Council Minutes 06-02-2025MINUTES 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,
JUNE 2, 2025
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 7:01 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, June 2, 2025.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin„ Smith, Charewicz. Absent: Walsten 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.
PROCLAMATION City Clerk Bronakowski read a proclamation by Mayor Goczkowski recognizing June as
Pride Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT Resident Jessica Mastalski raised a concern about an alleged criminal matter involving a
current sitting member of City Council and requested that the City's Ethics Officer look into
the issue.
Jessica Maag from Speak Des Plaines invited residents to the Community Pride Celebration,
taking place at Christ Church UCC on Saturday, June 7, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at
1492 Henry Ave, Des Plaines.
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski gave remarks praising Des Plaines for being a welcoming community
ANNOUNCEMENTS to all and thanked everyone who came out for the Pride Flag raising. He also encouraged
residents to attend upcoming city events, such as the Taste of Des Plaines, the 4th of July
Parade, the 4th of July Fireworks Display at Oakton College, and the upcoming Optimist
Club movie nights.
ALDERMAN Alderman Oskerka noted that State Representative Michelle Mussman will be hosting two
ANNOUNCEMENTS upcoming town halls and encouraged residents to attend.
Alderman Sayad thanked everyone who came out and participated in the Memorial Day
Ceremony at Lake Park.
Alderman Merlin congratulated Des Plaines resident Nikolina Vujcic for competing in the
Miss Illinois Pageant —and winning. He expressed his pride that Des Plaines will be
represented on the national stage at Miss USA.
Alderman Smith encouraged residents to attend the Frisbie Center's Annual Golf Outing on
June 13.
Alderman Charewicz reminded the chamber that he will be hosting an 8th Ward meeting
tomorrow night at 7:00 PM at the Friendship Park Conservatory. LRS and City Clerk
Bronakowski will be in attendance. He also encouraged residents to attend West Fest and
the Bottles and Barrels event, hosted by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce.
CITY CLERK Clerk Bronakowski thanked Alderman Charewicz for the invitation to his upcoming Ward
ANNOUNCEMENTS meeting and encouraged residents to attend, regardless of whether they live in the 8th Ward.
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MANAGER'S None at this time.
REPORT
COUNSEL REPORT None at this time.
CONSENT AGENDA Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Establish the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote,
the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call, the
vote was:
AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
Regular Meeting Minutes were approved; Closed Session Minutes were approved;
Resolutions R-108-25, R-109-25, R-110-25, R-111-25, R-112-25, R-113-25, R-115-25, and
Ordinance M-13-25 was adopted
APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-108-25, A RESOLUTION
MEMBERSHIP APPROVING ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TO THE NORTHWEST
RENEWAL MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Consent Agenda Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-108-25
RE -ROOFING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-109-25, A RESOLUTION
CONTRACT DES APPROVING RE -ROOFING CONTRACT FOR THE DES PLAINES PUBLIC
PLAINES PUBLIC LIBRARY. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
LIBRARY
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-109-25
APPROVE CHANGE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-110-25, A RESOLUTION
ORDER APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #1 TO TASK #2 WITH CHRISTOPHER B. BURKE
CHRISTOPHER B. ENGINEERING, LTD. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent
BURKE Agenda.
ENGINEERING. LTD.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-110-25
APPROVE DCEO Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-111-25, A RESOLUTION
GRANT BUDGET APPROVING DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
AND AGREEMENT (DCEO) GRANT BUDGET AND AGREEMENT FOR ACCESSIBILITY
Page 3 of 8 6/02/2025
Consent Agenda IMPROVEMENTS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent
Agenda.
Resolution
R-111-25
APPROVE IDOT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-112-25, A RESOLUTION
INTER- APPROVING ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (IDOT)
GOVERNMENTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF MUNICIPAL
AGREEMENT STREETS. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-112-25
APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-113-25, A RESOLUTION
REIMBUSTMENT TO AUTHORIZING REIMBURSTMENT TO THE DES PLAINES PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR
THE DES PLAINES CHILLING UNIT REPLACEMENT. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
PUBLIC LIBRARY under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-113-25
APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve Resolution R-115-25, A RESOLUTION
AGREEMENT WITH APPROVING AN EXTENSION AGREEMENT WITH THE ILLINOIS AMERICAN
ILLINOIS WATER COMPANY FOR WATER SUPPLY. Motion declared carried as approved
AMERICAN WATER unanimously under Consent Agenda.
COMPANY
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-115-25
SECOND READING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve ORDINANCE M-13-25, AN
ORDINANCE M-13-25 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF LISTED
VEHICLES/EQUITMENT THROUGH OBENAUF AUCTION SERVICES, INC. Motion
declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve the Minutes of the City Council meeting
MINUTES of May 19, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Consent Agenda Consent Agenda.
APPROVE CLOSED Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith, to Approve the Closed Session Minutes of the City
SESSION MINUTES Council meeting of May 19, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
ASSISTED LIVING Director Jeff Rogers reviewed a memorandum dated May 27, 2025.
FACILITY AT 2200 E
GOLF ROAD The petitioner, Heritage Woods Northwest LLC, 1016 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL
Ordinance 60607, requests: (i) Conditional Use for an Assisted Living Facility with 150 units in the
Z-12-25
Page 4 of 8
6/02/2025
R-3 zoning district; and (ii) a Preliminary
exception for height from 45 feet to 50.5 feet.
Planned Unit Development (PUD) with an
After a summary of the case, comments from the petitioner, and subsequent
discussion at their regular meeting on May 5, 2025, a City Council vote to approve
first reading of Ordinance Z-12-25 failed by a 2-6 vote.
At their subsequent meeting, the City Council voted 8-0 to schedule a
reconsideration of Ordinance Z-12-25 at their June 2, 2025 meeting.
In advance of the June 2, 2025 City Council meeting, the petitioner has proposed
amendments to their proposal. These include the following:
a. The petitioner will revise the proposed building design and materials to comply
with the building material requirements contained in Sec. 12-3-11 Table 1 of the City
Code.
b. The petitioner will donate $200,000 to the City toward the purchase of an
ambulance or other related equipment or program.
Staff recommended the City Council consider the PZB's recommendation for
approval of the proposed development and the amended draft Ordinance Z-12-25.
Robert Helle, Principal of Heritage Woods, explained the average age of a resident is 85,
with a minimum age of 65 to move in. There will be a total of 150 residents occupying the
building. Each unit will have smoke detectors; the nursing staff will be equipped with an
alarm system to identify which unit is experiencing an issue. The petitioner clarified that
staff will not cook in their kitchens, but food will be available in the building. In addition,
voice alarm systems and radio communications will be installed throughout the building.
The petitioner explained that all systems are wireless, and alarms will notify staff of the
location and the resident experiencing the issue.
Fire Chief Matzl explained that the doors will close and latch for a minimum of two hours,
and in emergencies, the fire department prioritizes clearing the stairwells first
Alderman Moylan thanked the applicant for the proposed investment in our city. He
expressed a preference for this development over leaving the property as an empty lot and
appreciated the jobs and revenue it would bring to the city. He also thanked the applicant
for their efforts to work with the fire department.
Upon approval of financing, and before the building permit is issued, the Petitioner will
furnish a payment of $200,000 to the City toward the purchase of an ambulance or related
equipment or program.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Merlin moved to approve Z-12-25, as amended, AN
ORDINANCE APPROVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASSISTED LIVING
FACILITY AT 2200 E GOLF ROAD. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
Page 5 of 8 6/02/2025
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Merlin to advance to second reading and adopt Ordinance
Z-12-25, AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASSISTED
LIVING FACILITY AT 2200 E GOLF ROAD. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka,
Merlin, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 1 - Sayad
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
NEW BUSINESS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Resolution Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve the Warrant Register of June 2, 2025,
R-106-25 in the Amount of $5,963,510.67 and Approve Resolution R-114-25. Upon roll call, the vote
was:
AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — Alderman Moylan, Chair
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development, Jeff Rogers, reviewed a memorandum
RESOLUTION
dated May 27, 2025.
APPROVING AN
ECONOMIC
The applicants, Miner Street Station LLC and D-4 of Des Plaines LLC, 1575 Ellinwood
INCENTIVE
Street, requested approval of a First Amendment to an Economic Incentive and
AGREEMENT FOR
Development Agreement approving a low interest loan and business assistance grant to
MINER STREET
facilitate the substantial rehabilitation and additions to the former Oliveti's restaurant
STATION. LLC AND
property at 1575 Ellinwood Street into a mixed -use building.
DES PLAINES, LLC
This property is located in the second ward.
Resolution
R-116-25
On March 17, 2025, the City Council Approved Resolution R-58-25 authorizing an
Economic Incentive Agreement with Mine Street Station LLC (as "Owner") and D-4 of Des
Plaines LLC (as "Operator"), both represented by John O'Flaherty and Declan Stapleton.
The agreement and exhibits referenced a demolition of the existing building improvements
in favor of a new, two-story mixed -use building.
The applicants are requesting an amendment to the original agreement to allow for
substantial rehabilitation of the existing structure rather than demolition of the building. The
proposed modifications include replacement of the prior development plan exhibits with
new development plan exhibits. The proposed budget remains unchanged.
As originally proposed, the proposed development would remain a two-story mixed use
residential & commercial building comprised of approximately 8,200 square feet of ground
floor commercial restaurant space and 5,400 square feet of second floor area including three
(3) muti-family residential apartments and storage spaces for the residential & commercial
uses. As depicted in the proposed development plans, the proposed restaurant would include
Page 6 of 8 6/02/2025
a full -service kitchen and bar with liquor service, a dining room, a banquet room, and new
restrooms.
Based upon analysis of proprietary sales tax and food & beverage tax revenues from
comparable businesses with similar floor areas, the City anticipates a payback of the City's
business assistance incentive of $1,200,000 within 8 years.
The redevelopment of the subject property is identified within the City of Des Plaines
Downtown Des Plaines Economic Development Strategy as a project with negotiations
already in progress at the time of adoption of the re: DDP strategic plan on March 3, 2025.
The proposed development as currently presented is consistent with the development
identified in the Downtown Des Plaines Strategic Plan.
The petitioner stated that the establishment will most likely not be named "The Harp and
Fiddle," but they are interested in maintaining a similar environment and atmosphere.
Outdoor dining will still be available, weather permitting. The petitioner stated they plan to
open in the third quarter of 2026.
Alderman Moylan thanked the petitioner and staff for their work on the project. He is excited
about the property and the large investment coming to residents.
Moved by Moylan, seconded by Sayad moved to approve R-116-25, A RESOLUTION
APPROVING AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT FOR MINER STREET
STATION, LLC AND D-4 OF DES PLAINES, LLC. Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development, Jeff Rogers, reviewed a memorandum
REVISIONS TO
dated May 27, 2025.
BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE
Staff requested City Council consideration of proposed amendments to the City's Business
GRANT PROGRAM
Assistance Grant program which would establish three tiers of grants, Sprout, Boost, &
GUIDELINES
Growth, with varying ratios of grant support for eligible costs associated with qualified
developer projects associated with both existing and new businesses.
Resolution
R-117-25
In May 2023, the City Council approved amendments to the parameters of the City's
Business Assistance Grant (BAG) program establishing two tiers of potential grants. Over
the past two years, staff identified wide variances in the proportions of grant assistance both
requested by the applicants and awarded by the City Council. Revisions to the program
parameters would help to clarify expectations regarding potential grant awards, eligible
expenses, and requirements for labor associated with projects partially funded with public
investment.
Since the Business Assistance Grant Program was last amended, 11 grant awards have been
approved, either by the CED Director or City Council in accordance with current program
procedures. Six of these grants were BOOST grants, with awards less than $10,000, and five
were GROWTH grants, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. Over this period,
GROWTH grants have been awarded in amounts of between 12% to 50% of total eligible
project costs.
Page 7 of 8 6/02/2025
To clarify expectations regarding potential future grant awards, staff proposes a three -tiered
program that will maximize potential total grant amounts awarded and ensure equity among
grant recipients based upon their respective total eligible project costs.
Due to the limitations of the annual budget of the Business Assistance Grant Program and
the intent to provide a variety of awards each fiscal year, projects with eligible investments
in excess of $1,020,000 are encouraged to consult with staff regarding other available
economic development incentives such as revenue sharing agreements, tax abatements, or
other negotiated agreements.
Staff proposed revisions to the list of eligible improvements in the program application to
establish two distinct categories: one for projects available to all business types; and another
specifically designated for businesses that generate local sales tax revenue. Additionally, the
list of ineligible expenses has been expanded to clarify those expenses that would not be
supported under the program.
In accordance with the existing program parameters, grant applications with eligible
expenses of up to $20,000 can be approved by the Director of Community & Economic
Development while applications with expenses in excess of $20,000 are presented to the
City Council for consideration. Staff requested direction regarding whether these thresholds
should remain in effect.
The application materials have been revised to clarify the requirements of the Illinois
Prevailing Wage Act. In accordance with the Act, all labor within the scope of work
comprising the eligible expenses must comply with Cook County Prevailing Wage
requirements. The proposed application includes resources to ensure program participants
will be aware of the Prevailing Wage requirement and will have access to resources outlining
the prevailing wage rates, rules, and documentation procedures.
Director Rogers said this program is significantly better than what other communities offer
to new businesses for improvements. While other cities may help with exterior development,
this program is universal —and no other community has this type of program. The point of
the program is that the more you invest, the larger the dollar amount you receive —thus
incentivizing property owners to invest more. Director Rogers said they can only be given
two awards, incentivizing three lifetime awards to maximize impact.
This structure will give business owners clarity on what the council supports and what public
dollars are appropriated for approval. One-off requests would still need to come before the
council for special consideration.
Appreciation to the staff was conveyed for their work on this program.
Alderman Charewicz said he'd like to see projects that are ongoing before they can apply
for grants. City Manager Wisniewski said that under the original business program,
businesses had to have ongoing projects before applying. Applications could be made prior
to permits, during occupancy, or anytime, but the City does not recommend an open anytime
policy.
During public comment, a resident from the Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines
requested that nearby parking signs placed on Suffield Street and Ironwood be removed.
Alderman Charewicz proposed to amend the resolution to include that the applicant must
apply for the grant prior to the final inspection or occupancy.
Page 8 of 8
6/02/2025
Moved by Charewicz, seconded by Moylan, to approve as amended, R-116-25, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT FOR
MINER STREET STATION, LLC AND D-4 OF DES PLAINES, LLC. Upon roll call, the
vote was:
AYES: 7 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Walsten
Motion declared carried.
OTHER MAYORAL/
ALDERMAN
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Merlin, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion
declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.
APPROVED BY ME THIS 16th
DAY OF June , 2025
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR