored up in protection of the brutal weather the season brings. He spoke to the lawyers for District 33 . All things are in order. He said Pat Bond had done all he could . The lawyers were ready to go. The District is good to go | attended the West Chicago Historical Society meeting on Thursday 9-12-19. The delay by the city has caused The Society to pause. They have formed a committee to revisit the possibility of accepting McAuley School. The delay in the Development Committee not hearing this again until October is going to be put to good use by The Society as they, research their position. At the request of the society, | reached out to Dist 33 to arrange another walk through the property with the structural engineer who assessed the feasibility 3yrs ago to determine if the building is still viable and the estimated cost of restoration. Donors to the effort are still in place but all involved need assurance as to the increased costs, if any, and a renewed commitment of the volunteers and donors. That tour will occur either this week or sometime after September 30, 2019. The outcome of that inspection will determine IF there is a continued interest in moving forward. At the next Development Committee meeting on October 14" (its Columbus Day, will their be one?) | will be able to report back the outcome of the structural ===== PDF PAGE 13 ===== [Extraction: OCR (rendered-page OCR)] engineer’s assessment of McAuley School and its restoration viability. | would hope the Development Committee gives fair hearing on October 14" and sends it back to City Council with a unanimous endorsement. | will be out of town October 15-23. I will submit in writing prior to leaving any update | have regarding the process. | close by saying | am at the very least discouraged. In all honesty, | am doubtful of the outcome being the rescue of a piece of history. But | promise, along with so many others, to continue working for the best outcome. Every faction , City Council, Development Committee, Historical Museum, Historical Society and the many past students and Facebook followers ( we now have a former student in Greece following the process- the effort is now international) We all want this in theory but we need to bring it to life in our actions. Thank you for allowing me this time.