Council Minutes 10-20-2025MINUTES 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, OCTOBER 20, 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 7:00 p.m. in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, October 20, 2025.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, and Charewicz. None 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT None at this time
MAYORAL
ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Goczkowski shared that curbside leaf pickup began on October 20 and encouraged
residents to visit desplainesil.gov/leafcollection for more information.
He announced that the City of Des Plaines will host a Paper Shredding Event on October
25 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and encouraged residents to participate.
Mayor Goczkowski also thanked staff for their successful Harvest Hoot event, which took
place on October 18 at Oakton College.
ALDERMAN Alderman Sayad noted that the City has concluded its budget hearings, so the third
ANNOUNCEMENTS meeting originally scheduled for October 22 will be canceled. In addition, a Fourth Ward
Meeting will take place on November 6 at the Golf Baptist Church. Alderman Sayad
encouraged all residents to attend.
Alderman Walsten celebrated a successful Harvest Hoot event. He also reported that the
Building Codes Committee held meetings on October 7 and October 16 to update the
City's building code, as required annually by state law. Alderman Walsten also cautioned
seniors to be wary of Medicare Advantage programs, noting that some offers may be
scams.
Alderman Smith announced a Seventh Ward Meeting on Tuesday, October 28 at the
Frisbie Center to provide updates on City services.
Alderman Charewicz reported that the Park District will host a Trunk or Treat event to
celebrate Halloween on October 25 from Noon to 3 p.m. In addition, the Des Plaines
Chamber of Commerce will hold a Career Fair on November 5 from 3-6 p.m. at the Des
Plaines Library. Also announced an Eighth Ward Meeting on Tuesday, December 8, to
discuss the recently passed budget. The meeting will feature guest speaker Agnes Podbial,
Director of Finance.
CITY CLERK None at this time
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Page 2 of 9 10/20/2025
MANAGER'S City Manager Wisniewski reported the city hosted its Harvest Hoot this past Saturday and
REPORT thanked staff for all of their support in attending. Halloween is next week. The City of
Des Plaines does not have designated Trick or Treating hours. Have a safe holiday
COUNSEL No announcements at this time
REPORT
CONSENT Mayor Goczkowski requested that Item 11 be pulled from the Consent Agenda and
AGENDA brought back for consideration at the next City Council meeting.
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 Sayad, 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.
Regular Meeting Minutes were approved; Ordinances M-21-25, M-22-25, Z-30-25,
Resolutions R-198-25, R-199-25, R-201-25, R-202-25, R-206-25 and appointments
were adopted.
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-198-25, A
AGREEMENT FOR RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR POLICE TOWING SERVICES
POLICE TOWING WITH BELMONT KOLMAR TOWING, INC. Motion declared carried as approved
SERVICES unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-198-25
AWARDING BID FOR Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-199-25, A
CUSTODIAL RESOLUTION AWARDING THE BUD FOR 2026-2028 Custodial Services Contract to
SERVICES PCSI Perfect Cleaning Systems, Inc. In the Three -Year Amount of $488,592.00. Budgeted
CONTRACT Funds — Facilities & Grounds Maintenance/Custodial Services. Motion declared carried as
Consent Agenda approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-199-25
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-201-25, A
CHANGE ORDER TO RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO TASK ORDER NO. 7
TASK ORDER NO. 7 WITH JOHN NERI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., ADDISON ILLINOIS IN
Page 3 of 9 10/20/2025
WITH JOHN NERI THE AMOUNT OF $33,885.57. SOURCE OF FUNDING — WATER. Motion declared
CONSTRUCTION carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
COMPANY. INC.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-201-25
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-202-25, A
PURCHASE OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF RADIO ENCRYPTION
RADIO SOFTWARE UPGRADE FROM MOTOROLA FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT RADIOS IN
ENCRYPTION THE AMOUNT OF $39,157.93 TO ENSURE INTEROPERABILITY WITH MUTUAL
SOFTWARE AID PARTNERS. SOURCE OF FUNDING — FIRE DEPARTMENT/EMERGENCY
Consent Agenda SERVICES/EQUIPMENT. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-202-25
APPOINTMENTS/RE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE
APPOINTMENTS LIBRARY BOARD OF LISA DU BROCK, MICHELLE SHIMON, AND CHRISTINE
HALBLANDER — TERMS TO EXPIRE 6/30/2027 AND DR. GREGORY SARLO AND
KRISTEN GRAACK — TERMS TO EXPIRE 6/30/2028. Motion declared carried as
approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-206-25, A
INTERGOVERNMEN RESOLUTION APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO AN
TAL. AGREEMENT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE VILLAGE OF ROSEMONT
WITH VILLAGE OF FOR TEMPORARY USE OF ROSEMONT FIRE STATION #2. Motion declared carried
ROSEMONT as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-206-25
APPROVING 2025 Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve M-21-25, A RESOLUTION
TAX LEVY APPROVING THE 2025 TAX LEVY ABATEMENT ORDINANCE FOR GENERAL
ABATEMENT OBLIGATIONS REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2018. Motion declared carried as
ORDINANCE approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Ordinance
M-21-25
DECLARING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve M-22-25, DECLARING TWO CUES
SURPLUS OF CUES CAMERAS OWNED BY THE CITY OF DES PLAINES AS A SURPLUS AND
CAMERAS AWARDING THE BID FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW CUES OZIII-S CAMERA
Consent Agenda TO EJ EQUIPMENT, MANTENO, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,914.00.
Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Ordinance
M-22-25
CONSIDERATION Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Z-30-25, CONSIDERATION OF AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING REGULATIONS OF TITLE 12, ZONING OF THE CITY
REGARDING
REGULATIONS TO
GOVERNMENT
FACILITIES
Consent Agenda
Ordinance
Z-30-25
APPROVE SESSION
MINUTES
Consent Agenda
APPROVE CLOSED
SESSION MINUTES
Consent Agenda
NEW BUSINESS
Page 4 of 9
CODE REGARDING
FACILITIES (CITYWIDE
Consent Agenda.
10/20/2025
)
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO GOVERNMENT
. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to approve the Session Minutes of the City
Council meeting of October 6, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Mayor Goczkowski requested that this item be pulled from the Consent Agenda and
brought back for consideration at the next City Council meeting.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION — Alderman Sayad, Chair
WARRANT Alderman Sayad presented the Warrant Register.
REGISTER
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve the Warrant Register of October 20,
Resolution 2025, in the Amount of $4,096,677.71 and Approve Resolution R-203-25. Upon roll call,
R-203-25 the vote was:
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
2025 ESTIMATED Each year the City complies with the Illinois Truth in Taxation Act (ITTA) requirements as
PROPERTY TAX it pertains to the issuance of the property tax levy. The ITTA requires the City to provide
LEVY notice and conduct a public hearing if the proposed aggregate levy is 5% or more than the
previous year's property tax extension. The aggregate levy is defined as the combination
Resolution of the annual corporate levy and all other special purpose levies. The aggregate levy does
R-204-25 not include debt service levies and levies made for the purpose of paying amounts due
under public building commission leases. Under the ITTA, the City would be prohibited
from levying any amount greater than 5% of the previous year's property tax extension if
we failed to comply with this specific notice and hearing provisions.
The first step in complying with the requirements of the ITTA is to determine whether the
2025 estimated aggregate levy is 5% or more than the 2024 property tax extension. Since
the 2025 estimated aggregate levy is below the 5% of the 2024 property tax extension
(2.24% increase), the City is not required to publish a legal notice and hold a public
hearing. However, it was recommended to publish a legal notice and hold a public hearing
as it would provide the City Council with increased flexibility in determining the 2025
property tax levy amount and more opportunity for public input.
Page 5 of 9
10/20/2025
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to Approve 2025 Estimated Property Tax
Resolution R-204-25. 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
CONSIDER The petitioner, Heritage Woods Northwest LLC, is the contract purchaser of 2200 E. Golf
ORDINANCE Road. On June 2, 2025, the City Council granted preliminary approval for a Planned Unit
APPROVING PUD AT Development (PUD) and Conditional Use for a 150-unit assisted living facility. The
2200 EAST GOLF RD proposed building footprint is approximately 32,000 square feet and will include three
Z-29-25 residential floors above one floor of resident amenities. The site plan provides 150
sleeping units, an 80-space parking lot with loading/unloading areas, and a large detention
basin on the east side of the property. The building is designed around a central courtyard,
with landscaping and walkways throughout the site for residents and staff.
CONSIDER
DEVELOPMENT
AGMT WITH
HERITAGE WOODS
NORTHWEST
R-196-25
CONSIDER
ADVANCEMENT TO
2ND READING
APPROVING PUD AT
2200 EAST GOLF RD
Z-29-25
The Conditional Use for the assisted living facility was approved with the Preliminary
PUD, subject to conditions outlined in Ordinance Z-12-25.
Alderman Moylan thanked staff and the petitioner for their hard work and stated he looks
forward to continued investments in the City.
Alderman Merlin expressed support for the development and clarified that the height
increase is for aesthetic purposes.
Moved by Moylan, seconded by Merlin to Approve Ordinance Z-29-25, An Ordinance
Approving a Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 2200 East Golf Road. 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 Moylan, seconded by Smith to move resolution R-196-25, Approval of a
Development Agreement with Heritage Woods Northwest, LLC at 2200 East Golf for
Heritage Woods Assisted Living Facility. 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 Oskerka, seconded by Sayad to advance ordinance Z-29-25, An Ordinance
Approving a Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 2200 East Golf Road to second
reading and adopt. Upon roll call, the vote was:
Page 6 of 9
10/20/2025
AYES: 8 - Chlebek, Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 0 - None
Motion declared carried.
CONSIDER
Jeff Rogers, Director of Community and Economic Development reviewed a
APPROVING FINAL
memorandum dated October 9, 2025.
PLAT AT 1655 AND
1695 SOUTH DES
The proposal includes the consolidation of the two existing lots into one 3.14- acre lot.
PLAINES RIVER
The attached Final Plat of Brickton Montessori Subdivision shows the location, boundary,
ROAD
and size of the proposed consolidated lot. The plat notes the previously vacated Springer
R-205-25
Street right-of-way located at the southern portion of the subdivision that abuts the Cook
County Forest Preserve District property.
The plat shows the following for the proposed subdivision: (i) a new 50-foot front building
setback line along the west property line; (ii) new 25-foot side building setback lines along
the north and south side property lines; (iii) existing 12-foot and 15-foot by 15-foot public
utility easements at the northwest corner;
(iv) a permanent easement for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD)
along the west side; (v) an 84-inch MWRD Storm Line along the south portion; and (vi) a
notation related to part of the northwest corner that was taken by Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) for roadway purposes.
The plat notes that the rear property line of the subdivision is located at the center thread
of the Des Plaines River. As such, the rear 50-foot rear building setback line along the east
boundary of the proposed subdivision is not shown. However, the existing office building
is setback substantially further than 50 feet from the rear property line. The proposal
includes the consolidation of the two existing lots into one 3.14- acre lot.
Moved by Moylan, seconded by Walsten to approve Ordinance R-205-25, consideration of
a Resolution Approving a Final Plat of Subdivision from Section 13-2-8 of the
Subdivision Regulations to Consolidate Two Lots into One Lot at 1655 and 1695 South
Des Plaines River Road. 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.
CONSIDERATION Tim Watkins, Director of Public Works and Engineering read a memorandum dated
OF ALGONOUIN October 9, 2025.
ROAD SEPARATION
PROJECT In 2023, the City hired TranSystems to perform a validation and feasibility study to
determine the best project location for a grade separation at a centralized railroad crossing
in the city. TranSystems did perform a similar study in 2009 for the City. Since the City
engaged Transystems, the company merged with another entity and is now called GFT
Infrastructure, Inc.
The updated study includes street crossing analysis, crash data collection and analysis,
vehicle and train traffic projections, alternative design evaluation, and project coordination
Page 7 of 9 10/20/2025
for the three possible locations. The study also compared the construction of an overpass
versus an underpass and the pros and cons of each. The location comparisons are listed
below.
1. Thacker Street — This location improves emergency response times. Unfortunately, it
has the greatest impact on residential, adjacent streets, and public parks/lands. It also has
the highest construction cost for both an overpass and an underpass. This location's rating
is negative 3 for either an overpass or an underpass.
2. Oakton Street — This location ranks the lowest as it pertains to emergency response
times. It has significant impacts on adjacent streets and commercial/industrial properties.
This location's rating is negative 2 for either an overpass or an underpass.
3. Algonquin Road — This location provides improved response times in comparison to the
Oakton location. It has no impact on residential, commercial, or industrial properties and
has minimal impact on public parks/lands. This location's ranking is positive 5 for an
overpass and positive 6 for an underpass.
As part of the study, GFT assisted with grant coordination, and two substantial grants have
been dedicated for the project's construction, totaling $32,476,800.
• ICC Grade Crossing Protection Fund (GCPF) - $18,000,000
• Surface Transportation Program (STP) Shared Fund - $14,476,800
The City has received letters of support from multiple agencies and elected officials listed
below.
• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
• Illinois Commerce Commission — Transportation Bureau/Rail Safety Section (ICC)
• Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC)
• Union Pacific Railroad
• Janice Schakowsky, United States Congresswoman, 9th District, Illinois
• Raja Krishnamoorthi, United States Congressman, 8th District, Illinois
• Martin Moylan, Illinois State Representative, 55th District
Based on the alternative analysis, Algonquin Road has the highest ranking among the
three possible locations. The construction of an underpass at the Algonquin location has
the least impact, provides improved emergency response times, and costs significantly
less than the options on Thacker or Oakton, which would impact existing homes and
businesses.
Alderman Sayad expressed support for the underpass at Algonquin Road, stating he
believes it is the safest option. He also indicated his intent to make a motion in favor of the
project.
Alderman Walsten agreed, stating his support for the underpass option at Algonquin.
Alderman Moylan also supported the underpass, emphasizing that the decision is based
purely on public safety. He asked what metrics are used to evaluate response times and
safety impacts.
Fire Chief Matt Matzl noted that the department aims for a four -minute response time and
that any delays would negatively impact operations. They explained that with the City's
three current fire stations, crews often must travel across town, and this project would
improve response efficiency.
Page 8 of 9 10/20/2025
Police Chief Anderson stated that centralized locations are ideal for emergency response
Director Watkins shared that the City intends to close the funding gap through additional
funding opportunities. He noted that the project remains a few years away from
implementation.
Mayor Goczkowski asked about the cost difference between an underpass and an
overpass. The consultant estimated costs are $47 million for the underpass and $41 million
for the overpass. Mayor Goczkowski expressed support for the underpass option and asked
about the project timeline.
The consultant reported that design approval will take approximately 6-12 months,
followed by Phase 2, which will require about two years to complete all necessary
preparations. Full implementation is envisioned for 2030. The Mayor added that the
project will benefit School Districts 59, 62, and 207 by improving traffic flow.
Alderman Merlin clarified that the petitioner proposes to widen the roadway to two lanes
in each direction and stated his support for the proposal.
Alderman Oskera expressed support for the project and appreciation for the collaboration
between the community and City staff. He noted that the project also includes pedestrian
accommodations, which will improve foot traffic and long-term planning.
Alderman Sayad asked for clarification on the project timeline, noting it would take
roughly one to two years to construct. He also raised safety concerns, and the petitioner
confirmed there will be public comment sessions as the project progresses.
Alderman Charewicz thanked the presenters for their time and clarified that the Park
District will not be affected by the underpass. He further explained that the current vote is
to continue Phase 1 of the study for the underpass option.
Alderman Smith asked when the funding would be available. Staff responded that funding
will be allocated as the project progresses through each phase.
Alderman Oskera clarified that a public hearing is expected to take place between summer
and fall 2026.
Mayor Goczkowski added that signage will be installed to prevent trucks from cutting
through residential neighborhoods during construction. The petitioner clarified that
affected businesses will remain open, as contractors will be required to maintain access.
However, the road will be fully closed for approximately one year during construction.
The Mayor also requested that the Police and Fire Chiefs develop mitigation plans to
address emergency access during the closure.
Des Plaines Resident, Deb Lester, asked for clarification on the project timeline and
completion date. Staff responded that the project is anticipated to be completed by 2030,
with a total estimated cost of $47 million (in current dollars). She asked how the City
would fund the project if additional revenue is not secured. The City Manager Dorothy
Wisniewski explained that gaming revenue would be used to help bridge any funding gap.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Oskerka to approve the underpass project on Algonquin
Road. Motion passed with unanimous consent.
Page 9 of 9 10/20/2025
APPROVING LOCAL Tim Watkins, Director of Public Works and Engineering reviewed a memorandum dated
PUBLIC AGENCY October 9, 2025.
IDOT The City of Des Plaines desires to enter into an agreement with the Illinois Department of
R-153-25 Transportation for reimbursement of Phase I of the Algonquin Rd Grade Separation
Project. On June 10, 2022, the City received a letter of intent from IDOT confirming its
commitment to fund 50% of the Phase I design engineering costs for the Algonquin Road
Grade Separation project, with a maximum contribution of $496,972.50. To initiate the
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) process, the City must complete and submit several
required forms
Moved by Walsten, seconded by Charewicz to approve Resolution R-153-25, Approving a
Local Public Agency Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
for the Algonquin Road Grade Separation Project. 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.
Mayor Goczkowski recognized Diwali Day and wished everyone a joyful and peaceful
holiday.
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Merlin, seconded by Oskerka, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion
was declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:15PM
o i 4&onakowski— CI CLERK
APPROVED BY ME THIS
DAY OF 2025
�r
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR