Council Minutes 11-03-2025MINUTES 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,
NOVEMBER 3, 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 PM in the Eleanor Rohrbach Memorial Council
Chambers, Des Plaines Civic Center on Monday, November 3, 2025.
ROLL CALL Roll call indicated the following Aldermen present: Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad, Merlin,
Walsten, Smith, and Charewicz. Chlebek was 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 a proclamation by Mayor Goczkowski recognizing Veterans
Day
MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD IN THE ELEANOR ROHRBACH
MEMORIAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS DES PLAINES CIVIC CENTER,
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025
PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Goczkowski called the Public Hearing to order at 7:09 p.m.
M-25-25
Each year the City complies with the Illinois Truth in Taxation Act (ITTA) requirements as
it pertains to the issuance of the property tax levy. The ITTA requires the City to provide
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 of
the annual corporate levy and all other special purpose levies. The aggregate levy does 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.
Presented for City Council approval is the 2025 Tax Levy representing a 2.24% increase
from the 2024 Property Tax Extension. Section 18-15 of the Illinois Property Tax Code
requires that the City adopt a tax levy ordinance and file it with the County Clerk's office
by the last Tuesday in December - Tuesday, December 30 for 2025.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Smith to approve Ordinance M-25-25, PROPOSED 2025
PROPERTY TAX LEVY — AN ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR THE CITY OF
DES PLAINES, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
JANUARY 1, 2025 AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025 on first reading. Upon voice
vote, the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek
Motion declared carried.
Mayor Goczkowski adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m.
Page 2 of 8 11/03/2025
PUBLIC COMMENT Dave Weck, resident of the 3rd Ward, expressed concern regarding a light nuisance shining
on his home. Mayor Goczkowski, Alderman Oskerka, and Director Rogers stated they will
meet to address his concerns.
George Banor, resident of the 5th Ward, expressed concern about a recent fire hydrant
flushing and requested assistance in addressing the issue.
KT Peterson, resident of the 4th Ward, encouraged the City of Des Plaines to pilot a self -
composting bin at Des Plaines City Hall. She also invited residents to attend the upcoming
Compost-palooza at the Izaak Walton League on November 15th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00
PM.
Pam Swanson, 540 Lee Street, expressed concern regarding the unhoused population
sleeping in City Hall and asked the City to address the chirping sounds emitted from traffic
lights.
MAYORAL Mayor Goczkowski encouraged residents to attend the Annual Pumpkin Smash, taking place
ANNOUNCEMENTS on Saturday, November 8th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Prairie Lakes North Parking
Lot.
In addition, Mayor Goczkowski shared that curbside leaf collection has begun and
encouraged residents to visit desplainesil.gov/leaf collection for details.
ALDERMAN Alderman Walsten thanked Mayor Goczkowski for his assistance in getting his passport
ANNOUNCEMENTS renewed through Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's office.
Alderman Smith thanked the residents of the 7th Ward for attending her previous ward
meeting.
Alderman Charewicz shared that the Des Plaines Public Library is hosting a career fair on
November 5th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and encouraged residents to attend the Compost-
palooza at the Isaac Walton League on November 15th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. In
addition, he encouraged residents to attend the upcoming 8th Ward meeting on December
2nd.
Alderman Moylan thanked City staff and the Police Department for helping to ensure a safe
Halloween.
Alderman Sayad thanked staff for their assistance during the City budget hearings and
notified residents that there will be a 4th Ward meeting on November 6th at 7:00 PM.
Alderman Merlin thanked the Police Department for assisting during the Halloween Walk
in downtown Des Plaines.
CITY CLERK Clerk Bronakowski encouraged residents to make a donation to the Maine Township Food
ANNOUNCEMENTS Pantry and the Self -Help Pantry in Des Plaines due to the increased need resulting from
SNAP benefit disruptions, and to take items if they are facing food insecurity.
MANAGER'S City Manager Wisniewski shared that City Hall will be closed on Veterans Day.
REPORT
COUNSEL No announcements at this time
REPORT
Page 3 of 8 11/03/2025
CONSENT Moved by Merlin, seconded by Oskerka, to Establish the Consent Agenda. Upon voice vote,
AGENDA the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: I- Chlebek
Motion declared carried.
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten to Approve the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call, the
vote was:
AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek
Motion declared carried.
Resolutions R-200-25, R-207-25, R-208-25, R-209-25, R-210-25, R-212-25, and R-213-25
were adopted, and Minutes/Special Meeting — Budget Hearing #1 October 9, 2025,
Minutes/Special Meeting — Budget Hearing #2 — October 15, 2025, Minutes/Regular
Meeting — October 20, 2025, and Minutes/Closed Session — October 6, 2025 were approved.
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-200-25, A
EXPENDITURE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE INCREASE FOR SOFTWARE
INCREASE TO UPGRADES TO TRIMBLE-CITYWORKS ASSET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
TRIMBLE- FROM AZTECA SYSTEMS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,659.96 FOR THE FINAL
CITYWORKS ASSET 3 YEARS OF A 5-YEAR TERM. SOURCE OF FUNDING— PUBLIC WORKS
MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION. Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent
SOFTWARE Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-200-25
APPROVING ROCK Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-207-25, A
SALT BID AWARD RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ROCK SALT BID AWARD THROUGH THE STATE
TO COMPASS OF ILLINOIS CMS ROCK SALT PROCUREMENT CONTRACT, AT A COST OF
MINERALS $68.02 PER TON DELIVERED PAYABLE TO COMPASS MINERALS, OVERLAND
Consent Agenda PARK, KANSAS. BUDGETED FUNDS — MFT/ICE CONTROL. Motion declared carried
as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-207-25
APPROVING GRANT Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-208-25, A
AGREEMENT FROM RESOLUTION APPROVING A GRANT AGREEMENT FROM THE ILLINOIS
DCEO FOR 2025 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR THE 2025
WATER MAIN WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Motion declared carried as approved
IMPROVEMENT unanimously under Consent Agenda.
PROJECT
Resolution
R-208-25
Page 4 of 8 11/03/2025
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-209-25, A
AGREEMENTS RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS WITH
WITH OAKTON OAKTON COLLEGE FOR USE OF THEIR GROUNDS ON JUNE 28, 2026 AND
COLLEGE OCTOBER 17, 2026 FOR CITY -HOSTED EVENTS. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-209-25
APPROVING AN Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-210-25, A
AGREEMENT WITH RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH MAD BOMBER FIREWORKS
MAD BOMBER PRODUCTION FOR A FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON JUNE 28, 2026. Motion declared
FIREWORKS carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-210-25
APPROVING A Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-212-25, A
REDUCTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REDUCTION OF THE SUBDIVISION BOND FOR
SUBDIVISION BOND THE INSIGNIA GLEN II DEVELOPMENT AT 180 NORTH EAST RIVER ROAD.
FOR INSIGNIA Motion declared carried as approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
GLEN II
DEVELOPMENT
Consent Agenda
Resolution
R-212-25
APPROVING Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to Approve Resolution R-213-25, A
SECOND ANNUAL RESOLUTION APPROVING SECOND ANNUAL PAYMENT UNDER THE EXISTING
PAYMENT WITH THREE-YEAR MICROSOFT ENTERPRISE AGEEMENT WITH DELL MARKETING,
DELL MARKETING LP, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $329,243.0l.BUDGETED FUNDS -
Consent Agenda INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/R&M SOFTWARE. Motion declared carried as
approved unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Resolution
R-213-25
APPROVE SPECIAL
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to approve the Special Session Minutes of the City
SESSION MINUTES
Council meeting of October 9, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE SPECIAL
Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to approve the Special Session Minutes of the City
SESSION MINUTES
Council meeting of October 15, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda
unanimously under Consent Agenda.
APPROVE Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to approve the Regular Session Minutes of the City
REGULAR SESSION Council meeting of October 20, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
MINUTES unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Consent Agenda
APPROVE CLOSED Moved by Sayad, seconded by Walsten, to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the City
SESSION MINUTES Council meeting of October 6, 2025, as published. Motion declared carried as approved
Consent Agenda unanimously under Consent Agenda.
Page 5 of 8 11/03/2025
NEW BUSINESS
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 November 3,
Resolution 2025, in the Amount of $3,752,309.32 and Approve Resolution R-211-25. Upon roll call,
R-211-25 the vote was:
AYES: 7 - Moylan, Oskerka, Sayad,
Merlin, Walsten, Smith, Charewicz
NAYS: 0 - None
ABSENT: 1 - Chlebek
Motion declared carried.
PUBLIC SAFETY — Alderman Oskerka, Chair
CONSIDERATION
Over the last several years, there has been an increase in the usage of electric motor driven
OF REGULATIONS
bicycles and scooters within the community. A number of neighboring municipalities have
ON ELECTRIC
either adopted or are contemplating new regulations related to these products. Staff reviewed
BICYCLES AND
current City Code and worked with the City Attorney to prepare a draft amendment to
OTHER
Chapter 4 of Title 7 to address the operation of these vehicles on public property and City
MOTORIZED
rights -of -way.
MOBILITY DEVICES
M-26-25
The Illinois Vehicle Code provides direction and defines the three separate classes of e-bikes
(Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3). In August of 2024, a new state law, Public Act 103-0899,
went into effect in Illinois and defined a class of e-scooter with a top speed of 10 mph as a
"low -speed electric -scooter." While the Illinois Vehicle Code provides a general framework
for e-bikes and e-scooters, it leaves critical gaps at the local level, particularly in addressing
the full range of devices which are being operated on roadways. Devices range from legal
e-bikes to more powerful and unregulated "e-motos". While some of the a-motos resemble
e-bikes, they are far from it. An example of an e-moto would be an electric minibike. The
absence of clear rules has led to a noticeable increase in unsafe behaviors, including high-
speed devices being operated on sidewalks, roadways, and multi -use paths by individuals of
all ages, creating a direct conflict with pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists
As other Illinois municipalities like Highland Park, Elk Grove, Glenview, Carol Stream,
Mount Prospect, and Schaumburg have recognized, this issue demands a proactive and
comprehensive approach. An exhibit presented was a survey conducted by the North West
Municipal Conference (NWMC), which includes regulations being adopted by other local
municipalities. Based on the gaps in state law, City staff has determined that amendments
to the City Code are necessary to establish clear, enforceable rules regarding minimum age
requirements, permitted riding locations, and mandatory safety equipment for these
electrically powered vehicles. The goal of the proposed amendments is not to
indiscriminately ban these popular transportation options, but rather to ensure responsible
use by qualified operators within the City. By doing so, we hope to mitigate public safety
risks and ensure that our City remains a safe and welcoming community for everyone.
The Illinois Vehicle Code already includes the following regulations:
• Prohibition on riding a -bikes upon sidewalks
• Prohibition on riding low speed e-scooters (up to 10 mph) on sidewalks.
• Minimum operating age of 16 (Class 3 — E-Bicycle).
• Minimum operating age of 18 (low speed e-scooter).
• Requirements that all a -bikes and e-scooters be equipped with lighting / brakes.
Page 6 of 8 11/03/2025
However, the Vehicle Code does not sufficiently address the issue of E-scooter definitions,
other micro -mobility devices, the rules for shared paths or trails, roadway considerations,
and rider safety. It should also be noted that given the rapid increase in the usage of these
devices by children, enforcement is a challenge, particularly when the offenses are poorly
defined.
Staff believes amendments to the City Code that fill the gaps in state law, along with sensible
enforcement can improve community current outcomes on this issue. Based on our analysis,
Staff has developed a draft ordinance featuring the following concepts:
• Better definition of motorized mobility device.
• Differentiation of child used toy mobility device, medical mobility devices, and
other devices.
• Definition of reckless operation.
• Requirement that riders must comply with the rules of the road.
• Prohibition of any person operating an Out -of -Class Electric Vehicle on any public
street, sidewalk, parking lot, bike path, or any other public property within the
corporate limits of the City (allowed on roadway if properly registered and the
operator has a valid driver's license)
• Prohibition of operating a Class III Low -Speed Electric Bicycle on any sidewalk
within the corporate limits of the City
• Specific requirements for safety for both riders and the devices themselves
Under the draft ordinance, the fines would be $75 for a first offense, $150 for a second
offense, and $250 for a third offense or for reckless use of the vehicle. The device can be
impounded for 60 days if there is reckless use of the vehicle or upon a third offense. If
approved, Staff would initiate a public education campaign on the new rules.
Alderman Oskerka asked how long warnings would be given before fines are issued. Chief
Anderson responded that there would be an extended period for education and outreach at
schools, park districts, and libraries to prepare residents for the fall. Alderman Oskerka also
requested that a special webpage be created outlining the program and posted rules.
Alderman Sayad expressed support for the ordinance and asked about potential liability
concerns.
General Counsel Weiss clarified that, legally, any fines would be issued to the adult and not
the child.
Alderman Sayad asked how riders would be made aware of the new rules. Weiss explained
that the same regulations that apply to bicycle riding would apply to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Alderman Sayad asked what hours the devices could be used. Weiss stated that they are
required to have lights, similar to motorcycles, and must include reflective elements for
nighttime visibility.
Alderman Sayad asked if riders would need a license. Weiss confirmed that no licenses are
required but that all riders must follow both state and city laws.
Alderman Sayad then asked whether passengers are allowed. Weiss clarified that passengers
are not permitted and that doing so would be considered reckless driving.
Alderman Sayad encouraged a public education campaign to make residents aware of the
new rules and associated liabilities.
Page 7 of 8 11 /03/2025
Alderman Moylan asked if the City could pause implementation of the ordinance due to its
broad definitions and requested clarification about whether scooters are allowed on
sidewalks. Chief Anderson explained that any vehicle operating below a certain speed
threshold would be permitted and noted that this is one of the least restrictive ordinances in
the area.
Alderman Moylan asked whether helmets would be required and subject to fines. Chief
Anderson responded that helmets are currently required but that the ordinance could be
amended if necessary.
Alderman Moylan also asked if lights would be required on all a -bikes and scooters. Weiss
stated that light and reflector requirements fall under Illinois state law. He added that many
of these vehicles are sold online or manufactured out of state, and some do not comply with
state vehicle codes.
Alderman Merlin asked what would happen if someone was found operating an illegal
vehicle. Chief Anderson stated that officers would contact a parent or guardian to pick up
the child and that police would not confiscate the vehicle.
Mayor Goczkowski stated that he supports penalizing unsafe behavior rather than imposing
outright bans, emphasizing that the goal is responsible use. He asked whether e-bikes and
scooters could be parked in parking garages, since riding them there is prohibited.
Weiss clarified that parking is permitted in garages if there is designated bicycle parking
available.
Mayor Goczkowski then asked for clarification regarding passengers. Weiss confirmed that
carrying passengers would be considered reckless use.
Mayor Goczkowski emphasized that the City's goal is to regulate reckless behavior rather
than restrict responsible riders. He added that riders traveling under 25 MPH are unlikely to
be stopped unless they are operating recklessly.
Chief Anderson noted that the majority of police calls involve out -of -class vehicles being
operated recklessly.
Mayor Goczkowski stated that there are currently no laws requiring helmets.
Weiss clarified that parental liability remains unchanged —parents are still responsible for
any property damage caused by their children under existing law.
Alderman Walsten expressed appreciation that the Council is addressing this issue but
shared concerns that the ordinance may be too restrictive.
Alderman Smith also requested a pause on the ordinance, expressing similar concerns about
potential over -restriction. She asked whether any nearby communities had implemented
complete bans.
Weiss responded that many surrounding communities allow children to use a -bikes and e-
scooters and have focused on promoting safety rather than imposing restrictions.
Alderman Smith asked for clarification on the minimum age, specifically whether eight -
year -olds would be allowed to ride. Weiss confirmed that it would still be illegal for children
under the minimum age to operate e-bikes or e-scooters.
Page 8 of 8 11/03/2025
Chief Anderson added that enforcement has not been strict in the past and that violations
would continue to be addressed primarily on a complaint basis.
Alderman Charewicz expressed support for holding the ordinance for revisions, while
supporting the age requirement and promoting City -led education. He recommended that
the ordinance explicitly limit a -bikes to one rider at a time and asked how police would track
repeat violations by the same individual.
Chief Anderson responded that enforcement would be evaluated on a case -by -case basis.
Alderman Charewicz asked whether the ordinance would apply to makeshift or modified
vehicles. Weiss confirmed that it would apply to both gas and electric vehicles.
Alderman Moylan stated that he agreed with many of the comments made and wanted to
ensure the Police Department has the necessary tools for enforcement but expressed concern
about residents using the ordinance to unfairly target children.
Alderman Sayad noted that the Des Plaines Park District already prohibits a -bikes and e-
scooters in parks due to the high number of pedestrians.
Alderman Melin expressed concern about vehicle modifications and asked whether they
could be banned. Weiss explained that any modification affecting safety could be defined as
"reckless operation."
Alderman Oskerka recommended that the ordinance be sent back to staff for further
modifications.
• Chief Anderson summarized the Council's feedback, including:
• Removing the helmet requirement as a safety feature but maintaining the age
requirement.
• Enforcing the ordinance only for reckless conduct.
• Modifying language to clarify that a -bikes and scooters designed for one rider
cannot carry passengers.
• Defining modifications that make a vehicle "out of class" as reckless use.
• Requiring lights at the front and rear for nighttime use but keeping the language
flexible so clip -on lights would be allowed.
Alderman Oskerka requested that the revised ordinance be brought back to the Council in
two weeks. Council unanimously agreed.
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Walsten, seconded by Smith, to a 'ourn the meeting. U on voice vote, motion
declared carried. The meeting adjou at 8:45
Dom' ronakowski — CI LERK
APPROVED BY ME IS 17th
DAY OF Novemi5ef 92025
Andrew Goczkowski, MAYOR