Council Minutes 11-04-2024MINUTES 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,
NOVEMBER 4, 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 7:00 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, November 4, 2024.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz. 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, Battalion Chief Ciraulo,
Deputy Police Chief Shanahan, and General Counsel Friedman.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were
offered by Moylan.
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH M
CHAMBERS DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024
PUBLIC HEARING/
Mayor Goczkowski called the Public Hearing for consideration of levying taxes for the city
LEVYING TAXES FOR
of Des Plaines, cook county, Illinois for the tax levy year beginning January 1, 2024 and
DES PLAINES FOR THE
ending December 31, 2024, to order at 7:01 p.m.
TAX LEVY YEAR
BEGINNING JAN 1, 2024
Director of Finance Podbial reviewed a memorandum dated October 17, 2024.
& ENDING DEC 31, 2024
Ordinance
Illinois Truth in Taxation Act (ITTA) requires the City to provide notice and conduct a public
M-22-24
hearing if the proposed aggregate levy is 5% or more than the previous year's property tax
extension. The aggregate levy is defined as the combination of the annual corporate levy and
all other special purpose levies. The aggregate levy does not include debt service levies and
levies made for the purpose of paying amounts due under public building commission leases.
Under the ITTA, the City would be prohibited from levying any amount greater than 5% of
the previous year's property tax extension if the City failed to comply with this specific
notice and hearing provisions.
Presented for City Council approval is the 2024 Tax Levy representing a 2.91 % decrease
from the 2023 Property Tax Extension. Section 18-15 of the Illinois Property Tax Code
requires that the City adopt a tax levy ordinance and file it with the County Clerk's office by
the last Tuesday in December (Tuesday, December 31 for 2024).
The 2024 Tax Levy is scheduled for first reading on November 4th (in conjunction with the
public hearing on the Tax Levy) and second reading on November 18th. The County Clerk's
office filing deadline of December 31, 2024 remains firm and the City Council must adopt a
tax levy of some amount on or before the evening of December 31 st, or the City would be
prohibited from levying any property tax.
The 2024 Tax Levy, which includes the general (corporate) fund, police and fire pension
funds, public library fund, and bond & interest (debt service) fund, totals $31,323,825. This
represents a decrease of $939,715 or -2.91% from the 2023 Property Tax Extension.
Staff recommends the City Council formally adopt the 2024 Property Tax Levy Ordinance
Page 2 of 8 11 /4/2024
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Brookman, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance M-22-24,
AN ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, COOK
COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE TAX LEVY YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2024
AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2024.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Goczkowski adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m.
PROCLAMATION City Clerk Mastalski read a proclamation by Mayor Goczkowski declaring the month of
November as National Native American Heritage Month.
ALDERMAN Alderman Brookman encouraged the community to vote.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alderman Walsten encouraged the community to vote.
Alderman Smith encouraged the community to vote.
Alderman Charewicz mentioned the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a career fair on
November 6' at the library, Izaak Walton is having a Turkey Raffle on November 21 ", and
the Center of Concern is having an Adopt an Older Adult donation fundraiser. He also
mentioned the next 8t1i ward meeting will be December 3' at 7:00 p.m. at the conservatory.
Alderman Sayad encouraged voting. He thanked staff for help with the budget.
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski stated that early voting has concluded and the Des Plaines Library is not
ANNOUNCEMENTS a polling place tomorrow; residents can look up their polling place on the Cook County Clerk
website. He also mentioned the City and the park district teamed up to host a Pumpkin Smash
this past Saturday; he thanked staff and the volunteers from Clean Up Give Back. He also
stated the City's leaf collection has started; further details found at
desplainesil.gov/leafcollection. He mentioned the upcoming winter celebrations — Holiday
Tree Lighting on December 6"' and the Winter Fair on December 7th.
CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Brookman, seconded by Smith, to Establish the Consent Agenda.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Consent Agenda.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Minutes were approved; Ordinance M-20-24 was adopted; Resolutions R-181-24,
R-182-24, R-183-24 were adopted.
Page 3 of 8 11 /4/2024
AUTH EXEC OF
SUBREC AGRMT/
CDBG FUNDS/ NW HSG
PARTNERSHIP
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-181-24
AUTH PROC/ ROCK
SALT/ COMPASS
MINERALS
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-182-24
APPROVE TO 8/ IEPA/
GABRIEL ENVIRON
SVCS
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-183-24
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-181-24, A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SUBRECIPIENT
AGREEMENTS WITH NORTH WEST HOUSING PARTNERSHIP REGARDING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUND. Motion declared carried as
approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-182-24, A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROCUREMENT OF ROCK SALT FROM
COMPASS MINERALS, INC. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Consent Agenda.
Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-183-24, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 8 WITH GABRIEL
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. FOR FILING A NO FURTHER REMEDIATION
LETTER APPLICATION WITH THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (1173-77 E. WALNUT STREET). Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
SECOND READING/ Advanced to second reading by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Adopt the Ordinance
ORDINANCE M-20-24, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE TO ADD ONE CLASS "A"
M-20-24 LIQUOR LICENSE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent
Consent Agenda Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting
MINUTES of the City Council — Budget Hearing # 1 of October 10, 2024, as published. Motion declared
Consent Agenda carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting
MINUTES of the City Council — Budget Hearing #2 of October 16, 2024, as published. Motion declared
Consent Agenda carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Minutes of the City Council
MINUTES meeting of October 21, 2024, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Brookman, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Closed Session Minutes of the
MINUTES City Council meeting of October 21, 2024, as published. Motion declared carried as
Consent Agenda approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CONSIDER Mayor Goczkowski stated the petitioner requested Ordinance Z-14-24 be postponed from
APPROVING COND USE the agenda due to their expectation to add major variation requests to their conditional use
PERMITS FOR TRADE application.
CONTR USES AT 965 &
975 RAND RD Without objection, Ordinance Z-14-24 was pulled from tonight's agenda.
Ordinance
Z-14-24
Page 4 of 8 11/4/2024
DISC RE PROPOSED Mayor Goczkowski stated that the item has received a lot of resident input and as a result he
REG ON REC requested the discussion be deferred to the second meeting in November so that staff has
VEHICLES more time to continue to receive resident feedback and incorporate it into the memorandum
for discussion.
Without objection, the discussion was deferred to the second City Council meeting in
November.
NEW BUSINESS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Resolution Alderman Sayad stated the current reserve balance is $29,371,496.00.
R-180-24
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Lysakowski, to Approve the Warrant Register of
November 4, 2024, in the Amount of $3,356,612.69 and Approve Resolution R-180-24.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — Alderman Moylan, Chair
CONSIDER AN ORD
Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
APPROVING A COND
October 28, 2024.
USE PERMIT & MAJOR
VAR TO ALLOW A RES
The petitioner is requesting the following items: (i) a Conditional Use to allow a residentially
ZONED ASSY USE AT
zoned assembly use in the R-4 zoning district; and (ii) a Variation for off-street parking at
1345 E. PRAIRIE AVE
1345 Prairie Avenue.
Ordinance
Z-24-24
Petitioner St. Vakhtang Gorgasali Orthodox Church, represented by Arsen Mskhvilidze, has
requested a Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a residentially zoned assembly
use and major variation for off-street parking at 1345 Prairie Avenue. The 12,000-square-
foot property contains a single -story building comprised of approximately 3,850 square feet
with a frame shed, patio, paved pedestrian entry area, and no off-street parking area. The
subject property is a corner lot with the front property line adjacent to Graceland Avenue on
the east and the corner -side property line adjacent to Prairie Avenue to the north.
The St. Vakhtang Gorgasali Orthodox Church primarily operates on the weekends providing
services from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on both days. However, they will also be open for special
Christian holidays, some of which fall on weekdays.
The staff includes the priest, two assistants, two singers, and a board of three church
members. A typical weekend service is anticipated to include no more than 30 individuals.
However, major holidays can generate up to 80 individuals for a service or event.
The proposed use intends to utilize both on -street parking and off-street parking on nearby
properties to fulfill its parking obligation given the non-existent parking area on the subject
property and limited space to install a new parking area. The plan to do this using remote
off-street parking and on -street parking options.
Page 5 of 8 11 /4/2024
The proposed religious institution is categorized as a residentially zoned assembly use which
requires a conditional use in the R-4, Central Core Residential district.
There was a previous assembly use operating on the subject property as a nonconforming
use given that no conditional use is on file authorizing the assembly use. After the
termination of this use in 2017, any future assembly use would require the approval of a
conditional use permit prior to its operation. As such, the petitioner has submitted a
conditional use request to operate a residentially zoned assembly use (i.e., church) on the
property.
The existing two-story building includes a first floor and a basement area. The proposal
includes minor alterations to the interior of the building consisting of. (i) removal of the
existing kitchen and gas fired appliances from the lower level and (ii) removal of the existing
raised platform in the sanctuary to make the floor level consistent throughout that space.
There are no plans to alter the existing exterior of the building, including the building
material of face brick.
Occupying this building may require ADA accessibility improvements within the building
and site under the City's building code. The petitioner must be aware of this which will be
addressed during building permit/certificate of occupancy review as this is not directly
germane to the Conditional Use process.
Activities and operations of the proposed assembly use that generates excessive or
noise/sound that escapes the subject property must comply with Sections 12- 12-8 and 6-2-
7 of the City's code. This could include, but not be limited to, amplified bell ringing, calls to
pray, processions, worship services' music and activities, etc.
Pursuant to Section 12-9-7 of the Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance, the minimum off-street
parking requirement is based upon the specific type of assembly use. The Petitioner's Project
Narrative indicates that there is fixed seating in the narthex space but not in the sacristy or
sanctuary spaces. Based on this and the required off-street parking requirements, a total of
29 off-street spaces —including at least two accessible spaces —are required for the proposed
residentially zoned assembly use on the subject property. The subject property currently does
not have any established off-street parking spaces, and the Site Plan does not propose any
new parking spaces. Consequently, the lack of off-street parking accommodations does not
meet Zoning Ordinance requirements and requires a major variation.
Given the lack of off-street parking on the subject property and the limited space to install
new off-street parking spaces with the current property configuration and development, the
petitioner has applied for a major variation to reduce the required off-street parking
requirement on the subject property to zero with a plan to utilize existing off-street parking
on one nearby property as well as on -street parking on surrounding streets.
While staff recognize the physical constraints for on -site off-street parking on the subject
property, an additional parking option has been provided by the petitioner in support of their
major variation request. The petitioner's Project Narrative outlines their plan to
accommodate their required parking supply in three ways:
a. Use the public parking spaces in the Welkin parking garage across Graceland Ave;
b. Use the existing public on -street parking in the immediate surrounding
neighborhood; and
c. Enter into a shared parking agreement with the responsible party at 780 Lee St. to
use 31 off-street parking spaces on this private property.
Method a. and b. are publicly available and regulated parking for use by anyone but cannot
be solely dedicated to the petitioner's use as these parking spaces are specifically intended
Page 6 of 8 11 /4/2024
to be generally available to the community on a first -come -first -served basis. Further, both
on -street parking and public stalls in the Welkin parking garage are likely to be at least
partially occupied by other vehicles during these specific time frames.
Method c. could be a reliable location for a dedicated supply of parking spaces, but
780 Lee St. is approximately 936 feet away from the subject property along the pedestrian
sidewalks on Prairie Ave. and Lee St. and may not be ideal proximity to the subject property.
Additionally, there appears to be only 34 spaces currently at the rear and sides of
780 Lee St. These existing parking spaces currently serve an existing multi -tenant office
building that is approximately 13,400 square feet in size. Under the City's parking
regulations, this existing office building could require up to 44 parking spaces based on the
building size.
There have been inquiries from the public related to this proposed use, but no written
comments have been provided yet.
The PZB voted 4-1 (with one abstain vote) to recommend that City Council approve the
conditional use and major variation requests with the staff recommended conditions.
If the City Council decides to approve these requests, staff and the PZB recommend the
following conditions.
1. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the petitioner shall provide
confirmation that all required off-street parking for the assembly use is satisfied
through an executed shared parking agreement, the construction of on -site parking
area installation, or a combination of the two in conformance with Section 12-9-7 of
the Zoning Ordinance. The on -site parking area shall meet the requirements of
Section 12-9-6 and Site Plan Review standards pursuant to Section 12-3-2.13.
2. Any installation of noise generating equipment on the site (bells, speakers, etc.) and
all activities on this site must be in compliance with Section 12-12-8 of the Zoning
Ordinance and Section 6-2-7 of the Police Regulations.
3. Prior to installation of any additional seating or expansion of operations related to
the proposed use, contact City Staff to determine compliance with this conditional
use ordinance and all other applicable regulations.
A member of the congregation spoke regarding the specifics of the Saturday service and
Sunday school.
Marian Cosmides expressed her view of being in favor of approving the ordinance due to
the historical significance of the church and its community building capability.
Resident Gentle Halsell stated he does not see an issue with the distance of the parking. He
also stated he has had issues with the lighting conditions for the sidewalks and had had issues
with his living conditions at his current residence. He also mentioned his concern with the
amount of traffic and the speed of traffic in this area.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Moylan, to Deny Ordinance Z-24-24, AN ORDINANCE
APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND MAJOR VARIATION TO ALLOW
A RESIDENTIALLY ZONED ASSEMBLY USE AT 1345 E. PRAIRIE AVENUE,
DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (Case #24- 044-CU-V).
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Page 7 of 8 11 /4/2024
CONSIDER AN ORD Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
EXT THE TERM & October 24, 2024.
APPROVING AMENDED
TAX INC REDEV PLAN The City Council considered a second amendment to the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan
& PROJ FOR THE and Project for the Higgins Road/Mannheim Road TIF District No. 6.
HIGGINS RD/
MANNHEIM RD REDEV Tax increment finance (TIF) funding is an incentive method used to better the economic
PROJ AREA NO 6 condition of a specified area. TIF funding freezes the assessed valuation of a given area for
Ordinance a period of time. The development that subsequently occurs in the area results in an increase
M-23-24 in the valuation of the district. The incremental property tax increase is deposited into a
segregated fund of the City, which in turn utilizes those funds to provide incentives for the
initial and additional development.
TIF District No. 6 was created in 2001, to the north and east at the intersection of Mannheim
and Higgins Roads. Construction of a commercial strip center concluded in early 2007, with
Starbucks and Potbelly restaurants as occupants. In 2014, the district was amended and
restructured to include only properties north of Pratt Avenue, and the remaining properties
to the south became part of the new TIF No. 7. The original term of TIF No. 6 was set to
expire at the end of 2025.
Over the past few years, a sizable portion of TIF District No. 6 has been in the midst of
redevelopment. The former Caf6 La Cave banquet hall was demolished, and site work began
for the construction of the restaurants Raising Canes, Guzman y Gomez Taqueria, and Cava
Mediterranean Grill. Extending the term of TIF No. 6 would better ensure that the TIF No.
6 Redevelopment Plan is implemented, including further public improvements within the
district that will promote further long-term growth benefitting the City and its residents.
TIF districts in Illinois are allowed to exist for 23 years. Extensions for an additional 12 years
are possible when passed by the State and then amended by the municipality. On August 9,
2024, Illinois Public Act 103- 1016 amended the TIF Act by adding a new Section 11-74.4-
3.5(c)(274), which authorized the extension of the term of TIF No. 6 from
December 31, 2025 to December 31, 2037.
The Illinois TIF Act permits the City to extend the term of TIF No. 6 after the City has
convened a joint review board (JRB) meeting and conducted a public hearing regarding the
matter. At their September 3, 2024 meeting, City Council authorized a JRB meeting and the
necessary public hearing to consider the extension.
The JRB convened on Friday, September 20, 2024, and had the opportunity to discuss the
amendment of the term of TIF District No. 6. During this meeting, the JRB unanimously
recommended the attached resolution to extend the term of the TIF.
A public hearing, required by Section 5(c) of the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation
Redevelopment Act, took place on October 21, 2024, during the City Council meeting.
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Smith, to Approve First Reading of Ordinance M-23-24,
AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE TERM AND APPROVING AN AMENDED TAX
INCREMENT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT FOR THE HIGGINS ROAD/
MANNHEIM ROAD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NO. 6.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Brookman, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Page 8 of 8 11 /4/2024
Alderman Walsten asked if the ordinance could be advanced to second reading.
City Manager Wisniewski recommended not advancing tonight to allow for public comment.
CONSIDER AUTH THE Director of Community and Economic Development Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated
PURCH OF THE PROP October 28, 2024.
LOC AT 678 LEE ST &
1382 PRAIRIE AVE The City Council considered the purchase and sale agreement for 678 Lee Street.
Resolution
R-184-24 The City Council previously directed the City Manager to negotiate with the owner of the
historic 1927 commercial building and associated parking stalls to acquire the property. The
City Manager has negotiated a purchase price of $1,890,000 for the properties.
OTHER MAYOR/
ALDERMEN
COMMENTS FOR THE
GOOD OF THE ORDER
ADJOURNMENT
Resident Tom Lovestrand stated it is his opinion that too many City Council decisions are
done in behind closed doors without transparency and without public opinion.
Moved by Moylan, seconded by Brookman, to Approve Resolution R-184-24, A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
678 LEE STREET AND 1382 PRAIRIE AVENUE, DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Lysakowski, Moylan, Oskerka, Brookman,
Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 1 - Sayad
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Goczkowski and Alderman Brookman encouraged the community to vote.
Moved by Brookman,
motion declared carried
APPROVED BY ME THIS 18th
DAY OF Novg , 2024
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR
seconded by Oskerka, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote,
The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
J ssic . Mastalski — CIW CLERK