Council Minutes 05-28-2025MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL 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, MAY 28, 2025
CALL TO The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was called to order by
ORDER Mayor Goczkowski at 8:37 a.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers,
Des Plaines Civic Center on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin,
Smith, Charewicz. Absent: Walsten. A quorum was present.
Also present: City Manager Wisniewski, General Counsel Friedman, General Counsel Weiss,
General Counsel Lenneman, Director of Communications Goodman, Director of Information
Technology Wojtaniec, Director of Community & Economic Development Rogers, Director of
Public Works & Engineering Oakley, Director of Finance Podbial, Police Chief Anderson,
Management Analyst Tierney,
ELECTED City Council orientation was held by staff, providing an overview of city structure, responsibilities
OFFICIAL and policies to support the success of our elected officials.
TRAINING
ALDERMAN Concluding the meeting;
Alderman Oskerka asked Director Rogers what the current development and plans are for the
downtown train station due to the potential Chicago Bears Stadium. Director Rogers stated that
discussions are ongoing and there are scenarios being developed behind the scenes.
Alderman Sayad thanked staff for the presentation and looks forward to increasing the City's
ranking in the U.S Best Places to Live.
Alderman Charewicz agreed with Alderman Sayad and thanked staff for the presentation. He
expressed excitement about the growth in our City and inquired about the upcoming property tax
levy. City Manager Wisniewski stated that in the upcoming city budget, the city will most likely
need to increase its levy by $1.2 million. Alderman Charewicz emphasized that although raising
property taxes is unpopular, it's important to do so as the city continues to develop and compete
with surrounding communities.
PUBLIC No public comments.
COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Merlin, to adjourn the
carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 AM.
APPROVED BY ME THIS 16th
DAY OF June , 2025
Upon voice vote, motion declared
CLERK
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR