Council Minutes 07-15-2024MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH
MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER, MONDAY,
JULY 15, 2024
CALL TO The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to
ORDER order by Mayor Goczkowski at 6:30 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, July 15, 2024.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. Absent: Moylan. A quorum was present.
CLOSED SESSION Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to convene into Closed Session under the following
sections of the Open Meetings Act — Pending Litigation and Probable or Imminent.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
MAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared unanimously carried.
The City Council recessed at 6:31 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:01 p.m.
Roll call indicated the following Alderman present: Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. Absent: Moylan. A quorum was present.
Also present were: City Manager Wisniewski, Director of Finance Podbial, Director of Public Works and Engineering
Oakley, Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers, Fire Chief Matzl, Police Chief Anderson, and
General Counsel Friedman.
PRAYER AND The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were
PLEDGE offered by Mayor Goczkowski.
Mayor Goczkowski stated he wanted to address the assassination attempt against a
presidential candidate; further stating political violence is unacceptable and there should be
engagement in the process in a peaceful way.
ALDERMAN All of the aldermen addressed the successful Fourth of July festivities, and thanked staff.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alderman Walsten thanked the residents and staff for attending the ward meeting.
Alderman Charewicz stated the next eighth ward meeting is August 61 at 7:00 p.m. at the
conservatory. He also stated the chamber has an event July 171 on climate action economic
development strategy, and the Izaak Walton is hosting a pig roast on August IOth. He later
mentioned the National Night Out will be August 6, 2024 at Metropolitan Square.
Alderman Lysakowski thanked Police Chief Anderson for his help with truck parking
enforcement in the first ward.
Alderman Sayad stated at the recommendation of residents a couple he will start hosting
coffee clutch meetings with further information to come.
Page 2 of 11 7/ 15/2024
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski agreed that the 4th of July fireworks and the parade were really well
ANNOUNCEMENTS pulled off.
MANAGER'S City Manager Wisniewski congratulated Director of Finance Podbial on her promotion.
REPORT
Director of Finance Podbial stated she is looking forward to working with City officials, City
staff, and the community.
City Manager Wisniewski echoed the comments and thanks to staff regarding the successful
fireworks and parade.
CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Establish the Consent Agenda.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Consent Agenda.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
Appointment wds approved; Minutes were approved; Resolutions R-123-24 R-124-24,
R-125-24, R-126-24, R-127-24, R-128-24 were adopted.
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to APPROVE APPOINTMENT FROM THE
APPOINTMENT JUNE 17, 2024 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA OF DOMIN1K BRONAKOWSKI TO THE
PLANNING & ZONING BOARD - TERM TO EXPIRE 7/15/2027. Motion declared carried
as approved. unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE & AUTH Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-123-24, A
EXPEND OF FUNDS/ RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS
INTERGOV & LEG PURSUANT TO A PROPOSAL FROM ANDERSON LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING,
ADV SVCS/ LTD. FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY SERVICES.
ANDERSON Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-123-24
AUTH PURCH/ CK Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-124-24, A
VLVS/ CORE & MAIN RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF CHECK VALVES FROM CORE
Consent Agenda & MAIN, LP. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-124-24
Page 3 of 11 7/ 15/2024
AUTH PURCH/ FORD Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-125-24, A
F-350/ SUTTON FORD RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FORD F-350 PICK-UP TRUCK
Consent Agenda FROM SUTTON FORD. Motion declared carried as approved. unanimously under Consent
Agenda.
Resolution
R-125-24
APPROVE TO 7/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-126-24, A
PROF ENG SVCS/ RESOLUTION APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 7 UNDER A MASTER CONTRACT
CRAIG MANOR WITH CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE ENGINEERING, LTD. FOR PROFESSIONAL
STRMWTR/ CBBE ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE CRAIG MANOR STORMWATER
Consent Agenda PROJECT. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-126-24
AUTH REIMB/ Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-127-24, A
SEDIMENT REM RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT TO THE DES PLAINES PARK
COSTS/ PARK DIST DISTRICT FOR SEDIMENT REMOVAL COSTS AT PRAIRIE LAKES PARK. Motion
Consent Agenda declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-127-24
AUTH PURCH & Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-128-24, A
INSTALL/ ADD WTR RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF
MTRS/ CORE & MAIN ADDITIONAL SENSUS WATER METERS FROM CORE & MAIN, LP. Motion declared
Consent Agenda carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-128-24
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Minutes of the City Council
MINUTES meeting of June 17, 2024, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
Consent Agenda under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Closed Session Minutes of the
MINUTES City Council meeting of June 17, 2024, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Resolution Alderman Sayad stated the current fund balance is $28,493,039.00.
R-130-24
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Warrant Register of July 15, 2024,
in the Amount of $8,980,878.15 and Approve Resolution R-130-24.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
Page 4 of 11 7/15/2024
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT— Alderman Brookman, Vice -Chair
CONSIDER Alderman Brookman made an adjustment to the agenda by advancing agenda item N132c.
APPROVING ADD
BUS ASSIST PROG Alderman Brookman requested consideration of Resolution R-129-24 be deferred to the next
GRANT (GROWTH) City Council meeting.
FOR BRUNCH CITY
CAFE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Sayad, to defer Resolution R-129-24 to the
Resolution August 5, 2024 City Council meeting, A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ADDITIONAL
R-129-24 BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANT (GROWTH) FOR BRUNCH CITY
CAFE AT 901 EAST OAKTON STREET.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
APPROVING COND
June 21, 2024.
USES FOR 480 S. DES
PLAINES RIVER RD
Petitioner Chris Brown has requested a Conditional Use Permit to expand the operation of
Ordinance
an auto service repair facility, Des Plaines Auto Clinic and Tire, at 480 S. Des Plaines River
Z-13-24
Road. The subject property contains a single, L-shaped building with a surface parking area.
The existing one-story, 5,278-square foot building is split between two auto service repair
businesses —Family Auto and Des Plaines Auto Clinic and Tire —with each business having
its own office and service bay areas separated by a shared utility room that is located at the
narrow neck of the building. The subject property is a double -frontage corner lot with an
angled north property line fronting Lee Street on the west, Elk Boulevard on the North, and
Des Plaines River Road on the east. The subject property is located within the C-3 General
Commercial district and auto service repair requires a conditional use permit in the C-3
zoning district.
The proposal does not include the interior alteration of the building, its rooms, or its location.
There are also no plans to alter the existing exterior building materials, which consist of
concrete blocks. However, there are plans to add additional wall signs on the exterior of the
building for the Des Plaines Auto Clinic and Tire business.
Family Auto meets parking requirements with six parking spaces available at the
southwestern portion of the lot with direct access. Six spaces along the north building
elevation and north property line for use by the Des Plaines Auto Clinic and Tire business
do not comply with the minimum parking requirement. The property is currently accessed
by one curb cut off Des Plaines River Road providing direct access to the existing
Des Plaines Auto Clinic and Tire and one curb cut off Elk Boulevard providing access to
both businesses.
The existing access and circulation for the northern portion of the property for the Des
Plaines Auto Clinic business will change to a one-way drive aisle with six 60-degree parking
spaces and one 0-degree (parallel) space. Traffic related to Des Plaines Auto Clinic business
will access the subject property from the existing curb cut off Des Plaines River Road and
exit through the other existing curb cut off Elk Boulevard without any changes to either curb
cut. The striping plan provides a total of seven parking spaces for the Des Plaines Auto Clinic
and Tire business, leaving a six -space deficit.
Page 5 of 11 7/15/2024
To further address the parking deficiency, Des Plaines Auto Clinic has entered into a
collective parking agreement with the Elk's Club at 495 Lee Street for a total of eight parking
spaces. A collective agreement can be authorized by the City Council if the property granting
the agreement can demonstrate surplus off-street parking spaces are available.
With the collective parking agreement, a minimum of nine off-street parking spaces are
required to be located on the subject property. However, even with the new striping plan
only seven off-street parking spaces are able to fit on the subject property. A major variation
is requested to allow for seven parking spaces to satisfy the off-street parking requirements.
The existing property is void of any landscaping and the petitioner's proposal does not
include the addition of any new landscaping. However, given the orientation and positioning
of the off-street parking spaces and the close proximity to motorists and pedestrians, staff
have added a condition that a minimum 5'-0" wide landscape area is installed directly in
front of the striped spaces that face Elk Boulevard to add screening and limit the light
pollution from headlights. The existing dumpsters and enclosures for both businesses will
continue to be utilized as they are now. Staff have added a condition that all garbage, used
tires, and any other debris are kept in the dumpster enclosure at all times
The Des Plaines Auto Clinic is open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.
to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays. Their services include tune-ups and servicing
for the brake system, engine, exhaust system, tires, transmission, and emissions. They will
also offer auto parts and accessories for sale and installation on site. A maximum of two
employees will be present on site at a given time.
The PZB voted 4-0 to recommend that City Council approve the requests with the staff
recommended conditions.
Staff and the PZB recommend the following conditions:
1. The parking area shall be repaved with a dust -free hard surface and the parking
spaces shall be painted on the property to match the approved Site Plan. A revised
parking striping plan may be approved by the Community and Economic
Development Department if the plans meet requirements of Section 12-9-6 and Site
Plan Review standards pursuant to Section 12-3-2.B.
2. Minimum five-foot wide perimeter landscape areas shall be installed along the front
of the parking spaces facing Elk Boulevard in compliance with Section 12-10-8.B.
3. Inoperable vehicles shall not be parked or stored outdoors on the Subject Property,
except for vehicles waiting to be serviced. No vehicles shall be stored within the
drive aisles at any time.
4. Only nine service bays shall be allowed for the life of this conditional use.
5. No auto body related activities are permitted unless this conditional use is amended.
Sale and display of motor vehicles is not permitted at any time.
6. Used tires may only be stored inside the building, a dumpster, a fully enclosed fence
enclosure, or a permitted accessory structure. A contract with a tire disposal
company must be provided to Community and Economic Development staff, or an
affidavit must be signed attesting that no used tires will be stored on site.
7. Prior to the time of building permit, the petitioner shall obtain the Des Plaines Fire
Department's review and written approval of all waste oil removal arrangements and
practices for the Subject Property.
Moved by Lysakowski, seconded by Sayad, to defer First Reading of Ordinance Z-13-24 to
the August 5, 2024 City Council meeting, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USES FOR 480 S. DES PLAINES RIVER ROAD, DES PLAINES,
ILLINOIS. (Case #24-018-CU-V).
Page 6 of 11 7/15/2024
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
APPROVING COND June 21, 2024.
USE PERMITS FOR
TRADE CONTR USES The petitioner is requesting conditional uses for two trade contractor uses on the subject
AT 965 & 975 RAND properties at 965 & 975 Rand Road.
RD
Ordinance Staff have received multiple complaints regarding violations on the subject properties related
Z-14-24 to light pollution, illegal storage, odor, the installation of storage containers, storage of
equipment on top of storage containers, fence disrepair, and the parking of a large semitruck
on the property. There are some outstanding items on the subject properties.
The subject properties consist of two separate parcels —both located in the C-3 General
Commercial district —which are under common ownership. Trade contractor uses require a
conditional use in the C-3 district. The petitioners, Peter Wrzesinski of Advanced Roofing
and Norma Diamano of Landscaping by AD INC, are requesting conditional use requests
for two existing trade contractor uses: one for Advanced Roofing and the other for
Landscaping by AD INC. Currently, both uses operate out of the southmost building located
on 975 Rand Road. However, the Landscaping by AD INC business is interested in utilizing
the rear portion of the property at 965 Rand Road for parking and storage of its vehicles.
The conditional use requests are related to the existing trade contractor businesses operating
out of the southmost building at 975 Rand Road. While there are no proposed changes to the
existing building itself, there are proposed changes to the site, especially in regard to
designated parking and storage areas for each trade contractor business. The proposal does
not include any changes to the exterior metal building fagade of the existing two-story
building.
There are no minimum parking requirements for trade contractor uses. 14 parking spaces
will be available on 965 Rand Road and 22 parking spaces —including one accessible
space —will be available for 975 Rand Road totaling 36 off-street parking spaces between
both properties. However, considerations shall be made based on the following:
• The anticipated number of employees and members of the public that would visit
the subject properties for the existing trade contractor uses.
• The loss of off-street parking from the conversion of existing parking areas to private
parking and storage for the trade contractor uses.
• The minimum requirement of two parking spaces for each apartment unit totaling
eight, including at least one accessible space.
• The parking requirement for the future user of the vacant building at 965 Rand Road.
There is a sufficient supply of parking spaces between the subject properties. However, the
allocation of parking spaces needs to be adjusted in order to ensure that an adequate number
of parking spaces are available for each use. Staff have added a condition requiring the
petitioner to reallocate the parking spaces to meet the minimum parking requirements.
There is currently one two-way travel access point off Rand Road for each of the subject
properties, which will both be maintained as part of this proposal without any changes. While
both curb cuts are wide at the street, the specific width of these curb cuts is not identified on
Page 7 of 11 7/15/2024
the ALTA-NSPS Land Title Survey or the Site Plan. If a width of a minimum of 22 feet in
width for two-way travel and a minimum of 12 feet in width for one-way travel cannot be
obtained, then the direction of travel of the entrances to the subject properties will need to
be adjusted as necessary to ensure adequate access to and from both sites.
Depending on the access type for these entrances, existing striped parking spaces may need
to be altered or removed to accommodate the appropriate drive aisle width. Staff has added
a condition that the parking space dimensions, drive aisle widths, and direction of travel
arrows for all drive aisles are added.
Aerial photos and Site and Context Photos indicate that both uses are currently storing a
combination of vehicles, equipment, and products outside on both properties. In addition,
shipping containers have been installed on the subject property for additional storage space
outside of the existing building, which is not expressly allowed. However, the Zoning
Ordinance does provide a specific consideration for trade contractor uses. Since the
Advanced Roofing and Landscaping by AD businesses meet the definition of a trade
contractor, Section 12-7-3.F.5.d provides both with allowances for outdoor display and
storage of finished or prefabricated products with some restrictions.
With these regulations in mind, staff have added a separate condition requiring compliance
with all of the regulations in Section 12-7-3.F.5.d of the Zoning Ordinance and the
replacement of the storage containers with an approved accessory structure and removing
any stored materials from a portion of the rear yard in an effort to alleviate concerns and
complaints from the neighboring residents to the south.
The existing site contains some natural vegetation along its south boundary and minimal
landscape improvements up near the front of the properties. Given that the subject properties
directly abut residential properties to the south a landscape buffer is required. Since these
details are not provided, staff have added a condition requiring a diagram illustrating the
required improvements in the form of a separate landscape plan or as a detail on the Site
Plan.
The PZB voted 4-0 to recommend that City Council approve the requests with the staff
recommended conditions.
Staff and the PZB recommend the following conditions:
1. The outdoor display and storage of products shall follow all regulations in Section
12-7-3.F.5.d of the Zoning Ordinance at all times. Any products, materials, and
items that are not classified as finished or prefabricated products must be stored
inside the principal building or in an approved accessory structure, excluding
shipping containers which are not allowed and shall be removed from the property.
2. Waste, debris, and other garbage accumulated through off -site operations for both
trade contractor uses shall be completely discarded prior to returning to the subject
properties each day. At no time shall waste, debris, and garbage be left outside on
the subject properties, except in designated dumpster containers.
3. The area designated for the Landscaping by AD parking and storage shall be
restriped accordingly in conformance with Section 12-9-6 of the Zoning Ordinance
prior to issuance of business registration.
Alderman Smith expressed concern regarding the lack of landscaping or a fence between the
property and the residential area.
Director of CED Rogers stated for the new use area of the property that is not non-
conforming, they are improving the property with landscaping and fencing.
Page 8 of 11 7/15/2024
Alderman Smith expressed a large concern regarding possible animals being housed in the
non -operational vet clinic, and the wellbeing of such animals.
Director of CED Rogers stated the city issued the tenant an operation violation and a citation
on Friday, and it is the City's understanding that as of today the animals have been removed.
He also stated there is a site inspection scheduled for tomorrow, but the tenant requested an
extension to July 18'. He stated the City will monitor and continue to inspect, but ultimately
the tenant/owner would need to give access to perform an inspection inside the building.
Mayor Goczkowski stated that the reason that the City Council would not advance this to
second reading today is because it is an additional incentive for them to address the issues
before the City moves forward.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Brookman, to Approve as Amended First Reading of
Ordinance Z-14-24 including two additional conditions of a screening fence six to eight feet
in accordance with City Code and appropriate landscaping, AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR TRADE CONTRACTOR USES AT
965 AND 975 RAND ROAD, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS. (Case #24-021- CU).
No Vote.
Alderman Lysakowski stated he is hesitant to move forward with this ordinance which gives
them the right to do something when there are other violations seen in the agenda pictures
of the property. He further mentioned they should be compliant with their property before
they receive any opportunity to present something.
Alderman Brookman stated she was going to ask for a consensus to see if the aldermen would
like to defer the ordinance until the property owners come into compliance.
General Counsel Friedman recommended the City Council proceed with a motion to defer
as opposed to a consensus since there is already a motion on the table.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Lysakowski, a substitute motion to defer the Amended First
Reading of Ordinance Z-14-24 to the second City Council meeting in August, AN
ORDINANCE APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR TRADE
CONTRACTOR USES AT 965 AND 975 RAND ROAD, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS.
(Case #24-021- CU).
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
PUBLIC WORKS - Alderman Charewicz, Chair
CONSIDER Director of Public Works and Engineering Oakley reviewed a memorandum dated
AMENDING THE July 3, 2024.
CITY CODE RE THE
RPL OF LEAD & Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection
CERTAIN GALV WTR Agency (IEPA) have mandated that all community water supplies submit a final Lead Line
SVC LINES Replacement Plan by April 15, 2027. Additionally, in connection with the plan, both
Ordinance agencies have mandated that community water supplies must start replacing lead/galvanized
M-11-24 service lines regardless of who owns the water service line.
Page 9 of 11 7/15/2024
At its June 3, 2024 Public Works Committee of the Whole Meeting, the City Council
provided direction that the cost to replace the customer portion of lead/galvanized water
service lines would be paid for by the City.
The ordinance states the City's intent to pay for the replacement of lead/galvanized water
service lines. This does require revision to the current ordinance, Section 9-1-3.M, Water
Service Line Maintenance.
The ordinance further defines the eligible costs that the City will pay for and the ineligible
costs that the City will not pay for. Also, 1" diameter water services will be installed in
connection with the program. If a larger diameter water service is requested, the homeowner
would be responsible for the difference in cost. Typically, the upcharge for a 1.5" diameter
water service is $5 per foot.
Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance M-11-24.
Moved by Charewicz, seconded by Smith, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance M-11-24,
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REPLACEMENT
OF LEAD AND CERTAIN GALVANIZED WATER SERVICE LINES.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
Advanced to second reading by Charewicz, seconded by Brookman, to Adopt the Ordinance
M-11-24, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE
REPLACEMENT OF LEAD AND CERTAIN GALVANIZED WATER SERVICE LINES.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Oskerka, Sayad, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Moylan
Motion declared carried.
PUBLIC SAFETY— Alderman Oskerka, Chair
DISC RE EMERG Fire Chief Matzl reviewed a memorandum dated June 17, 2024.
WARN SIItENS &
TRANS TO AUTO The City of Des Plaines is transitioning the management of our dispatch services from
ACT Wheeling Dispatch to Cook County Dispatch. This transition provides an opportunity to
update our emergency warning sirens system and implement an automated activation system
based on National Weather Service (NWS) data.
Historically, a duty officer continuously monitored weather reports and alerts from the NWS
and other reliable sources and triggered the warning sirens manually. With this change in
programming, the process will be automated, activating sirens based on NWS criteria that
pose significant threats to safety and property. These updates are part of our ongoing efforts
to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Under the new system, the activation conditions will be:
Tornado Warnings: Sirens will activate when a tornado warning is issued for our
area, continuing the current practice.
Page 10 of 11
7/ 15/2024
Severe Wind: Sirens will activate when wind speeds are forecasted or observed to
exceed 80 miles per hour.
Large Hail: Sirens will activate when hail with a diameter of 2.75 inches or greater
is forecasted or observed. Both the "Hail' and "Severe Wind" parameters would be
added in addition to the current "Tornado Warnings."
The NWS algorithms will trigger the sirens via the Federal Signal software when the
specified conditions are met. In case of system failure or the need for manual activation, a
duty officer is authorized to activate the emergency warning sirens. Additionally, Fire and
Police Command Staff have the capability to activate the sirens remotely, if necessary.
This transition aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of our emergency warning
system, providing better advanced warning for our community during severe weather events.
Residents may notice the sirens activating more frequently than in the past. This increased
activation is designed to provide earlier warnings and help the community take the necessary
precautions.
This change can take place as soon as the Public Safety Committee discusses the above
changes and recommends any further action or information. The Des Plaines Fire, Police and
Media Services Departments will work cooperatively to update the community when the
transition is complete.
Both the Fire and Police Departments recommend adjusting the current emergency warning
siren practice.
The agenda item was for discussion only and no action by the City Council was taken.
OTHER ALDERMEN Alderman Sayad thanked Pesche's for their 100 year anniversary celebration on Saturday,
COMMENTS FOR and thanked them for their years of service to Des Plaines.
THE GOOD OF THE
ORDER Alderman Brookman encouraged the aldermen to go to the old Excuses and look at the
establishment; she mentioned they have done an incredible job.
Resident Chris Prosperi requested to make a public comment on an item that was not on
tonight's agenda.
Mayor Goczkowski approved the addition of the public comment.
The resident asked if a dispensary is being placed at the former Little Villa building, and
inquired about conditional use permit requirements. He mentioned differentiating
information between the last seventh ward meeting and a recent newspaper article.
Mayor Goczkowski stated that a conditional use permit for a cannabis dispensary is not
required for that property.
Director of CED Rogers stated the city does not have any business registration applications
for that property. He stated there was a request for confirmation of cannabis dispensary
zoning requirements for that site. He stated at this point the city is aware that an applicant is
pursuing a state license for cannabis dispensary on that site, but they have not yet received
it nor has the city approved any license for cannabis dispensary.
The resident asked how the ward will be notified when the dispensary does request a license.
Page 11 of 11
7/15/2024
Director of CED Rogers stated an email will be distributed to the recipients of the seventh
ward email if and when a business registration is filed with the City.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
(;�, M - �A:k�
Je is . Mastalski — CITV CLERK
APPROVED BY ME THIS 5th
DAY OF August _- �2024
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR