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Council Minutes 01-20-2026MINUTES 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, TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 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 7:02 PM in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith and Charewicz. Alderman Chlebek was absent. A quorum was present. PRAYER AND The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were PLEDGE offered by Mayor Goczkowski. PUBLIC COMMENT No public comments. MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski reported that cold weather is expected for the next 10 days and ANNOUNCEMENTS recommended multilayered dressing. He also recommended the following locations as warming centers in the community for those who need it: GENCenter, Prairie Lakes, and the Des Plaines Public Library. ALDERMAN Alderman Sayad announced that a 4th Ward meeting will be held in late March or early ANNOUNCEMENTS April. He thanked Public Works for keeping the streets clean and the Fire Department for keeping the city safe during its recent high volume of calls. Alderman Merlin shared that the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce will have a fundraiser on Thursday, January 221 at Charcoal Delights. Alderman Walsten expressed gratitude to the Des Plaines Theatre for hosting the Chicago Bears game. He also noted that the theatre will try to host the next football game and the Super Bowl. Alderman Charewicz announced that an 8th Ward meeting will be held on February 3rd at the Conservatory. He also noted that on February 20th, the Chamber of Commerce will host the Winter Ball fundraiser at the casino, supporting the Chamber of Commerce scholarships. CITY CLERK No announcements at this time ANNOUNCEMENTS MANAGER'S No announcements at this time REPORT COUNSEL No announcements at this time REPORT CONSENT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Establish the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote, AGENDA the vote was: AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Page 2 of 9 1 /20/2025 Motion declared carried. Moved by Sayad seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Motion declared carried. Ordinance M-2-26 was approved. Resolutions R-22-26, R-5-26, R-14-26, R-23-26, R-28-26, and R-29-26 were adopted. Regular Session Meeting Minutes for January 5, 2026 were approved. APPROVE NEW Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Ordinance M-2-26, A NEW CLASS E CLASS E LIQUOR — RESTAURANT DINING ROOM (ON -SITE CONSUMPTION ONLY) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 635 N. LICENSE FOR TASTE OF KALAVARA, INC., 635 N. WOLF ROAD. Motion declared WOLF ROAD carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda Ordinance M-2-26 APPROVE CHANGE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve a CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP FOR IN OWNERSHIP FOR AN EXISTING CLASS M — GAS STATION — RETAIL ONLY (OFF -SITE EXISTING CLASS M CONSUMPTION ONLY) LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SUPER STOP 5, INC. D/B/A GOLF LIQUOR LICENSE MART 1, 10 W GOLF ROAD. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under FOR 10 W. GOLF RD Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda APPROVE TRAFFIC Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-22-26, A FIRST LAW ADDENDUM TO THE TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENT WITH ENFORCEMENT REDSPEED ILLINOIS, LLC, ALLOWING FOR FUTURE AUTOMATIC ANNUAL AGREEMENT WITH RENEWALS UNTIL TERMINATED BY EITHER PARTY. Motion declared carried as REDSPEED approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. ILLINOIS, LCC Consent Agenda Resolution R-22-26 APPROVE 2026 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-5-26, THE 2026 PURCHASE OF PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT PARKWAY TREES FROM PARTICIPATING STC REPLACEMENT NURSERIES AND PLANTING LABOR THROUGH THE WEST CENTRAL PARKWAY TREES MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE — SUBURBAN TREE CONSORTIUM, RIVER GROVE, FROM ILLINOIS IN THE NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF $365,000.00. BUDGETED PARTICIPATING FUNDS: GENERAL FUND/STREET MAINTENANCE DIVISION/TREE PLANTINGS. STC NURSERIES Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. AND PLANTING LABOR Consent Agenda Resolution Page 3 of 9 1/20/2025 R-5-26 APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-14-26, THE PURCHASE PURCHASE OF OF SENSUS WATER METERS AND INSTALLATION SERVICES ON AN AS - WATER METERS NEEDED BASIS FROM AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR CORE & MAIN, LP, CAROL AND STREAM, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $745,000. SOURCE OF FUNDING — INSTALLATION WATER SYSTEM/MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTURAL SERVICES, R&M SERVICES FROM SOFTWARE, AND WATER METERS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously CORE & MAIN, LP under Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda Resolution R-14-26 APPROVE 2026 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-23-26, THE 2026 MOTOR FUEL TAX MOTOR FUEL TAX MAINTENANCE RESOLUTION IN THE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE $1,970,000. BUDGETED FUNDS — MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS. Motion declared RESOLUTION carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda Resolution R-23-26 APPROVE THE 2026 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-28-26, THE 2026 ERP ERP MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE RENEWAL AGREEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC., RENEWAL TROY, MICHIGAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $215,482.86. BUDGETED FUNDS — IT R&M AGREEMENT WITH SOFTWARE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. TYLER TECHNOLOGIES Consent Agenda Resolution R-28-26 APPROVE A Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Approve Resolution R-29-26, A COLLECTIVE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE METROPOLITAN ALLIANCE OF POLICE BARGAINING DES PLAINES COMMAND CHAPTER 3241 (MAP241). Motion declared carried as AGREEMENT WITH approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. MAP 241 Consent Agenda Resolution R-29-26 APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of the City REGULAR SESSION Council meeting of January 5, 2026, as published. Motion declared carried as approved MINUTES unanimously under Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda UNFINISHED BUSINESS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — Alderman Moylan, Chair Page 4 of 9 1/20/2025 APPROVING TEXT Director of Community and Economic Development Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum AMENDMENT TO dated December 24, 2026. THE CITY CODE, REGARDING C-7 Staff requests City Council consideration of a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning HIGH DENSITY Board for approval of text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance related to references, CAMPUS DISTRICT requirements, and Commercial Use Matrix regulations for the C-7 High Density Campus District, and text amendments to the sign regulations for Electronic Message Billboards Ordinance (EMB) in the C-7 High Density Campus District. Z-1-26 The purpose of the City's zoning ordinance is to regulate and control the use and development of land within the City of Des Plaines. The City's zoning ordinance is codified as Title 12 of the City Code of Des Plaines. Section 12-6-1 of the Code establishes the City's various zoning districts including Residence Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4), Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-6, and C-7), Manufacturing Districts (M-1, M-2, and M-3), and Special Districts (I-1 and MH-1). The City's C-7 high density campus district was established in May 2015 via Ordinance Z-11-15. Currently, across the City only six parcels currently have a zoning designation of C-7 high density campus district. All six parcels are contiguous, located at 2200, 2250, 2300, 2350, 2360, and 2400 E. Devon Ave. and comprise the O'Hare Lake Office Park. In the future, additional properties could be designated C-7 high density campus district if a map amendment (rezoning) petition was pursued and approved. The six existing C-7 District parcels are improved with three existing multi -story office buildings, surface parking lots, and a regional stormwater retention system commonly known as Peterson Lake Potential redevelopment of portions of all of the O'Hare Lake Office Park has been contemplated in the past. The City's 2019 Comprehensive Plan identified the area for consideration for future land uses comprised of "Lower Density Urban Mix with Residential," a mixed -use land use differentiated from the "Higher Density Urban Mix with Residential" land use applied to the C-5 central business district designated for Downtown Des Plaines. Subsequent to the COVID-19 pandemic and sharp decreases in demand for the quantity and size of business office occupancies, owners of properties improved with existing Class B and Class C offices have been contemplating potential alternate land uses and development plans for these properties. This text amendment is being considered separately but pursued concurrently with development entitlements for a proposed Costco Business Center upon portions of three of the existing C-7 District parcels at 2200 and 2400 E. Devon Avenue. The petitioners request consideration of text amendments to sections of the Code which establish zoning regulations in the C-7 high density campus district, or regulations applicable to uses which may be established in the C-7 district Alderman Walsten stated that he does not support the proposed development due to its proximity to residents. He also inquired about the north billboard and how it would affect the surrounding community. Director Rogers explained that the same requirements would apply for digital billboards on this property and noted that up to four billboards could be accommodated on the site. Alderman Walsten requested that any changes or development related to billboards be communicated to the council. Matthew, Des Plaines resident inquired who drafted the text amendments Page 5 of 9 1/20/2025 City Attorney Peter M. Friedman responded that the city attorney prepared them. Matthew, Des Plaines resident asked if the code change was specifically for this project. Director Rogers replied that the applicant reviewed the city code and submitted requests, which were then reviewed by the city attorney. Alderman Merlin asked for clarification regarding high -density campuses and whether the change applies citywide. Director Rogers confirmed that it does. Alderman Merlin acknowledged that they were aware of the change and that it was made because the city does not often handle high -density projects. The petitioner stated that any issues raised by the city have been addressed and deemed appropriate. Moved by Moylan, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Second Reading Ordinance Z-1-26, APPROVING TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CODE, TITLE 12 ZONING, REGARDING THE C-7 HIGH DENSITY CAMPUS DISTRICT. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 1 - Walsten ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Motion declared carried. APPROVING Director of Community and Economic Development Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum CONDITIONAL USE dated December 29, 2026. FOR PUD, LASR. • The petitioner, Costco Wholesale Corporation, proposes the development of a new retail TPLAT. AND MAJOR commercial building to be comprised of approximately 137,327 square feet upon a new lot ZONING VARIATION FOR of record comprised of approximately 14.29 acres and a new traffic signal in E. Devon 2200-2400 E DEVON Avenue right-of-way at the southwest corner of the property. A proposed fuel center would AVE be located at the west end of the site and would include a small enclosure for control equipment, a warming shelter for employees, and twelve fueling islands accommodating Ordinance simultaneous refueling of up to 24 vehicles with additional queuing space for more than 30 Z-2-26 additional vehicles. The development site includes a portion of the existing stormwater retention pond commonly known as Peterson Lake which will be modified in accordance with required local and outside agency permits over the next few months to provide a pad for a portion of the proposed parking lot. This petition relates to the proposed redevelopment of the parcels at the south end of the existing O'Hare Lake Office Park only. Mayor Goczkowski clarified that any comments submitted ahead of the meeting would be entered into the public record. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Second Reading Ordinance Z-2-26, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE FOR A PRELIMINARY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD), CONDITIONAL USE FOR A LOCALIZED ALTERNATIVE SIGN REGULATION (LASR), TENTATIVE PLAT OF SUBDIVISION (TPLAT), AND MAJOR ZONING VARIATIONS FOR COSTCO BUSINESS CENTER AT 2200-2400 NEW BUSINESS Page 6 of 9 1/20/2025 EAST DEVON AVENUE. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 1 - Walsten ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Motion declared carried. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register. REGISTER Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith to Approve the Warrant Register of January 7, 2026, Resolution in the Amount of $3,215,486.28 and Approve Resolution R-24-26. Upon roll call, the vote R-24-26 was: AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Motion declared carried. COMMUNITY SERVICES — Alderman Smith, Chair CONSIDERATION Community & Police Social Worker, Angelika Danek reviewed a memorandum dated OF AGREEMENT January 20, 2026. WITH THE DES PLAINES The Des Plaines Community Senior Center serves Des Plaines seniors through intellectually COMMUNITY enriching, socially engaging, and physically energizing programs and volunteer SENIOR CENTER opportunities. The intergovernmental relationship between the City, Senior Center and the FOR SUBSIDY Park District has been a very successful one which has benefitted many of the City's FUNDING residents. Resolution In January of 2025 the City of Des Plaines awarded a $64,900 grant (R-18-25) to the Des R-25-26 Plaines Community Senior Center in support of programming services offered at the Frisbie Senior Center. The following report provides an overview of the outcomes as well as information about persons served in 2025. The Des Plaines Community Senior Center (DPCSC) continues to carry out its mission of creating a vibrant community that fosters healthy aging, social connections and wellness to provide a range of opportunities encouraging physical and mental well-being, lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement and volunteerism. The organization's membership of over 600 individuals and various daily users benefit from well over ninety (90) monthly offerings, many of which occur on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Programs and services offered at the Frisbie Senior Center (FSC) include, but are not limited to: daily social and recreational activities; on -going educational programming; planned day trips and extended trips; resource referral and linkage; one-to-one counseling options, focusing on health, legal, employment, and a host of other topics; assistance with determining eligibility for and enrolling in federal, state, county, and municipal benefits programs; and access to various veterans' services via an on -site VA office. The funding provided by the City of Des Plaines is used to support some of the aforementioned programs and services. As the Des Plaines Community Senior Center continues to provide much -needed Page 7 of 9 1/20/2025 programming and services for older adults "aging in place", it remains committed to continued partnership with the City of Des Plaines to serve its residents. The DPCSC has requested to maintain the FY25 funding level for this program at $64,900 in order continue to provide the aforementioned supports. Steve Samuelson, Executive Director of the Des Plaines Community Senior Center, now rebranded as GenCenter, spoke with the council and shared his experience with the center's rebranding. Mayor Goczkowski expressed excitement about the development and the changes coming to the center. Alderman Charewicz stated that he is also excited about the development. Alderman Sayad congratulated the Director on 15 years of service at the center and expressed enthusiasm for all the work the center does. Alderman Merlin shared his personal experience with the Senior Center and expressed support for the changes. Alderman Smith stated she is proud to have the GenCenter located in her ward. Alderman Walsten thanked the GenCenter for assisting him with signing up for senior services. Moved by Walsten, seconded by Smith to Approve Resolution R-25-26, A CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DES PLAINES COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER FOR SUBSIDY FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,900 FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Motion declared carried. CONSIDERATION Community & Police Social Worker, Angelika Danek reviewed a memorandum dated OF AGREEMENT January 20, 2026. WITH THE DES PLAINES During the 2026 Budget deliberations the Des Plaines Community Senior Center requested COMMUNITY a $47,200 subsidy from the City for the Meals on Wheels program, which was approved by SENIOR CENTER the City Council. The Meals on Wheels program continues to sustain aging -at-home FOR MEALS ON practices, provide critical nourishment for program participants, and maintain necessary WHEELS outreach and monitoring for the City's most vulnerable residents. Resolution In January of 2025, the City of Des Plaines awarded a $47,200 grant (R-19-25) to the Des R-26-26 Plaines Community Senior Center for administering its Meals on Wheels program in 2025. Administered by the Des Plaines Community Senior Center (DPCSC), this program provides hot, nutritionally balanced meals for homebound seniors age 60 and older who are unable to prepare their own meals. The program operates weekly, Monday through Friday; the only exceptions are seven identified holidays per calendar year and the occasional day when weather conditions pose a significant risk to those delivering meals. Assessments, including communication with the participant's doctor to identify any specific dietary needs or limitations, are conducted to determine initial eligibility. Since February of 2024, the Page 8 of 9 1/20/2025 DPCSC has contracted with Sunrise Grill to provide five (5) hot meals per week, delivered Monday through Friday to program participants. There is a $7.00 charge per meal, which directly offsets the cost of preparing the meals. Aside from the time dedicated to regular communication with program participants and volunteers, most efforts are directed toward responding to the variety of daily changes (e.g., schedules of need, diet changes, and cancellations/initiations) and nuances encountered each day. Over the course of 2025, the program has served 22 different individuals. The program's Service Coordinator has conducted nine (9) assessments and nine (9) reassessments during that timeframe. In late November, volunteers delivered emergency meal kits to program participants; each kit contained seven (7) shelf -stable meals, which participants could use in the event that inclement weather prohibited meal delivery. The Des Plaines Community Senior Center continues to administer this much -needed program for the City's most fragile citizens in a cost-effective manner. DPCSC administrators maintain ongoing dialogue with City representatives, as well as the meal vendor, to review program outcomes and effectiveness. The DPCSC has requested to maintain the FY25 funding level for this program at $47,200 in order to continue the administrative activities required to carry out the Meals on Wheels program on behalf of the City of Des Plaines. Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin to Approve Resolution R-26-26, A CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DES PLAINES COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER REGARDING THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,200 FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek Motion declared carried. CONSIDERATION Community & Police Social Worker, Angelika Danek reviewed a memorandum dated OF AGREEMENT January 20, 2026. WITH THE DES PLAINES Senior centers serve as a gateway to the nation's aging network by connecting older adults COMMUNITY to community services that can help them stay healthy and independent. To maintain SENIOR CENTER operations, senior centers must leverage resources from a variety of sources such as federal, FOR HEALTH AND state and local governments. Des Plaines is experiencing and will continue to experience SUPPORT SERVICES through 2030 an increase in residents over age 55. This translates to the largest demographic shift over the shortest time period and triggers the need for increased senior specific services. Resolution R-27-26 The Des Plaines Community Senior Center serves Des Plaines seniors through intellectually enriching, socially engaging, and physically energizing programs and volunteer opportunities. They offer a wide variety of services, such as daily social and recreational activities, on -going educational programming, one on one counseling options focusing on health, legal, employment, as well as others. The Senior Center works closely with the Community and Police Social Workers in the City's Police Department. Over the past several years the City of Des Plaines has partnered with the Senior Center on the meals on wheels program, which has been very successful for the City. Through these intergovernmental partnerships the City along with the Senior Center are able to provide efficient and effective services to our residents. In 2017, the City Council approved an agreement with the Senior Center to provide additional services that have been previously provided by the City Page 9 of 9 1 /20/2025 The cost of providing this service is $49,000, which the City has agreed to fund on an annual basis. Moved by Smith, seconded by Sayad to Approve Resolution R-27-26, A CONSIDERATION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE DES PLAINES COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER FOR THE PROVISION OF FUDNING FOR HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,00 FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: l - Chlebek Motion declared carried. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Merlin, seconded by Oskerka, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM. 4:k Bronakowski — �CITYCLERK APPROVED BY ME THIS 2nd DAY OF February , 2026 Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR