Council Minutes 04-20-2026CALL TO
ORDER
ROLL CALL
CLOSSED SESSION
RECONVENED
PRAYER AND
PLEDGE
PROCLAMATION
PUBLIC COMMENT
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,
APRIL 20, 2026
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to
order by Mayor Goczkowski at 6:00 PM in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, and Charewicz. A quorum was present.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Merlin to adjourn to Closed Session for Probable & Imminent
Litigation, Pending Litigation, Acquisition of Property and Personnel. Upon roll call, the
vote was:
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, the City Council meeting was reconvened at 7:04
p.m. Upon roll call the following members were present:
PRESENT: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried
The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were
offered by Mayor Goczkowski.
City Clerk Bronakowski read a proclamation recognizing Armenian Genocide
Remembrance Day.
Kenneth Killips, resident of the 3rd ward, shared an experience with the Des Plaines Police
Department while he was panhandling on River Road and requested to connect with city
staff regarding the interaction.
KT Peterson thanked the City Council for participating in the sustainability survey and
encouraged the City to hire a sustainability coordinator. In addition, residents were
encouraged to attend a movie showing at Trinity Lutheran Church on April 23rd.
The. Go Green Selection Committee presented the inaugural Go Green Sustainability Award
to Neena Volupe.
John Wayne Speckman, a Des Plaines resident, shared concern about rainfall and expressed
a desire to see improvements addressing river flooding issues. He proposed making
amendments to support significant investment in related infrastructure projects.
Adam, resident of the 1st Ward, is new to Des Plaines and an avid cyclist who frequently
bikes to work, shared his support for bike lanes. He also commented on the importance of
building protected bike lanes and referenced an experience on Lee Street.
Page 2 of 8 4/20/2026
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski thanked City staff for their flood response and their round-the-clock
ANNOUNCEMENTS dedication in keeping the City safe during flooding. He noted it was the biggest flood in the
last 43 years, and it did not impact the City significantly.
ALDERMAN
ANNOUNCEMENTS
He thanked volunteers for participating in the Community Clean -Up with Clean Up, Give
Back Des Plaines.
On April 22nd, the Sustainability Survey will open and encouraged residents to patriciate.
On April 25th, the Police Department will be hosting its DEA Take Back Day.
The Des Plaines Community Garage Sale will take place May 1-3, from 8:00 AM to sunset
and he encouraged residents to participate.
Alderman Charewicz thanked Chief Anderson for attending the 8th Ward meeting. On June
2nd at 7:00 PM at the Conservatory, the guest speaker will be from the Attorney General's
Office and will discuss how to prevent scams and identity theft. He encouraged residents to
attend Earth Day celebrations with the Des Plaines Park District which will take place on
Saturday, April 25th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Leisure Center. In addition, the
Des Plaines History Center will host a meet and greet with State Representative Cochran
and Mussman on April 28th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, with tours of the Kinder House available
during the event. He also thanked City staff for their diligence in improving infrastructure
and assisting with flood prevention efforts.
Alderman Oskerka shared that a new DMV has opened on Lee Street, located at 1533 Lee
Street, with hours of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In addition, on May 2nd at 10:00 AM, Jet City
Coalition will be hosting an event at Potawatomi Park to sign up new community members
to help mow laws this summer.
Alderman Sayad thanked the City for honoring the Armenian Genocide. He also thanked
Brad Goodman for his emails in keeping City officials informed about the work they do.
Alderman Merlin thanked City staff for their flood prevention efforts in the City.
Alderman Walsten thanked City staff for their help with flood prevention. He also shared
that there will be a 6th Ward meeting on April 30th at 7:00 PM at the Arndt Park Field
House. In addition, the Des Plaines Theatre will be hosting "The Amazing Caterpillar", On
April 22nd at 7:00 PM. In addition, this summer, The Des Plaines Theatre will also be
showing family movies on Tuesday nights for $1, providing an opportunity for families to
get together. Regarding data centers, an informational meeting will be held on May 20th at
6:30 PM at the Des Plaines Library, to discuss the impact of data centers on communities.
Alderman Smith thanked Des Plaines City staff for their response to the flooding and
encouraged residents to attend the Des Plaines Community Foundation Comedy Night
fundraiser on April 22nd.
CITY CLERK Clerk Bronakowski reflected on a successful 4th Ward meeting hosted by Alderman Sayad
ANNOUNCEMENTS and thanked all the volunteers who participated in the City of Des Plaines' Clean Up, Give
Back, and the Lions Club forest clean-ups.
MANAGER'S City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski thanked the Police, Fire, and Public Works teams for
REPORT their response to flooding. She noted that the river has just passed 18 feet in height and is
expected to peak tonight.
COUNSEL
REPORT
CONSENT
AGENDA
APPROVING
PURCHASE AND
INSTALLATION OF
US DIGITAL
DESIGNS ALERTING
SYSTEM
Resolution
R-99-26
APPROVING
PURCHASE OF
OPERATIONAL
KNIVES FROM
MICROTECH
KNIVES
Resolution
R-100-26
APPROVING
PURCHASE OF
FIREFIGHTER PPE
AND SERVICES
FROM DINGES FIRE
EOUIPMENT
Resolution
R-101-26
Page 3 of 8 4/20/2026
No announcements at this time
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Establish the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote,
the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Smith seconded by Merlin, to Approve the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote,
the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Resolution R-99-26, R-100-26, R-101-26, R-102-26, R-103-26, R-104-26, R-105-26,
R-106-26, R-106-26, R-107-26, and R-108-26 were approved. Regular Meeting Minutes for
April 6, 2026 were approved. Ordinance M-5-26, M-7-26, M-8-26, and Z-7-26 were
adopted.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-99-26, Approving Purchase
of US Digital Designs Alerting System Equipment and Installation from Digicom
Installations, Inc. — Fire Department Equipment and Professional Services Funds. Motion
declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-100-26, Approving the
Purchase of Operational Knives from Microtech Knives, Inc. in an Amount Not -to -Exceed
$28,465. Budgeted Funds — Foreign Fire Insurance Board/Equipment. Motion declared
carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-101-26, Approving the
Purchase of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment and Services from Dinges Fire
Equipment in an Amount Not -to -Exceed $185,970.18. Budgeted Funds — Fire
Department/Emergency Services/Equipment. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVING T.O.
CHRISTOPHER B.
BURKE ENG. FOR
DEVON AVE WATER
MAIN
IMPROVEMENTS
Resolution
R-102-26
APPROVING T.O.
CHRISTOPHER B.
BURKE ENG. FOR
DEVON AVE
TRAFFIC SIGNAL
DESIGN
Resolution
R-103-26
APPROVING T.O.
WITH FGM
ARCHITECTS FOR
CONSTRUCTION
ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES
Resolution
R-104-26
APPROVING
REPAIR OF POLICE
SQUAD #55 BY
AL TOKRAFTERS
Resolution
R-105-26
APPROVING T.O.
WITH BERGER
EXCAVATING
CONTRACTORS
Resolution
R-106-26
AWARDING BID
FOR HOWARD
WATER TANK
PAINTING TO ERA-
VALDWIA
CONTRACTORS
Resolution
R-107-26
Page 4 of 8 4/20/2026
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-102-26, Approving Task
Order No. 3 with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Rosemont, Illinois for Devon Avenue
Water Main Improvements in the Amount of $57,100.00. Budgeted Funds: Capital Projects.
Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-103-26, Approving Task
Order No. 4 with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Rosemont, Illinois for Devon Avenue
Traffic Signal Design in the Amount of $39,500.00. Budgeted Funds: Capital Project.
Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-104-26, Approving Task
Order No. 2 with FGM Architects Inc., Oak Brook, Illinois, in the Not -to -Exceed Amount
of $199,500 plus $500 for Reimbursable Expenses for Professional Construction
Administration Services. Budgeted Funds: Facilities Replacement Fund. Motion declared
carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-105-26, Approving, in the
Best Interest of the City, the Repair of Police Department Squad #55 in the Amount of
$27,871.61 plus a Contingency in the Amount of $1,500 for a Total Amount of $29,371.61
by AutoKrafters of Des Plaines, Des Plaines, Illinois. Source of Funding: Risk Management
Funds. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-106-26, Approving Task
Order No. 13 with Berger Excavating Contractors, Wauconda, Illinois in the Amount of
$450,000.00. Source of Funding: Water Fund. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-107-26, Awarding the Bid
for Howard Water Tank Painting to Era -Valdivia Contractors, Inc., Chicago, Illinois in the
Amount of $1,877,180.00. Source of Funding: Capital Improvement Projects. Motion
declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVING
LICENSE
AGREEMENT WITH
EZEE FIBER TEXAS
Resolution
R-108-26
APPROVE MINUTES
SECOND READING —
ORDINANCE M-5-26
SECOND READING —
ORDINANCE M-7-26
SECOND READING —
ORDINANCE M-8-26
SECOND READING —
ORDINANCE Z-7-26
NEW BUSINESS
WARRANT
REGISTER
Resolution
R-110-26
APPROVING 6B
INCENTIVE FOR
ELSE II LLC & MID -
STATES
Page 5 of 8 4/20/2026
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Resolution R-108-26, Approving a
License Agreement Between the City and Ezee Fiber Texas, LLC. Motion declared carried
as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of the City
Council meeting of April 6, 2026, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Ordinance M-5-26, Approving the
purchase of a John Deere 160 P Excavator through Sourcewell Contract# 011723-JDC, from
West Side Tractor Sales Company, Naperville, Illinois, in the Amount of $288,984.97.
Budgeted Funds — Equipment Replacement. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Ordinance M-7-26, Approving a New
Class "A" Liquor License (Tavern Seats 250 or Less - On -Site Consumption Only) for White
Hill Hospitality LLC d/b/a Fairfield Inn Chicago O'Hare at 2350 Mannheim Road. Motion
declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Ordinance M-8-26, Approving a New
Class "A" Liquor License (Tavern Seats 250 or Less - On -Site Consumption Only) for Los
Azares Mexican Grill, LLC at 1290 Miner Street. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin, to approve Ordinance Z-7-26, Approving Text
Amendments to the City Code, Title 12, Zoning Regarding Regulations for Off -Street
Parking, Accessory Uses Related to EV Readiness and Drive Through Facility Operation
and Layout Design Regulations. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Consent Agenda.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Alderman Sayad, Chair
Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve the Warrant Register of April 20, 2026,
in the Amount of $5,399,336.44 and Approve Resolution R-110-26. Upon roll call, the vote
was:
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
0-
0-
Motion declared carried.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — Alderman Moylan, Chair
Community and Economic Development Director Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum
dated April 13, 2026.
The applicant, ESLE II LLC and Mid -States Recycling, Inc., is seeking the City's support
RECYCLING AT 1777
BUSSE HWY
Resolution
R-111-26
DESIGNATING 1645
BIRCHWOOD AVE
AS BLIGHTED AND
APPROVING 7A TAX
INCENTIVE FOR
BIRCHWOOD
VENTURE LLC
Resolution
R-117-26
Resolution
R-118-26
Page 6 of 8 4/20/2026
for a Cook County Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive for the property located at 1777 Busse
Highway. The applicant owns and operates Mid -States Recycling, Inc. at the adjacent
property at 1841 Busse Highway, where the company has been in business since 1999. Mid -
States Recycling specializes in the processing and smelting of precious metals. The request
would apply only to the new construction where additional investment is proposed.
The proposed project includes the expansion of the existing facility at 1841 Busse Highway
onto the neighboring vacant 0.69-acre lot at 1777 Busse Highway, through the construction
of a new 15,000-square-foot addition. The expansion will include approximately 12,500
square feet of processing space and 2,500 square feet of office space. In addition to the 22
full-time employees currently working at 1841 Busse Highway, the applicant anticipates
adding five new full-time employees as a result of the project.
The total project investment is estimated at $4,380,000, or approximately $146 per square
foot, meeting the City's minimum investment threshold for consideration of a Class 6b tax
incentive. Upon completion, the property is projected to have an estimated market value of
$2,000,000 and generate approximately $918,031 in property tax revenue over the life of the
incentive. If the property were to remain vacant, it is estimated to generate approximately
$81,228 in property tax revenue over the same 12-year period.
As proposed, the applicant would save approximately $1,081,029 in property taxes if the
Class 6b incentive is approved.
Alderman Moylan shared his support of this initiative.
Moved by Chlebek, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-111-26,
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COOK COUNTY CLASS 6B
INCENTIVE FOR ELSE II LLC & MID -STATES RECYCLING AT 1777 BUSSE HWY
Upon roll call, the vote was
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Community and Economic Development Director Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum
dated April 13, 2026.
The subject property is comprised of approximately 1.08 acres and is improved with a
30,000-square-foot vacant commercial office building. The applicant proposes a substantial
rehabilitation of the existing building, including the elimination of a split-level office and
replacement of that space with a new commercial truck service center, along with other site
improvements.
The applicant has furnished a report titled `Blight Factors and Physical Condition
Assessment," prepared by Elliott & Associates and dated April 2, 2026, regarding the
condition of the subject property and its improvements. The report notes findings consistent
with the requirements of the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act and the
Commercial Renewal and Redevelopment Areas Act, as necessary evidence to support a
determination that the area is blighted.
The property was previously designated as blighted by the City via Resolution R-20-16 prior
to occupancy by a previous tenant. Although the prior tenant's total investment in the
property was sufficient to qualify for a 7a classification before their occupancy, that
Page 7 of 8 4/20/2026
investment, along with deferred maintenance since that time, has not been sufficient to
eliminate the current blighted conditions.
Birchwood Venture LLC is requesting the City's designation of the property as a blighted
area in need of substantial rehabilitation, along with support and consent for a Class 7a
incentive. The applicant proposes to purchase the property and invest approximately
$550,000 in new physical improvements, as reflected in the building permit value. This
exceeds the City's minimum investment requirement for approval of a Class 7a incentive
under City Council policy.
Alderman Walsten supports this initiative.
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Sayad to Approve Resolution R-117-26,
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION DESIGNATING 1645 BIRCHWOOD AVE AS
BLIGHTED AREA. Upon voice roll, the vote was
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-118-26,
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING COOK COUNTY CLASS 7A TAX
INCENTIVE FOR BIRCHWOOD VENTURE LLC. Upon voice roll, the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
COMMUNITY SERVICES— Alderman Smith, Chair
AWARDING 40 Community and Police Social Worker, Angelika Danek reviewed a memorandum dated
SOCIAL SERVICE April 20, 2026.
GRANTS FOR 2026
FUNDING The 2026 Social Service Funding notification, application, and timeline were made available
on the City's website on January 30, 2026. Applications were due February 27, 2026.
Resolution
R-113-26 HS contacted agencies that received funding in 2025, those that inquired about the program
throughout the year, and those that applied for funding in prior years but did not request
funds the previous year.
The City received a total request for social service funding in the amount of $365,380 from
40 agencies. All agencies have expressed gratitude for the City's program and emphasized
how valuable local support is in leveraging funding from public and private sources, which
strengthens their service capabilities for residents.
Mayor Goczkowski shared his support for this program to help service the residents.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Merlin to Approve Resolution R-113-26,
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING 40 GRANT RECIPIENTS FOR
2026 SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAM FUNDING IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $275,000. Upon roll call, the vote was
ADOPTING 2026
ACTIVE
TRANSPORTATION
PLAN
Resolution
R-112-26
Page 8 of 8
AYES: 8 -
NAYS: 0 -
ABSENT: 0 -
Motion declared carried.
Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
None
None
4/20/2026
ENGINEERING — Alderman Chlebek, Chair
Assistant Director of Engineering, Becka Shipp reviewed a memorandum dated
April 9, 2026.
In 2011, the City of Des Plaines adopted its first Active Transportation Plan, affirming a
commitment to improving safety, comfort, and accessibility for all modes of travel. Since
that time, the City has advanced numerous recommendations from the 2011 Plan and
incorporated its priorities of safety, connectivity, and accessibility into other major planning
efforts.
The 2026 Des Plaines Active Transportation Plan builds upon this progress. The updated
plan refreshes the goals outlined in 2011, incorporates changes in planning practices,
infrastructure, and community needs, reflects evolving travel patterns, and addresses current
safety concerns. It also expands the envisioned network and outlines clear strategies and
priorities for future implementation. This updated plan will guide the City's continued
efforts to create a safer and more connected environment for people walking, biking, and
rolling throughout Des Plaines
Mayor Goczkowski shared his support for the Active Transportation Plan.
Colin Tyson, with Bike/Walk Des Plaines, shared his support of the plan; however, he would
like to see some larger projects take place.
Moved by Chlebek, seconded by Sayad to Approve Resolution R-112-26,
CONSIDERATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE 2026 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
PLAN. Upon roll call, the vote was
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
Alderman Walsten thanked the Director of Communications Brad Goodman for all of his
help during the last week of heavy rain.
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Merlin, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion
declared carried. The meeting adjourned a 1.
r3ronakowski — CITY CLERK
APPROVED BY ME THIS 4th
DAY OF Mai 2026
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR