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2025-12-01 Council Minutes 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, DECEMBER 1, 2025 CALL TO ORDER 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, December 1, 2025. ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith and Charewicz. A quorum was present. PRAYER AND PLEDGE The prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America were offered by Mayor Goczkowski. SWEARING-IN CEREMONY/ RECOGNITION The Fire Department was proud to commemorate the swearing-in of new hires, along with a recent appointment. Mayor Goczkowski swore in the following new hires: • MICHAEL CANGELOSI – APPOINTED TO FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC/ENGINEER • ZACKARY GEIB – SWORN IN AS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC • NOAH BULKA – SWORN IN AS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC • ODI NANO – SWORN IN AS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC • MICHAEL VELAZQUEZ – SWORN IN AS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC • AIDAN MURRAY – SWORN IN AS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC • NICHOLAS MASSARO – SWORN IN AS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC PUBLIC HEARING: CAPER ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CDBG Resolution R-224-25: The Public Hearing began at 7:14 PM Senior Planner Samantha Redman and CDBG Administrator reviewed a memorandum dated November 20, 2025. The Program Year (PY) 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER) is an annual report outlining the accomplishments of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and requires City Council approval prior to submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). PY2024, covering the period from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, was the fifth and final year of the City’s 5-Year CDBG Consolidated Plan. The report summarizes the City’s performance toward the goals established in the PY2024 Annual Action Plan and the Consolidated Plan, detailing expenditures and accomplishments related to public service activities, housing programs, and infrastructure improvements completed during the program year. The required public hearing was held to conclude the HUD-mandated public comment process. A 21-day public comment period began on November 10, 2025, following publication of a notice in the Journal and Topics on October 22, 2025. The CAPER was available for public review at the Civic Center and on the City’s website throughout the comment period. Page 2 of 10 12/01/2025 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve Resolution R-224-25. 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. The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:20 PM PUBLIC COMMENT Ray, resident of 940 Timothy Lane expressed concern about adding a parking lane to the Des Plaines Roundabout. Colin Tyson, from Bike and Walk Des Plaines, congratulated Public Works on their winter efforts to keep the roads clear. He noted that businesses are required to clear their sidewalks, and if they do not comply, the City should issue citations. He also encouraged residents to submit reports of uncleared sidewalks through the 311 program. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Goczkowski encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Holiday Tree Lighting at Metropolitan Square on Friday, December 6, as well as the Winter Fair and Trolley Tours on Saturday, December 7. He also noted that the Mount Prospect Park District will host a winter event on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition, he thanked Public Works for their assistance during the recent snowstorm. ALDERMAN ANNOUNCEMENTS Alderman Smith thanked Public Works for their efforts in clearing snow over the past week. Alderman Charewicz thanked Public Works for their work clearing the snow. She also encouraged residents to attend the upcoming 8th Ward meeting on December 2. In addition, she invited residents to attend the Ugly Sweater Karaoke Night at the library and encouraged participation in the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Drive on December 11, including donating food at the event. Alderman Oskerka encouraged residents to contact him so he can connect them with the Jet City Coalition for snowplow assistance. Alderman Sayad thanked Public Works for their cleanup efforts and offered kudos to the Fire Department. Alderman Merlin also expressed his thanks. He noted that Charcoal Delights will be hosting photos with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 6th Alderman Walsten encouraged the Council to reuse binders from previous meetings. He also raised a concern and asked how many cities that have a casino also allow video gaming within their municipality. CITY CLERK ANNOUNCEMENTS Clerk Bronakowski thanked Public Works for all of their hard work during the winter season. MANAGER’S REPORT City Manager Wisniewski thanked the Public Works team for their winter storm planning and congratulated the newly hired Fire Department staff member. COUNSEL REPORT No announcements at this time Page 3 of 10 12/01/2025 CONSENT AGENDA Request by Des Planes Resident Jessica Mastalski to remove item one from the Consent Agenda. Request by Alderman Charewicz to remove item 14 from the Consent Agenda. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Merlin, 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 Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve the Consent Agenda. 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. Resolutions R-226-25, R-227-25, R-228-25, R-229-25, R-230-25, R-231-25, R-232-25, R- 233-25, R-234-25, R-235-25, R-236-25, R-237-25, and R-239-25 were adopted. Ordinance M-27-25 was adopted. Regular Meeting Minutes for November 17, 2025 were approved. APPROVING A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FOR CITY HALL SPACE Consent Agenda Resolution R-219-25 Resident Mastalski encouraged City Council to oppose the credit union license agreement. Alderman Merlin asked the General Counsel if there was anything improper with the agreement. The General Counsel stated that he believes that the current agreement is not improper. Moved by Moylan, seconded by Oskerka, to approve Resolution R-219-25, APPROVING A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTHWEST MUNICIPAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FOR CITY HALL SPACE from the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote, the vote was: AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 1 - Walsten ABSENT: 0 - None Motion declared carried. APPROVING INTERGOVERN- MENTAL AGREEMENT WITH COOK COUNTY SHERIFF Consent Agenda Resolution R-226-25 Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-226-25, APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DES PLAINES AND THE COOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S POLICE 911 CENTER. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Page 4 of 10 12/01/2025 APPROVING EXPENDITURE TO RAUCCI & SULLIVAN STRATEGIES, LCC Consent Agenda Resolution R-227-25 Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-227-25, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS PURSUANT TO A PROPOSAL FROM RAUCCI & SULLIVAN STRATEGIES, LLC, FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCAY SERVICES. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. APPROVING CONTRACT WITH MUNIIPAL GIS PARTNERS, INC Resolution R-228-25 Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-228-25, APPROVING GIS CONSORTIUM SERVICE PROVIDER CONTRACT WITH MUNICIPAL GIS PARTNERS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $249,411.12 ANNUALLY. BUDGETED FUNDS – GENERAL/GIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 6 AND CONTRACT WITH DIXON ENGINEERING Consent Agenda Resolution R-229-25 Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-229-25, APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 6 AND A NEW MASTER CONTRACT WITH DIXON ENGINEERING, INC., LAKE ODESSA, MICHIGAN. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. APPROVING CONTRACT WITH FGM ARCHITECTS, INC Consent Agenda Resolution R-230-25 Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-230-25, APPROVING A NEW MASTER CONTRACT WITH FGM ARCHITECTS, INC., WESTCHESTER, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. APPROVING CONTRACT WITH HAEGER ENGINEERING Consent Agenda Resolution R-231-25 APPROVING CONTRACT WITH MANUSOS GENERAL CONTRACTING Consent Agenda Resolution Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-231-25, APPROVING A NEW MASTER CONTRACT WITH HAEGER ENGINEERING, LLC, SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-232-25, APPROVING A NEW MASTER CONTRACT WITH MANUSOS GENERAL CONTRACTING, INC., FOX LAKE, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Page 5 of 10 12/01/2025 R-232-25 APPROVING CONTRACT WITH RJN GROUP INC., Consent Agenda Resolution R-233-25 APPROVING CONTRACT WITH TROTTER & ASSOCIATES, INC. Consent Agenda Resolution R-234-25 APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 19 WITH FGM ARCHITECTS, INC Consent Agenda Resolution R-235-25 APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 7 WITH ARGON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. Consent Agenda Resolution R-236-25 APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 4 WITH JOS SERVICES, INC. Consent Agenda Resolution R-237-25 SECOND READING – ORD. M-26-25 APPROVING AMENDMENT TO IMPOSE REGULATIONS Consent Agenda Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-233-25, APPROVING A NEW MASTER CONTRACT WITH RJN GROUP, INC., DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-234-25, APPROVING A NEW MASTER CONTRACT WITH TROTTER & ASSOCIATES, INC., ST. CHARLES, ILLINOIS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-235-25, APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 19 WITH FGM ARCHITECTS, INC., WESTCHESTER, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $197,500. BUDGETED FUNDS – FACILITIES REPLACEMENT. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-236-25, APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 7 WITH ARGON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC., BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $88,540. BUDGETED FUNDS – FACILITES MAINTENANCE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-237-25, APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 4 WITH JOS SERVICES, INC., LAKE BLUFF, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,474.73. BUDGETED FUNDS – FACILITIES MAINTENANCE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Alderman Charewicz stated that he would like changes to the ordinance to allow electric bikes to travel through parking lots. Colin Tyson of Bike Walk Des Plaines thanked the Council for the change allowing bikes to legally traverse garages. He also asked a question about two bikes riding side by side, and it was noted that the language in the ordinance addresses this. Moved by Charewicz, seconded by Sayad, to approve, as amended, SECOND READING – M-26-25: AMENDING CHAPTER 4 OF TITLE 7 OF THE CITY CODE TO IMPOSE REGULATIONS ON ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND OTHER MOTORIZED MOBILITY Page 6 of 10 12/01/2025 SECOND READING – ORD. M-27-25 APPROVING AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE Consent Agenda DEVICES. 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 Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve SECOND READING - M-27-25: APPROVING AMENDING SECTION 3-3-8 OF THE DES PLAINES CITY CODE REGARDING FEES FOR AMBULANCE AND OTHER FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICES AND ESTABLISHING LIFT ASSIST FEES FOR THE CITY OF DES PLAINES. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. APPROVE REGULAR SESSION MINUTES Consent Agenda APPROVAL OF INFILL ACTIVITIES AT LAKE PETERSON RETENTION FACILITY Consent Agenda Resolution R-239-25 Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of the City Council meeting of November 17, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-239-25, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND EXECUTION OF A UTILITY LICENSE AND SITE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE INFILL ACTIVITIES FOR THE LAKE PERERSON RETENTION FACILITY IN THE O’HARE LAKE OFFICE PARK. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda. NEW BUSINESS FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION – Alderman Sayad, Chair WARRANT REGISTER Resolution R-238-25 Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register. Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve the Warrant Register of December 1, 2025, in the Amount of $3,443,746.72 and Approve Resolution R-238-25. 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 DEVELOPMENT – Alderman Moylan, Chair CONSIDERATION OF MAJOR VARIATION 2019 E. TOUHY AVE. Director of Community and Economic Development Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated November 20, 2025. Page 7 of 10 12/01/2025 Ordinance Z-33-25 CONSIDERATION OF MAJOR VARIATION 2861 SCOTT STREET Ordinance The petitioner requested major variations to permit a 30-foot-wide driveway/turnaround within the front yard and for the minimum separation for front yard residential walkways from other hard surfaces. The subject property was developed by at least 1951 using available historical aerial imagery depicting it and the surrounding residential neighborhood. Since then, the subject property has been a single-family detached residence and has had a one car wide driveway to a one car detached garage on the east side of the subject property. The petitioner has been discussing their driveway and access needs with staff throughout 2025 during which time staff has provided them with the minimum and maximum regulations for driveways allowed for their particular property. The petitioner requests, effectively, a 3-point vehicle turning area within the westside of their front yard adjacent/expanding the driveway in this area to about 30 feet wide. This proposed turnaround area is intended to permit forward vehicle movements onto Touhy Ave. because the petitioner believes forward movement is safer than backing onto Touhy Ave normally and especially during morning and afternoon peaks. The PZB held a public hearing on November 4, 2025 to consider the requests. The PZB voted 4-2 to recommend that City Council approve a major variation for a 27 foot wide driveway in substantive compliance with the petitioner’s preferred site design as outlined in the request. Alderman Walsten clarified with Director Rogers that the intent of the driveway expansion was to add additional parking to the lot. Alderman Walsten also asked whether the applicant had been fined for previous code violations. Director Rogers noted that they were provided with a notice and given the option to request a major variation before the City Council. Alderman Charewicz recommended deferring the decision to the second meeting in January; however, the motion did not receive a second. Moved by Walsten, seconded by Oskerka to Deny Ordinance Z-33-25, A CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A MAJOR VARIATION FOR DRIVEWAY WIDTH AND RESIDENTIAL WALKWAY SEPARATION AT 2019 E. TOUHY AVE. Upon roll call, the vote was: AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Merlin, Walsten, Smith NAYS: 2 - Sayad, Charewicz ABSENT: 0 - None Motion declared carried. Director of Community and Economic Development Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated November 20, 2025. In mid-2025, the petitioner submitted a permit application for a new 900 sq.ft. and 16.7- foot-tall, detached garage. Staff reviewed and required resubmittal because the proposed Page 8 of 10 12/01/2025 Z-34-25 CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY garage area and building height exceeded the maximum permitted 720 sq.ft. garage area and 15-foot building height for this size lot. The petitioner requests these variations to permit sufficient space within the garage for parking a specific large and accessible vehicles. To seek this design petitioner requests major variations from: • Sections 12-8-1.C.1 & 5 of the City Code limit the subject property’s detached garage area to 720 sq.ft. and the detached garage building height to 15 feet. If the petitioner built both a maximum-sized detached garage and shed, there would be 945 sq.ft. of accessory structures on the property. This permitted by right total would be more than the petitioner’s proposed single 900 sq.ft. detached garage while also functionally accommodate the petitioner’s desired vehicle parking plus other typical accessory structure uses. The PZB held a public hearing on November 4, 2025 to consider the requests. The PZB voted 6-0 to recommend that City Council approve the major variation for a 900 sq ft 16.7 foot tall, detached garage. Director Rogers clarified that no neighbors have reached out regarding this case. The petitioner stated that he prefers a narrower garage driveway. Alderman Walsten expressed his support for the project. Moved by Walsten, seconded by Sayad to Approve Ordinance Z-34-25, A CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A MAJOR VARIATION FOR AN OVERSIZED DETACHED GARAGE AT 2861 SCOTT STREET. 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 Walsten, seconded by Sayad to Advance to Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance Z-34-25, A CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A MAJOR VARIATION FOR AN OVERSIZED DETACHED GARAGE AT 2861 SCOTT STREET. 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. PUBLIC SAFETY – Alderman Walsten, Chair Director of Community and Economic Development Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated November 25, 2025. Page 9 of 10 12/01/2025 CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS Ordinance M-29-25 In 2015, the City Council adopted the 2015 International Code Council (ICC) Codes and the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC) as the City’s construction regulations replacing the 2012 I-Codes and the 2011 NEC. Through this process, 295 pages of local amendments were deleted. While there were benefits of streamlining the Code as it relates to construction regulations, it has since been determined that several critical amendments should be restored and omissions added. City staff prepared a summary of the 2021 I-Codes and 2020 NEC as well as approximately 150 draft local amendments for consideration by the City Council’s Building Code Committee. The proposed Codes and local amendments aim to modernize the currently applicable Code, enforce public safety and improve risk mitigation while also streamlining processes, clarifying ambiguities, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. The State of Illinois requires municipalities to adopt baseline codes to establish the minimum structural and safety standards that all municipalities and counties must meet, effective January 1, 2025. These baseline codes are based on the most recent editions of the International Code Council (ICC) standards, specifically the 2018, 2021, or 2024 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) for residential buildings, and International Existing Building Code (IEBC) applicable to new alterations to existing buildings. Locally adopted codes must be at least as stringent as these baseline codes, and jurisdictions must report their adopted codes to the Illinois Capital Development Board. Since the City’s currently adopted 2015 I-Codes are more than 9 years old at this time, the current Codes are no longer in compliance with the State of Illinois requirements. The proposed Code adoptions would bring the City into compliance with this requirement. The City Council’s Building Code Committee met three times to review the proposed Codes, proposed amendments, and proposed responses to requests for amendments to several specific proposed amendments. Through the Committee’s review, the adoption of the 2021 I-Codes and 2020 NEC were supported unanimously as were the vast majority of the proposed amendments. The amendments ranged in topic but included requirements applicable to the regulation of construction sites, issuance of owner-occupier permits, clarity of information required on permit documents, installation of fire sprinklers for significant improvements to single- family homes, installation of EV charging stations in hazardous locations, allowable materials for water distributions systems and sustainable gains via solar-ready zones. Alderman Walsten mentioned that the requirement for permits to install kitchen cabinets has been removed and that sustainability testing has been added. Director Rogers agreed that various changes were made to accommodate the Aldermen’s requests and to address any code changes that were deemed overreach. Alderman Merlin agreed with the concern about overreaching permitting; however, he noted that any changes, such as electrical work, would still require permits. Moved by Merlin, seconded by Walsten to Approve Ordinance M-29-25, A CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DES PLAINES CITY CODE REGARDING THE CITY’S CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS. Upon voice vote, the vote was: AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz NAYS: 0 - None ABSENT: 0 - None Page 10 of 10 12/01/2025 __________________________________ Dominik Bronakowski – CITY CLERK APPROVED BY ME THIS DAY OF , 2025 __________________________________ Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR Motion declared carried. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Merlin, to adjourn the meeting and enter into closed session. Upon voice vote, motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 PM.