Council Minutes 09-15-2025MINUTES 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,
SEPTEMBER 15, 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 6:30 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, September 15, 2025.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, and Walsten. Alderman Smith and Charewicz were absent. A quorum was present.
CLOSED SESSION Moved by Sayad, seconded by Chlebek to adjourn to Closed Session for Pending Litigation.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten,
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
RECONVENE City Council of the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, was reconvened by Mayor Goczkowski at
7:00 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center
on Monday, September 15, 2025.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, and Walsten. Alderman Smith and Charewicz were absent. 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 proclamations by Mayor Goczkowski recognizing Literacy
Month, Constitution Week, and Diaper Need Awareness Week.
PUBLIC COMMENT Collin (Bike and Walk Des Plaines) — Invited residents to attend the upcoming community
bike ride, scheduled for September 27th at 9:00 AM.
Donald (Resident) — Requested that the City prioritize paying off the fire pension fund before
moving forward with the construction of a new fire station. Additionally, he asked that
emergency responders improve communication with local residents, particularly in
providing updates on estimated response times.
Steve Meinecke (Knights of Columbus) — Announced the organization's annual community
fundraiser, which involves the sale of candy. He encouraged residents to contribute to the
cause.
Miranda, 163 Village Court — Inquired about the future of the Lattof YMCA property. Mayor
Goczkowski responded that the City currently has no new tentative plans, and confirmed
that the property remains under ownership of the YMCA
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski commended the City for hosting the fourth round of the EV Readiness
ANNOUNCEMENTS Kickoff, an initiative aimed at encouraging electric vehicle adoption in municipalities.
Page 2 of 10 9/15/2025
The City also participated in a ribbon -cutting ceremony with the Des Plaines Chamber of
Commerce at 2175 E. Touhy Avenue for Spark by Hilton. The Mayor encouraged residents
to visit the new location.
Mayor Goczkowski recognized Bombardier on the occasion of their 20th anniversary and
expressed appreciation for maintaining their distribution center in Des Plaines.
He also gave kudos to City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski for recently receiving the
Distinguished Alumnus Award from Oakton College during the previous week.
ALDERMAN Alderman Sayad congratulated City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski on receiving the
ANNOUNCEMENTS Distinguished Alumnus Award. He also encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Fire
Station Open House on September 20th. A reminder was given that next month's budget
hearings will take place on Thursday, October 9th, and Wednesday, October 15th. If a third
meeting is needed, it will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:30 PM in City Hall.
Alderman Sayad further encouraged residents to participate in the Bike and Walk
Des Plaines community event.
Alderman Merlin expressed appreciation for the recent success of the Fall Festival event
held at Lake Opeka the previous week. He invited residents to attend his upcoming 5th Ward
meeting on September 22nd at 7:00 PM, to be held on the lower level of Fox Tail on the
Lake, located at 1177 Howard Avenue, Des Plaines, IL.
Alderman Walsten thanked Mayor Goczkowski for hosting the recent Metropolitan Mayors
Caucus and for helping advance sustainability efforts within the City.
CITY CLERK Clerk Bronakowski showcased the rollout of the City's new tool designed to provide on -site
ANNOUNCEMENTS translation services for non-native English speakers, ensuring that all residents and visitors
can access City services regardless of the language they speak. In addition, he noted that
September 15th marked the start of Train Safety Awareness Week and encouraged drivers
to practice safe habits around railroad tracks.
MANAGER'S City Manager Wisniewski congratulated the Des Plaines Park District on a successful Fall
REPORT Fest held at Lake Park.
COUNSEL No announcements at this time
REPORT
CONSENT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka, to Establish the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote,
AGENDA the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2- Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call,
the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
Page 3 of 10 9/15/2025
Regular Meeting Minutes and Closed Session minutes were approved; Resolutions
R-174-25, R-177-25, R-179-25, R-184-25, R-186-25, and R-187-25 were adopted.
APPROVE Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve Resolution R-174-25, A
PURCHASE OF 2026 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ONE 2026 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
CHEVROLET VEHICLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM NATIONAL AUTO FLEET
EQUINOX VEHICLE GROUP, WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA AT A COST NOT -TO -EXCEED $35,574.69.
Consent Agenda FUNDED BY ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-174-25
APPROVE TASK Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve Resolution R-177-25, A
ORDER NO. 11 RESOLUTION APPROVING TASK ORDER NO. 11 WITH BERGER EXCAVATING
BERGER CONTRACTORS, INC., WAUCONDA, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000.
EXCAVTING BUDGETED FUNDS — WATER FUND. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously
CONTRACTORS under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-177-25
APPROVE Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve Resolution R-179-25, A
ADDITIONAL RESOLUTION WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND APPROVING
ABATEMENT ADDITIONAL ABATEMENT SERVICES FOR 1096 LEE STREET FROM DEM
SERVICES FOR SERVICES, INC., ALSIP, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,725. BUDGETED
1096 LEE STREET FUNDS — TIF #8 FUND — MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTUAL SERVICES. Motion
Consent Agenda declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-179-25
APPROVE Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve Resolution R-184-25, A
AGREEMENT WITH RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS, LLC FOR
GRANICUS. LLC WEBSITE REDESIGN, SOFTWARE, HOSTING, AND SUPPORT SERVICES IN A
FOR WEBSITE TOTAL AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $200,258.44, INCLUSIVE OF REDESIGN AND
REDESIGN ANNUAL HOSTING FEES FROM 2026-2030. FUNDED BY GENERAL FUND —
Consent Agenda MEDIA SERVICES/MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTUAL SERVICES AND RISK
MANAGEMENT FUND — PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Motion declared carried as
Resolution approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
R-184-25
APPROVE MINUTES Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve the Minutes of the City Council
Consent Agenda meeting of September 2, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve Resolution R-186-25, A
ABEYANCE RESOLUTION APPROVING AN ABEYANCE AGREEMENT FOR 1575 ELLINWOOD.
AGREEMENT Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
1575 ELLINWOOD
Consent Agenda
Page 4 of 10 9/15/2025
Resolution
R-186-25
APPROVE Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to Approve Resolution R-187-25, A
INTERGOVERN- RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE
MENTAL AGMT VILLAGE OF ROSEMONT FOR THE TEMOPORARY USE OF ROSEMONT FIRE
ROSEMONT FIRE STATION #2. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
STATION #2
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-187-25
APPROVE CLOSED Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Chlebek, to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the
SESSION MINUTES City Council meeting of September 2, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as
Consent Agenda approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten to Approve the Warrant Register of
Resolution September 15, 2025, in the Amount of $3,916,767.25 and Approve Resolution R-180-25.
R-180-25 Upon roll call, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER
Director of Community and Economic Development, Jeff Rogers, reviewed a memorandum
ORDINANCE
dated September 4, 2025.
APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USE
The petitioner requests a conditional use to operate a Commercially Zoned Assembly Use
AT 1173 ELMHURST
as described in the attached Project Narrative. The subject property consists of one 15,088-
ROAD
square foot interior lot located along the east side of Elmhurst Road near the Elmhurst
Road/Holiday Lane intersection. It is currently developed with a four -tenant commercial
Ordinance
building with an improved off-street parking area as illustrated on the attached Plat of
Z-28-25
Survey. The proposed Commercially Zoned Assembly Use would occupy the far south
tenant space of the building —addressed as 1173 Elmhurst Road— with one main entry point
in the front of the building facing Elmhurst Road.
Based on the Project Narrative, this space would be available to rent as a meeting or event
space daily for up to six hours beginning at 12:00 P.M. All proposed gatherings must end by
10:30 P.M. daily. The petitioner intends to have a maximum of 48 patrons and six staff
members in this space at a given time, with the number of staff members contingent on the
size of the assembly. The petitioner has noted that no food or beverages will be provided for
this space, but patrons can bring their own food and beverage items with the exception of
alcohol, which is not permitted at any time. It is also noted that the Rasoi Restaurant located
in the shopping center building on site and operated by the petitioner will, if requested,
provide food and non-alcoholic beverages in proper containers. However, staff have
Page 5 of 10 9/15/2025
recommended a condition that Rasoi Restaurant shall only cater events occurring at this
Commercially Zoned Assembly use in compliance with Title 5 (Public Health and Safety)
of the City Code of Des Plaines, Illinois.
The existing 1,224-square-foot one-story tenant space at 1173 Elmhurst Road consists of a
large open area with a single restroom, mechanical room, and two storage rooms tucked in
the back of the space as illustrated in the Proposed Floor Plan. The proposal maintains much
of the current layout with some remodeling including the replacement of the single restroom
with two single stall restrooms and shifting of one storage area to the rear building wall. The
large front area will remain as is and will be used for tables and chairs related to the future
meetings and/or events. There is no plan to enlarge or alter the existing perimeter walls of
the existing tenant space.
There is a single 31.5-foot-wide two-way travel access point for the subject property from
Elmhurst Road, which is bisected by a pole sign as illustrated in the attached Site and Context
Photos. Section 12-9-6 of the Zoning Ordinance requires drive aisles to be a minimum of 22
feet in width for two-way travel and the existing curb cut is compliant. While the existing
curb cut will remain as is without any changes, the petitioner has proposed replacing the
existing pole sign with a new pole sign located in line with the north row of parking spaces
as noted on the attached Proposed Site Plan to address access and circulation concerns on
the subject property. Staff have recommended a condition requiring the existing pole sign to
be replaced with a new sign located outside of the drive aisle and in compliance with all
applicable sign regulations.
Sections 12-9-7 and 12-9-8 of the Zoning Ordinance govern the number of offstreet standard
and accessible parking spaces required based on the property's uses. While there is a
standard off-street parking requirement for shopping centers, it is noted in the commercially
zoned assembly uses definition that assembly uses shall conform with a specific off-street
parking requirement for assembly uses.
The PZB held a public hearing on August 26, 2025 to consider the request and voted 4-0 to
recommend that City Council approve the conditional use request.
Alderman Sayad asked for clarification regarding whether the establishment intends to seek
a liquor license.
Director Rogers responded that this is correct; the establishment does not plan to obtain a
liquor license, but guests are allowed to bring their own.
Moved by Moylan, seconded by Sayad to Approve Ordinance Z-28-25, A CONDITIONAL
USE FROM SECTION 12-7-3 FOR A COMMERCIALLY ZONED ASSEMBLY USE AT
1173 ELMHURST ROAD. Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER Director of Community and Economic Development, Jeff Rogers, reviewed a memorandum
SUPPORTING COOK dated September 15, 2025.
COUNTY CLASS 6B
REAL ESTATE TAX The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc., represented by Mark Rogers, Liston &
INCENTIVE — 25 E Tsantilis, is requesting the City of Des Plaines' support for their application to Cook County
ALGONQUIN ROAD for a Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive. The incentive would support the construction of a
Page 6 of 10 9/15/2025
new 274,642 square -foot, Class A industrial facility on the vacant 15.98-acre site at
Resolution 25 E. Algonquin Rd. The applicant is proposing over $14,021,444 in hard costs to construct
R-181-25 the proposed building and site improvements on the property.
The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. is acquiring three properties within the
City and has submitted individual Class 6b applications for each site. This memorandum
addresses the property located at 25 E. Algonquin Rd, while separate memoranda outline the
other applications for the remaining properties in this acquisition
The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. is requesting the City's support and
consent to approve a new Class 6b incentive for new development at 25 E. Algonquin Rd.
If approved, the applicant plans to invest $14,021,444 to build a new 274,642 square foot,
Class A industrial facility, an investment of approximately $51 per square foot. This
investment exceeds the City's minimum investment requirement of $10 per square foot for
approval of a Class 6b incentive.
If the incentive is approved, the new facility is expected to have a projected market value of
approximately $20,972,292 once completed which would increase property taxes to
approximately $9,133,904 per the life of the incentive. If the property were to remain vacant,
it would be expected to generate approximately $7,114,625 in tax revenue over the next
twelve years. The applicant intends to secure a tenant in the warehousing, manufacturing, or
distribution industry and expects employment figures for a new tenant to be roughly 50+
full-time employees, meeting the minimum quantity of new full-time employment positions
required per City policy. The proposed development will proceed in compliance with all
applicable zoning conditions, other than final subdivision approvals, which do not require
City Council review.
The 6b Classification, if supported by the City and formally approved by Cook County,
would reduce the property tax assessment for the portion of the property where the new
investment is proposed from the typical 25% of market value to 10% for a 10-year period.
In the I Ith 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
Alderman Moylan expressed support for growth and stated he is a proponent of the 6b real
estate tax incentive, noting that it benefits job growth and local development.
Alderman Oskerka asked if this will impact the proposed overpass or underpass bridge
planned for the area.
Director Rogers responded that it will not.
Alderman Walsten asked about the protocol for revoking a 6b incentive
City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski noted that the City uses a digital platform to regularly
inquire about the applicant's status, and applicants must sign an affidavit confirming their
compliance.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Sayad to Approve RESOLUTION R-181-25,
SUPPORTING A COOK COUNTY CLASS 6B REAL ESTATE TAX INCENTIVE FOR
SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC. AT 25 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD.
Upon voice vote, the vote was:
Page 7 of 10 9/15/2025
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER Director of Community and Economic Development, Jeff Rogers, reviewed a memorandum
SUPPORTING COOK dated September 15, 2025.
COUNTY CLASS 6B
REAL ESTATE TAX The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc., represented by Mark Rogers, Liston &
INCENTIVE —1125 S Tsantilis, is requesting the City of Des Plaines' support for their application to Cook County
MOUNT PROSPECT for a Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive. The incentive would support the construction of a
ROAD new 168,628 square -foot, Class A industrial facility on the vacant 9.6-acre site at
1125 S. Mount Prospect Rd. The applicant is proposing over $9,844,260 in hard costs to
RESOLUTION construct the proposed building and site improvements on the property.
R-182-25
The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. is acquiring three properties within the
City and has submitted individual Class 6b applications for each site. This memorandum
addresses the property located at 1125 S. Mount Prospect Rd, while separate memoranda
outline the other applications for the remaining properties in this acquisition.
The applicant is requesting the City's support and consent to approve a new Class 6b
incentive for new development at 1125 S. Mount Prospect Rd. If approved, the applicant
plans to invest $9,844,260 to build a new 168,628 square foot, Class A industrial facility
with future office space, an investment of approximately $58.38 per square foot. This
investment exceeds the City's minimum investment requirement of $10 per square foot for
approval of a Class 6b incentive.
If the incentive is approved, the new facility is expected to have a projected market value of
approximately $13,253,260 once completed which would increase property taxes to
approximately $5,771,406 per the life of the incentive. If the property were to remain vacant,
it would be expected to generate approximately $2,224,468 in tax revenue over the next
twelve years. The applicant intends to secure a tenant in the warehousing, manufacturing, or
distribution industry and expects employment figures for a new tenant to be roughly 50 full-
time employees, meeting the minimum quantity of new full-time employment positions
required per City policy. The proposed development will proceed in compliance with all
applicable zoning conditions, other than final subdivision approvals, which do not require
City Council review.
The 6b Classification, if supported by the City and formally approved by Cook County,
would reduce the property tax assessment for the portion of the property where the new
investment is proposed from the typical 25% of market value to 10% for a 10-year period.
In the 1 lth 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.
Alderman Oskerka expressed support for the development of the entire block and indicated
he will support the proposal.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Walsten to Approve RESOLUTION R-182-25,
SUPPORTING A COOK COUNTY CLASS 6B REAL ESTATE TAX INCENTIVE FOR
SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC. AT 1125 SOUTH MOUNT PROSPECT
ROAD. Upon voice vote, the vote was:
Page 8 of 10 9/15/2025
AYES: 6 -
Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 -
None
ABSENT: 2 -
Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER Director of Community and Economic Development, Jeff Rogers, reviewed a memorandum
SUPPORTING COOK dated September 15, 2025.
COUNTY CLASS 6B
REAL ESTATE TAX The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc., represented by Mark Rogers, Liston &
INCENTIVE —1055 S Tsantilis, is requesting the City of Des Plaines' support for their applications to Cook County
MOUNT PROSPECT for a Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive. The incentive would support the development of a
ROAD new 74,400 square -foot, Class A industrial facility on the vacant 9.15-acre site at
1055 S. Mount Prospect Rd. The applicant is proposing over $6,163,727 in hard costs to
RESOLUTION construct the proposed building and site improvements on the property.
R-183-25
The applicant, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. is acquiring three properties within the
City and has submitted individual Class 6b applications for each site. This memorandum
addresses the property located at 1055 S. Mount Prospect Rd, while separate memoranda
outline the other applications for the remaining properties in this acquisition.
The applicant is requesting the City's support and consent to approve a new Class 6b
incentive for new development at 1055 S. Mount Prospect Rd. If approved, the applicant
plans to invest $6,163,727 to build a new 74,400 square foot, Class A industrial facility, an
investment of approximately $82.85 per square foot. This investment exceeds the City's
minimum investment requirement of $10 per square foot for approval of a Class 6b
incentive.
If the incentive is approved, the new facility is expected to have a projected market value of
approximately $10,295,831 once completed which would increase property taxes to
approximately $4,483,533 per the life of the incentive. If the property were to remain vacant,
it would be expected to generate approximately $4,443,590 in tax revenue over the next
twelve years. The applicant intends to secure a tenant in the warehousing, manufacturing, or
distribution industry and expects employment figures for a new tenant to be roughly 25 full-
time employees, below the minimum quantity of new full-time employment positions
required per City policy. The proposed development will proceed in compliance with all
applicable zoning conditions, with the exception of final subdivision approvals, which do
not require City Council review.
The 6b Classification, if supported by the City and formally approved by Cook County,
would reduce the property tax assessment for the portion of the property where the new
investment is proposed from the typical 25% of market value to 10% for a 10-year period.
In the 11th 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.
Alderman Oskerka expressed support for the development of the entire block and indicated
he will support the proposal.
Alderman Merlin asked what the total amount of tax revenue loss would be as a result of
this development.
Director Rogers stated it would be approximately $5.5 million over the next 12 years.
Page 9 of 10 9/15/2025
A member of the public inquired whether the development is on the Honeywell side.
Mayor Goczkowski responded that all the buildings have reached their full lifespan and that
the majority of these proposals involve rebuilding.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Moylan to Approve RESOLUTION R-183-25,
SUPPORTING A COOK COUNTY CLASS 6B REAL ESTATE TAX INCENTIVE FOR
SEEFRIED INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, INC. AT 1055 SOUTH MOUNT PROSPECT
ROAD. Upon voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
LEGAL & LICENSING — Alderman Oskerka, Vice Chair
CONSIDER City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski reviewed a memorandum dated September 4, 2025.
RETAINER AND FEE
STRUCTURE FOR Presented for City Council consideration is Resolution R-185-25 related to the approval of
ELROD FRIEDMAN, an adjustment to the City Attorney retainer amount and fee structure included in the Letter
LLP of Engagement for Elrod Friedman LLP legal services as City Attorney.
RESOLUTION The City engaged outside legal services since August 2012 following an extensive Request
R-185-25 for Proposal (RFP) process where Holland and Knight was selected as the firm to provide
those services for the City of Des Plaines. In February of 2020, the local government practice
from Holland and Knight established its own practice and law firm under the name of
Elrod Friedman LLP. Most of the attorneys from the local government sector along with
administrative staff transferred over to the new firm, including all of the attorneys regularly
working on Des Plaines matters.
Pursuant to the Letter of Engagement, legal service rates and total hours worked are
reviewed annually to determine whether the retainer amount is fair to both the City and the
firm. As part of this year's review, when comparing January to July of 2025 to the same
timeframe in 2023 (last time a retainer adjustment took effect) the overall number of hours
utilized under the retainer has increased 21 %. In reviewing the same timeframe between
2022 and 2025, the total number of hours provided under the retainer has increased 37%.
The last time the retainer increased was in 2022 when it was adjusted from $18,500 to
$19,500.
Based on the overall rising costs of professional services, an overall inflation factor, as well
as the increased hours utilized for legal services, presented for City Council consideration is
an increase to the retainer for a monthly fee of $23,500 effective September 1, 2025. The
proposed adjustment to the retainer fee and updated hourly rates reflects both market
standards and the exceptional quality of legal support the City has received. It will ensure
the continued availability of competent legal representation and align our agreement with
the evolving demands of municipal governance.
Access to reliable and experienced legal counsel has been a critical asset in protecting the
City's interests and ensuring our operations remain legally sound. The retainer also continues
to ensure direct and timely access to legal counsel without incurring unpredictable hourly
fees for routine matters.
Page 10 of 10
9/ 15/2025
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goczkowski expressed support for the proposal and encouraged passage of the
resolution.
Moved by Oskerka, seconded by Sayad to Approve RESOLUTION R-185-25,
CONSIDERATION OF AMENDED RETAINER AND FEE STRUCTURE FOR ELROD
FRIEDMAN, LLP, AS GENERAL COUNSEL FOR THE CITY OF DES PLAINES. Upon
voice vote, the vote was:
AYES: 6 - Chlebek Moylan Oskerka Sa ad
Y ,
Merlin, Walsten
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 2 - Smith, Charewicz
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Merlin, seconded by Oskerka, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion
declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:5
APPROVED BY ME THIS 6th
DAY OF October , 2025
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR
Bronakowski — CITY CLERK