DeKalb Times

City of Naperville Riverwalk Commission met Aug. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. CALL TO ORDER:

The Riverwalk Commission Chairman Kennedy called the August 9, 2023 Naperville Riverwalk Commission meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting was held in the lunchroom of the Naperville Municipal Center located at 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL.

B. ROLL CALL:

Present: Pam Bartlett; John Cuff; Jan Erickson; Jeff Friant; Mary Gibson; Ian Holzhauer; John Joseph; Pat Kennedy, Chairman; Bill Novack; Tom Stibbe; Mike Sullivan; and Carl Wohlt

Absent: None

Also Present: Rebecca DeLarme, City Staff; Brian Dusak, ERA; Rick Hitchcock, former Riverwalk Commission Chairman; Joe Kennedy, NCTV; Peggy Motta, Naperville Park District; Carl Peterson, GRWA; Stephanie Penick, Naperville Riverwalk Foundation; Tiffani Picco, Naperville Park District; Marilyn Schweitzer, resident; Eric Shutes, Naperville Park District; Mary Lou Wehrli, resident; Alice Wood, resident; and George Wood, resident

C. PUBLIC FORUM:

Schweitzer noted her suggestions that were shared with the Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Committee and included in last week’s PDC agenda packet regarding the opportunity to highlight river ecology as part of the East Bank at Wehrli Garden and including the Illinois Big Tree Champion as a Riverwalk attraction. Kennedy thanked Schweitzer for the information she submitted and noted this would be included on future agendas for further discussion.

D. OLD BUSINESS:

1. South Extension Preliminary Design - Bill Novack

Consider feedback from neighboring residents and decide on the route for the Southern Extension of the Riverwalk from Hillside Road to Martin Avenue

Chairman Kennedy changed the order of the agenda and discussed agenda item D. 5. at this time to accommodate the residents that were in attendance regarding the South Extension. Novack reviewed the information that was included in the agenda packet, providing a summary from the Public Open House that was held on July 19th. This information was also discussed at last week’s PDC Committee meeting.

Six residents attended the July 19th meeting, with four residents from Melody Lane expressing concern about the proximity of the Riverwalk, especially behind the Dunkin and electric substation. They were concerned about the walkway under the bridge citing flooding could cause injury to pedestrians, promote vandalism, and that lighting under the bridge would be disruptive to their homes across the river. They would also like existing Riverwalk assets to be better maintained, especially along the east extension up to Fredenhagen Park. Residents Alice Wood and George Wood addressed the Commission about their concerns and opposition. They invited the group to visit their property to view the area. Schweitzer spoke in favor of the South Extension. Wehrli noted the Park District’s great job with maintenance on the existing Riverwalk and added that she was in favor of the pathway closest to the river. Stibbe addressed the concerns with recent graffiti on the east extension and advised that they are working to have it removed. Some graffiti in the area is not on Riverwalk property. He added that a small facility is proposed in the plan behind the substation to assist the Park District staff with maintenance in the area. Friant thanked everyone for their comments and noted his concerns with moving the Riverwalk toward Washington Street. Kennedy discussed the history and past processes of bringing this area into the boundaries of the Riverwalk and the inclusion of this project in the Riverwalk Master Plan. Holzhauer spoke to the residents’ concerns on lighting, requesting that it be safe and minimally invasive. Novack noted that LED lighting can be more directed and adjusted. Discussion followed on deterrents to vandalism with Novack noting that the Park District does have cameras in certain areas that have assisted with past Riverwalk vandalism and that the City is working on a consolidated camera system. Erickson suggested the possibility of having a call button in certain isolated areas. George Wood inquired about the hours that the south extension would be open with Stibbe noting that a portion of the pathway on the west end has hours until 10:00 p.m. due to the residential area. Cuff noted his concerns about removal of the existing vegetation in the area that provides screening.

A motion to go forward with the original option of the Riverwalk path, with specific direction to get input from the Naperville Police Department and Naperville Park District Police on safety measures to address the residents’ concerns and to work with the engineers on lighting, noise and signage, was made by Holzhauer and seconded by Joseph.

MOTION CARRIED with Cuff voting nay

2. Fredenhagen Park Fountain - Bill Novack

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and then select an option to proceed with for the Fredenhagen Park fountain

Novack reviewed the background on the fountain repairs, noting the pros and cons of each option that were included in the agenda packet.

He provided an overview from his recent meeting with the fountain contractor/consultant, Geoff Roehll, Dusak and Peterson.

Option one was to fix the fountain as it is with a cost estimate of approximately $290,000, which included upgrades and new lighting.

Novack noted there were no other major mechanical issues foreseen and agreed with the contractor that this will be a good fix. The leak was addressed, which comes from two sources: 1) the sheared pipe outside of the vault; and 2) the recessed lights in the bottom of the fountain that have failed. The plan would be to fill in the recesses, replace the liner, and new lighting would be attached to the nozzles. The fountain contractor would come out at the beginning and end of the season which would also be a good investment for long-term maintenance. He noted that the contractor could provide training for staff which could be videotaped for future reference.

Option two was the natural water feature with plantings. Construction costs may be approximately $350,000, with design costs estimated at $40,000. This feature would require similar maintenance to option one but it would be a different type of maintenance. A smaller pump and less energy would result in lower long-term maintenance costs and because of the water movement it could run almost year-round.

Option three was to convert the fountain to a planter with public art installation. The bulk of this cost would be the art installation, which could vary widely, depending on the art piece.

Friant reported that the PDC Committee voted to recommend option one to the Riverwalk Commission.

Wehrli thanked the Commission for their time and noted the importance of having a distinct, engaging feature along the Riverwalk. She suggested a carousel as she feels it would be more in alignment with the Exchange Club’s position on preventing domestic abuse by bringing people together for an intergenerational experience. Erickson provided background on the Exchange Club’s involvement with the fountain with Wehrli noting that she then would be in favor of option two because of the natural aspect and opportunity to teach.

Discussion followed with Sullivan noting that all of the options were in the original footprint of the existing fountain and that none of the stones or bricks were going to be removed.

A motion was made to accept option one for the Fredenhagen Fountain repair by Cuff and seconded by Friant. MOTION CARRIED with Gibson voting nay

3. Riverwalk Master Plan - Pat Kennedy

Kennedy advised that the Master Plan revisions were being reviewed by the PDC Committee. Peterson will forward a draft of this information to the Riverwalk Commission prior to next month’s PDC Committee meeting. Erickson noted the funding that was received for the South

Extension and thanked everyone for their efforts with this project.

Kennedy noted the press release from August 7th regarding the $700,000 gift from Edward-Elmhurst Health and the $800,000 in state funding that was requested by State Representative Janet Yang Rohr and approved by Governor J.B. Pritzker. He thanked Elmhurst-Edward Health and Yvette Saba for their partnership and commitment to the Riverwalk, and Friant for being a liaison with the hospital. He also thanked Janet Yang Rohr and her Chief of Staff, Donna Wandke, along with Mayor Wehrli and City Council for their continued support of the Riverwalk and the Master Plan.

4. Riverwalk Bicentennial Fund (RWBF) - John Joseph

Joseph reported that marketing continues to move forward and they will be sharing a video presentation at next month’s Riverwalk Commission meeting. They are continuing to work on developing a website and social media strategy. Geoff Roehll has joined the RWBF Board.

5. Update on Eagle Street Gateway Design - Bill Novack

Novack reported they are currently in the public comment period for the environmental assessment. Once that is complete, they will go out to bid and are anticipating awarding in the fall. The bulk of construction would begin early next year.

E. NEW BUSINESS:

1. 2023 Community Survey Overview - Bill Novack

Receive information regarding the City of Naperville 2023 community survey

Novack provided background on past community surveys and discussed the City of Naperville 2023 community survey information that was provided in the agenda packet. He encouraged the group to take part in the survey which will be available until August 16th by going to the City’s website at naperville.il.us/2023survey.

F. REPORTS:

1. Approval of Minutes - Pat Kennedy

Approve minutes from the July 12, 2023 Riverwalk Commission meeting

A motion to approve the July 12, 2023 Riverwalk Commission meeting minutes was made by Erickson and seconded by Stibbe. MOTION CARRIED with Bartlett, Friant, and Jospeh abstaining

2. Park District - Tom Stibbe

Receive the monthly Park District report

Stibbe reviewed highlights from the Park District report that was included in the agenda packet. He noted that high water cleanup will be more labor intensive because of the coffer dam, and that some vandalism occurred in Fredenhagen Park in the restrooms and on the railing by the covered bridge. They are working with a contractor on the repairs.

Stibbe announced that Tiffani Picco will be his replacement at the Park District as he is retiring September 8th. Kennedy shared a gift with Stibbe from the group and the Commission expressed their appreciation for Stibbe’s dedication to the community and for his outstanding service on the Riverwalk Commission.

Shutes noted that the Park District is working on shoreline restoration and stabilization with DuPage County and they have recently commissioned ERA to assist with engineering and permitting drawings.

Both he and Motta will be attending future PDC Committee meetings to answer any questions the Commission or the public may have. Wehrli suggested that the natural area in the river bend be included as a feature in the Master Plan document.

3. Chairman - Pat Kennedy

There was no Chairman’s report.

4. Finance - Bill Novack

Discuss and endorse the Riverwalk 2024 capital improvement program submission

Novack reviewed the nine capital projects that have been submitted for the Riverwalk for 2024 that were included in the agenda packet.

5. Riverwalk Foundation - John Cuff

There was no report.

6. Donor Recognition - Rebecca DeLarme

DeLarme reported that the Fall ’23 Legacy Gift Order deadline is September 1st and currently consists of three 4” x 8” commemorative bricks, four 8” x 8” commemorative bricks, and two bench orders.

Additional brick and bench orders are expected within the next two weeks.

7. Planning, Design, and Construction - Jeff Friant

All relevant information from the PDC meeting was already addressed in this meeting.

G. MEETING SCHEDULE:

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, September 5, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Commission, September 13, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, October 3, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

Riverwalk Commission, October 11, 2023, 7:30 a.m.

Municipal Center Lunchroom, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL

H. ADJOURNMENT:

A motion to adjourn was made by Friant and seconded by Erickson.

The meeting adjourned at 8:56 a.m. MOTION CARRIED

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