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Council Minutes 03-02-2026CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL PRAYER AND PLEDGE PUBLIC COMMENT MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS ALDERMAN ANNOUNCEMENTS CITY CLERK ANNOUNCEMENTS MANAGER'S REPORT COUNSEL REPORT CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES 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, MARCH 2, 2026 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to order by Mayor Goczkowski at 7:00 PM in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, March 2, 2026. Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Walsten, Smith, and Charewicz. Chlebek and Merlin were absent. A quorum was present. The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were offered by Mayor Goczkowski. No public comments. Mayor Goczkowski informed residents that March 2nd marks the first day of early voting and encouraged all residents to participate. He also provided notice that the IDOT Rand Road Project will begin on March 16th, advising residents to anticipate potential delays. Alderman Walsten thanked the Public Works Department for providing a tour of the Public Works building to himself and Alderman Merlin. Alderman Smith encouraged residents to participate in early voting. He noted that the Mount Prospect Library will observe the same hours as the Des Plaines Library. Alderman Charewicz announced that the 8th Ward will host a ward meeting on April 7th at the Des Plaines Conservatory. He also encouraged high school seniors to apply for the Des Plaines History Center $1,000 scholarship. Alderman Sayad invited residents to attend his upcoming ward meeting on April 9th at the Golf Road Baptist Church. No announcements at this time City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski welcomed Natalie Valante, Assistant Finance Director, to the City of Des Plaines. She also noted that the online utility portal remains unavailable, and the City is currently unaware of when it will be restored. The City also plans to transition to a new water utility payment portal in the near future. No announcements at this time Item 2 was removed from the consent agenda. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Sayad, to Establish the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote, the vote was: AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 2 - Chlebek, Merlin APPROVING RELEASE OF CERTAIN CLOSED SESSION MINUTES AND VERBATIM RECORDINGS. Consent Agenda Resolution R-46-26 AWARDING 2026 CREEK VEGETATION MAINTENANCE BID TO LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS MANAGEMENT. INC. Consent Agenda Resolution R-53-26 Page 2 of 10 3/2/2026 Motion declared carried. Moved by Sayad seconded by Oskerka, to Approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 2 - Chlebek, Merlin Motion declared carried. Resolutions R-46-26, R-53-26, R-54-26, R-55-26, R-56-26, R-57-26, R-58-26, R-59-26, R-60-26, R-61-26, and R-62-26 were approved; Ordinance M-4-26 was approved. Special Meeting of the City Council Regarding Strategic Planning for February 7, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes for February 17, 2026, and Closed Session Meeting Minutes for February 17, 2026 were approved. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-46-26, APPROVING THE RELEASE OF CERTAIN MINUTES OF CERTAIN CLOSED MEETINGS AND VERBATIM RECORDINGS OF CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Cathy Kasper asked what would be removed from the landscape. Director of Public Works Tim Watkins said they are removing both invasive and native trees. Cathy suggested that this area become a native biological corridor to provide food for birds and insects. Public Works stated that the removal is focused on clearing what is unwanted in the area. The Mayor noted that the city is in the process of finalizing a sustainability plan and is open to introducing this idea in the future. Alderman Walsten mentioned that Izaak Walton has been at the forefront of efforts to remove the buckthorn and supports future conservation efforts. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Moylan, to approve Resolution R-53-26, AWARDING THE BID FOR 2026 CREEK VEGETATION MAINTENANCE TO LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS MANAGEMENT, INC., GRAYSLAKE, IL IN THE NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF $145,630.00. BUDGETED FUNDS: MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTUAL SERVICES. Upon roll call, the vote was AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 2 - Chlebek, Merlin Motion declared carried. REJECTION OF ALL BIDS FOR 2026 CONCRETE AND BRICK PAVER REPAIRS Consent Agenda Resolution R-54-26 APPROVING AMENDMENT TO SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH_ ANDY FRAIN Consent Agenda Resolution R-55-26 APPROVING OF PURCHASE OF STRYKER POWER PRO AMBULANCE STRETCHER Consent Agenda Resolution R-56-26 APPROVING PURCHASE OF A DECONTAMINATION WASHER FROM AIR ONE EQUIPMENT Consent Agenda Resolution R-57-26 APPROVING MASTER CONTRACT AND TASK ORDER 1 WITH AYRES ASSOCIATES Consent Agenda Resolution R-58-26 APPROVING EXPENDITURE OF MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS FOR 2026 Page 3 of 10 3/2/2026 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-54-26, REJECTING ALL BIDS RECEIVED ON JANUARY 29, 2026 FOR THE 2026 CONCRETE AND BRICK PAVER REPAIRS CONTRACT. CONTRACT TO BE REBID AT A LATER DATE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-55-26, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ANDY FRAIN FOR CROSSING GUARD SERVICES. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-56-26, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A STRYKER POWER PRO AMBULANCE STRETCHER IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $39,633.70. BUDGETED FUNDS — FIRE DEPARTMENT/EMERGENCY SERVICES. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-57-26, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A DECONTAMINATION WASHER FROM AIR ONE EQUIPMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $32, 1 05.00. BUDGETED FUNDS — FIRE DEPARTMENT/EMERGENCY SERVICES/EQUIPMENT. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-58-26, APPROVING MASTER CONTRACT & TASK ORDER 1 WITH AYRES ASSOCIATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,290.00. BUDGETED FUNDS — CAPITAL PROJECTS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-59-26, APPROVING REQUEST FOR EXPENDITURE OF MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS FOR 2026 IN THE AMOUNT OF $750,000.00. BUDGETED FUNDS — MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda Resolution R-59-26 APPROVING PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT Consent Agenda Resolution R-60-26 APPROVING TASK ORDER #12 WITH BERGER EXCAVATING CONTRACTORS Consent Agenda Resolution R-61-26 APPROVING PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CTL GROUP Consent Agenda Resolution R-62-26 SECOND READING — ORDINANCE M-4-26 Consent Agenda APPROVE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES APPROVE MINUTES APPROVE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES Page 4 of 10 3/2/2026 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-60-26, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION DIVISION IN THE NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF $48,331.00. FUNDED BY ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-61-26, APPROVING TASK ORDER #12 WITH BERGER EXCAVATING CONTRACTORS, INC., WAUCONDA, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,352.50. BUDGETED FUNDS — SEWER. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-62-26, APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT WITH CTL GROUP, MT. PROSPECT, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,000 PLUS ADDITIONAL SERVICES AS NEEDED PER CONTRACT HOURLY RATES. BUDGETED FUNDS — FACILITIES REPLACEMENT. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Second Reading Resolution M-4-26, APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF DES PLAINES, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES DESIGNATED AS THE "ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE" FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2026. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Special City Council meeting of February 7, 2026, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda City Council meeting of February 17, 2026, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the City Council meeting of February 17, 2026, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. NEW BUSINESS WARRANT REGISTER Resolution R-63-26 APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND MAJOR VARIATION FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE RECYCLING FACILITY AT 1777- 1841 BUSSE HIGHWAY. Ordinance Z-5-26 Page 5 of 10 3/2/2026 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith to Approve the Warrant Register of March 2, 2026, in the Amount of $4,430,918.75 and Approve Resolution R-63-26. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 2 - Chlebek, Merlin Motion declared carried. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — Alderman Moylan, Chair Community and Economic Development Director Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated February 26, 2026. The petitioner, Mid -States Recycling Inc. requested a new conditional use to expand the existing precious metal recycling facility. 1841 Busse Highway has operated as a recycling facility since 1999, and the proposed expansion would extend the existing building onto the adjacent property at 1777 Busse Highway. The attached floor plan shows the proposed development, including alterations to the existing building and a 15,000-squarefoot addition. The properties are located within the FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain. The proposed building design is intended to comply with all applicable floodplain regulations. Civil engineering plans are included as attachments and have been preliminarily reviewed by the Public Works and Engineering Department Mid -States Recycling, Inc. operates as a secondary processor and smelter of precious metal, which is classified under the zoning ordinance as a "recycling facility." The facility purchases and recycles precious metal bearing scrap, including manufacturing by-products and unwanted jewelry. Operations include on -site melting, processing, casting, refining, and internal laboratory services. The proposed expansion is intended to accommodate increased processing volume and broaden refining capabilities. Per the petitioner's narrative, hours of operation are proposed to remain Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with shipping and receiving from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The facility does not serve the general public; customers are licensed wholesale or retail dealers, manufacturers, and businesses generating recyclable materials. Most shipments are small parcels through the postal service, with approximately six to seven larger trucks per week. Loading will occur in either the existing or proposed loading areas. Current staffing includes 22 full-time and three part-time employees, with an additional four to five employees anticipated following construction. Alderman Moylan noted Alderman Chlebek's absence. Alderman Walsten asked what types of metals will be removed. Director Rogers mentioned that they will be recyclable materials. Page 6 of 10 3/2/2026 Alderman Sayad asked if there would be any odors affecting the community. Director Rogers said there have been no noted issues. Moved by Moylan, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Ordinance Z-5-26, CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE AND MAJOR VARIATIONS FOR A RECYCLING FACILITY EXPANSION AT 1777-1841 BUSSE HIGHWAY. Upon roll call, the vote was AYES: 6 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 2 - Chlebek, Merlin Motion declared carried. APPROVING Community and Economic Development Director Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum EXTENSION OF A dated February 24, 2026. COOK COUNTY CLASS 6B FOR The applicant, Liberty Property Limited Pal 1 nership, represented by Kevin Griffin, Eugene LIMITED L. Griffin & Associates, Ltd., is requesting City suppo 1 i for their application to Cook County PROPERTY for a 12-year. extension of an existing Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive for the property PARTNERSHIP AT at 333 Howard Avenue. 333 HOWARD AVENUE In 2014, the Des Plaines City Council approved Resolution R-119-14 suppoliing the approval of a Cook County Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive for Libeliy Property Limited Resolution Partnership. R-51-26 Cook County's Class 6b Classification reduces the prope i iy tax assessment for the prope l iy where the new investment is proposed from the typical 25% of market value to 10% for a 10-year• period. In the llth year of the incentive, the assessment will go up to 15% of market value, and in the 12th & final year. of the incentive the assessment will go to 20% of market value before returning to 25% of market value after expiration of the incentive. After approval, Libeliy Prope 1 iy Limited Partnership and C.H. Robinson Company invested in a redevelopment and improvements to the prope 1 iy. Recently, the applicant invested an additional $4.1M in improvements relating to the installation of a solar energy system with an additional $500,000 in improvements planned The incentive recently concluded its 10th year of the 12 years of the original incentive's term. Liberty Property Limited Partnership is requesting the City's support and consent to an extension of the Class 6b incentive. Per City Council policy in regard to a renewal request, a building addition comprising an increase in floor area of at least 25% is required. No building addition is proposed. Alternately and in lieu of a building addition comprised of at least a 25% increase in floor area, City policy requires a minimum investment of $10.00 per sq. ft. in new permanent physical improvements reflected in the building permit value and a minimum increase in full-time positions of 33%. Inclusive of the remaining investments in ongoing solar improvements, the applicant proposes to invest approximately $735,980 in new physical improvements to the property reflected on the building permit value, an investment of approximately $3.12 per sq. ft., and 48 new full-time positions are proposed, comprising a 29% increase. The applicant requests waivers from all three of these requirements. Alderman Smith asked if the petitioner meets the requirements of the 6B program. Director Rogers confirmed that they do not. DISCUSSION OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGULATION Page 7 of 10 3/2/2026 Alderman Moylan noted that Alderman Merlin, who was not present, previously indicated he does not support the petition due to the applicant not meeting the City's minimum standards. Kevin Griffin, Steve Griffin, Rader Tahoe, and Chris Shepard from Griffin and Associates presented to the Council. Kevin Griffin stated that their property is well -maintained and meets program parameters clue to jobs, infrastructure, employee count, and investments made into the property. Questions were raised regarding whether the solar panels were part of the original 6B award granted ten years ago. The petitioner explained that the program is intended to increase property values, confirmed that the owner supports it, and noted that ComEd did not offer solar partnerships when the program was first enacted. Alderman Walsten emphasized that this is an opportunity to retain a business in Des Plaines and expressed a desire to make the project work. Mayor Goczkowski asked about the original investment. The petitioner clarified that the original development involved millions of dollars and that the $4.6 million investment is in addition, with ComEd assisting in connecting it to the broader network. Mayor Goczkowski asked if the program requirement comes from Cook County. Director Rogers clarified that it is partially required by both the City of Des Plaines and Greater Cook County. Mayor Goczkowski inquired whether the Council would be amenable to deferring the project. Alderman Walsten made a motion, seconded by Oskerka, to defer Resolution R-51-26, CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN EXTENSION OF A COOK COUNTY CLASS 6B REAL ESTATE INCENTIVE FOR LIMITED PROPERTY PARTNERSHIP AT 333 HOWARD AVENUE, to the March 16th meeting. Upon roll call, the vote was AYES: 5 - Moylan, Oskerka, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 1 - Sayad ABSENT: 2 - Chlebek, Merlin Motion declared carried. LEGAL & LICENSING — Alderman Charewicz, Chair Management Analyst Jack Tierney reviewed a memorandum dated February 12, 2026. The City currently regulates all rental properties, regardless of duration of tenancy, with the same annual licensing process On February 21, 2017, under the Legal & Licensing Committee, the City Council discussed a proposal to amend the City Code to create two categories of residential rental properties based on the length of the rental term. Long-term rental properties were defined as tenancies of 30 days or more, while short-term rental properties were defined as tenancies of fewer than 30 days. On March 3, 2017, as part of a Friday Periodic Update, staff distributed a survey of 14 peer municipalities to the Mayor and Aldermen. The survey asked whether short-term rentals Page 8 of 10 3/2/2026 were regulated and whether they were permitted in residential zoning districts. Three municipalities (Evanston, Lincolnwood, and Schaumburg) reported that they regulated short-term rentals and permitted them in residential areas On March 6, 2017, the matter was placed on the agenda of the Legal & Licensing Committee as "Discussion Regarding the Regulation of Short -Term Rental Properties." This item consisted of a verbal report from the Director of Community and Economic Development On April 3, 2017, staff presented two proposed ordinances to the City Council: • An ordinance amending Chapters 17 and 18 of Title 4 of the City Code to regulate short-term rental properties and establish a $100 annual licensing fee; and • An ordinance amending the Zoning ordinance to include "Short -Term Rental Property" as a permitted accessory use in all residential zoning districts, subject to conditions. The proposed ordinances were not reported out of committee, were returned to staff and no additional action was taken. On August 21, 2023, an agenda item titled "Discussion of Current Regulations for Duration of Residential Rentals" was placed on the Community Development Committee agenda. The staff memo revisited the 2017 ordinance change proposals and summarized a 2023 Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) survey. Of the 20 responding municipalities, 10 had adopted ordinances to regulate short-term rentals, and eight prohibited them entirely. The Council discussed options to (1) continue regulating short-term rentals under existing procedures, (2) amend the Code to define and further regulate them, or (3) prohibit short- term rentals altogether. No further action was taken. On June 7, 2024, a staff memo from the Director of Community and Economic Development, issued as part of a Friday Periodic Update, summarized current City requirements, existing short-term rental listings, and the quantity and nature of complaints related to short-term rental properties. A current online search for short-term rentals in Des Plaines shows approximately 25 active listings on Vrbo and 10 active listings on Airbnb, with nightly rates ranging from approximately $110 to $535. Director Rogers clarified that there is an Airbnb operating in the 6th Ward without a rental license. Alderman Walsten noted that the property has caused disruptions in the neighborhood, such as loud music and trash being left out, and expressed concern about residents facing similar issues he encountered when he first moved to Des Plaines. Alderman Sayad stated that he has also experienced issues with Airbnb properties. He requested a review of the City's rules and regulations regarding guest conduct. He emphasized that homeowners who rent out their properties must take responsibility for their guests and suggested a $500 fine for anyone who violates City ordinances. He also recommended that homeowners be required to be educated on the City's rules, and stressed the importance of quick and thorough implementation. Alderman Moylan expressed support for amending the code to allow short-term rentals, noting that it is in the homeowner's best interest to maintain their property and protect their business reputation. He added that managing a short-term rental often requires more work Page 9 of 10 3/2/2026 than a long-term rental. He supports clearly defining the City's code to allow short-term rentals and inquired about adding a hotel tax to such rentals. Alderman Sayad emphasized that many short-term renters have disrupted neighborhoods and urged that past experiences be used to create stricter rules for residents living in these properties moving forward. Alderman Sayad asked about the length of the license and training requirements. Director Rogers explained that all licenses are required to be renewed on January 1 of each year. Licensees must complete the Crime -Free Housing training once, but training must be repeated if the property changes ownership. Alderman Sayad asked how complaints are handled. Director Rogers noted that enforcement staff usually identify complaints first and encouraged residents to report all complaints to the Department of Community and Economic Development. He clarified that the Police Department currently receives few complaints and has not seen recurring violations from multiple properties. In cases where issues persist, a notice of violation is sent to the property owner. For particularly egregious violations, the Department of Community and Economic Development can revoke a license after a single offense. Alderman Charewicz stated that the current property complaint system applies equally to short-term, long-term, and permanent property owners. Alderman Moylan noted that there are fewer than 35 short-term rentals in the city and expressed concern about over -regulation. A resident of Des Plaines shared that living next to a short-term rental has negatively impacted his quality of life due to loud music and constant comings and goings. Another resident expressed concern about a short-term rental located next to a park, which has resulted in trash, including cups and empty bottles, being left in the area. Joanna shared her experience requesting changes to her property in the past, which required neighbor approval. She asked whether similar processes could be implemented for short- term rental properties to ensure neighbor support. She also noted that previous complaints to Airbnb about large parties were dismissed as unsubstantiated. Alderman Oskerka asked about the hotel tax. Director Rogers explained that there is currently no code allowing short-term rentals to collect taxes. He noted that the existing hotel tax is 7%, and creating a code for short-term rentals would require coordination with the City Attorney. Alderman Oskerka asked if short-term rentals undergo home inspections. Director Rogers stated that an initial inspection is conducted for all new applicants. Alderman Walsten expressed skepticism regarding short-term rentals. Chair Charewicz requested input from the Police Chief regarding complaint numbers and processes. Page 10 of 10 3/2/2026 Chief Anderson stated that complaints are tracked by the address of the specific property. Director Rogers added that the Police Department handles after-hours complaints, while non -emergency complaints during business hours are directed to the Department of Community and Economic Development. If violations occur, licenses can be revoked following a hearing. Alderman Charewicz agreed with Alderman Moylan, emphasizing that regulations should not be overly burdensome. City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski noted that the purpose of tonight's discussion is to bring the issues raised back to staff for review in the future. Alderman Moylan expressed broader concerns regarding Tong -term rentals and stated his goal of developing ordinances for both short-term and long-term rentals to ensure fairness. Staff were asked to return with recommendations to the City Council. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM. Dominik Bronakowski — CITY CLERK APPROVED BY ME THIS 16th DAY OF March _ _, 2026 Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR