DeKalb Times

City of Naperville City met Council Oct. 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

A. CALL TO ORDER:

B. ROLL CALL:

C. CLOSED SESSION - CANCELED

OPEN SESSION - 7:00 p.m.

D. ROLL CALL:

Present: 9 - Mayor Scott Wehrli

Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor

Councilman Ian Holzhauer

Councilman Patrick Kelly

Councilman Paul Leong

Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh

Councilman Josh McBroom

Councilman Benjamin White

Councilman Nathan Wilson

Also Present 

City Manager, Doug Krieger; City Attorney, Mike DiSanto; City Clerk, Dawn Portner; Assistant to the City Manager, Marcie Schatz; Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis; Police Chief, Jason Arres; Director of Finance, Raymond Munch; Director of IT, Jacqueline Nguyen; Director of TED, Bill Novack; Deputy Director of TED, Jennifer Louden; Director of Public Utilities - Electric, Brian Groth; Director of Public Utilities - Water, Darrell Blenniss; Director of Community Services, Melanie Marcordes; Director of Human Resources, Blaine Wing; Director of Communications, Linda LaCloche.

Daily Herald, Naperville Sun, NCTV-17

E. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG:

The pledge was given.

F. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

1. Proclaim October 2, 2024 as Charter of Euclid Lodge #65 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons 175th Anniversary in the City of Naperville

Councilman McBroom presented the proclamation.

G. PUBLIC FORUM:

SPEAKERS

Indian Prairie Referendum

Adrian Talley (Naperville Indian Prairie School District 204) discussed the upcoming D204 no tax referendum appearing on November's General Election ballot. 

George Washington 

Nick Gonino (Naperville) discussed the values and leadership of George Washington and his reluctance to be a leader but he brought order and vision to a nation when it needed it the most. Our voices do matter now more than ever. Duty calls for people to speak, defend ones values and engage for the future of the country. 

Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) requested updates on four outstanding issues, is it appropriate based on the mission of the Naperville Development Partnership (NDP) to request they review the economic benefit of video gaming, what is the status and when will the public be informed on updating the 1987 Naper Settlement Agreement between the City and the Naperville Heritage Society, Affordable Housing Incentive Plan (AHIP) was approved in January of 2023 at the August 20, 2024 Council meeting staff commented that other matters had a higher priority, renewing the 5th Avenue development plan seems to have more of a priority than affordable housing and at the June 18, 2024 meeting Council requested a presentation from NCTV17 to address outstanding questions regarding their request for funding prior to the 2025 budget discussions, will NCTV17 be making a presentation. 

Multi-mode transportation plan 

Justin White discussed developing a full multi-mode transportation plan and staff being given the needed resources to meet the deadlines so it can be implemented in 2026. 

Council discussed needing additional information on video gaming, the metrics from the Illinois Housing Development Authority on the process they followed showing the City has met and exceeded the required affordable housing metrics and if staff could reach out to the State on their process in developing these metrics.

Novack commented emails have been sent to the State, but they have yet to respond.

WRITTEN COMMENT ONLY

Karen V Peck (Naperville)

I support the continued funding for the City of Naperville’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program (DEI), whose mission is to “continuously work to become a more inclusive, welcoming, diverse community where all are welcome and enjoy equitable opportunities to thrive.” As leaders, you are best positioned to remain intentional about helping all citizens flourish. I attended the NILA Interfaith Prayer Service for World Peace Day. It was affirming to have Dr. Williams, Naperville’s DEI Manager (who spoke), and Mayor Wehrli (who attended) represent the City of Naperville's commitment to unity and peace. Gen Z “are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation and on track to be the best-educated generation.” Intentional DEI partnerships with our youth are critically important. (1) Naperville’s adoption of Title 12 prohibiting unlawful discrimination in human rights and housing is walking the talk of DEI. I participated in the Human Library, co-hosted by the Naperville Public Library and NaperPride, where we had frank conversations about personal life experiences. It was an informative and moving experience. Naperville’s Juneteenth event commemorating enslaved African Americans' emancipation was educational, informative, and entertaining. Judging the value of DEI community programs is impossible if you don’t show up. I urge all Council members to attend events like these. As elected leaders, your public support matters. Changing Demographics Naperville demographics are becoming more diverse and will continue to do so. Now is the worst possible time to stop the fledgling DEI program.(2)(3) Support in the Community Local Naperville businesses support DEI, including Edward Elmhurst Hospital, BP, Nicor Gas, North Central College, Ecolab, Naperville School District 203, Indian Prairie School District 204, Naperville Public Libraries, and non-profit organizations that serve minorities. The State of IL passed fourteen diversity and inclusion bills in 2023. (4) DEI Experiences Pushback Because of Gaining Momentum DEI opponents cite a decrease in interest in DEI programs. DEI is alive and relevant to all diverse communities. According to theconversation.com, 89% of organizations had some form of DEI initiative in 2023, up from 64% in 2019. Forbes reports that “DEI is not dying; it's experiencing some pushback because it is gaining momentum. The naysayers to DEI want people to think it's failing at the very time it's beginning to show positive results.”(5) DEI Experiences Pushback Due to Bias Hate and intolerance reflect pushback to equity and inclusion. Incidents of racism, antisemitism, white supremacist propaganda, and other hate crimes are increasing as a result of fear of demographic changes.(6)(7) DEI Experiences Pushback Due to Ideology Opponents have said “they don’t want to pay for social justice.” This is an ideology and not a matter of “fiscal responsibility.” This view is held by some who have opposed the City of Naperville’s DEI program from its inception through such organizations as Awake, IL, and Moms for Liberty. Companies are changing the name “DEI” because of political pushback, but programs remain. (8)(9) The Pew Research Center conducted a study on the current state of DEI. Demographics and political affiliation are drivers of whether or not a person supports DEI.(10) Please consider the findings in these sources when evaluating Councilmembers’ demographics, motivations, biases, and positions on DEI. DEI is Measurable DEI opponents cite an inability to measure outcomes. Research and metrics do not bear out this opinion. Quantitative metrics include diversity in hiring, representation of historically underrepresented groups, employee retention and advancement (11), identifying bias in the workplace, tracking employee engagement and satisfaction data, supplier diversity, gender diversity, and more. (12) Other measurements/returns on investment come from increased unity and understanding, public safety, belonging, and quality of life. Five indicators of belonging are comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and well-being, all of which can be measured through qualitative surveying. (13) Responsible Leadership Unifies Now is one of the most divisive times in our country in my lifetime. (14) (15) (16) Hate drives division. We must not tolerate hate, which is an open attack on tolerance and acceptance. Instead, we must promote unity and understanding through DEI educational and experiential programs. Bias is learned. Intentional educational programs foster empathy, understanding, unity, and safety. Education and awareness counter hate and intolerance. Naperville needs community leaders to actively promote tolerance, unity, and community health and safety. Minimal Funding - Maximum Benefit Naperville’s DEI department is minimally funded; it is .0003% of the city’s annual budget of $$614,700,000 and covers one person's salary and benefits. Countering bias and encouraging unity requires an organizing infrastructure. It was suggested that DEI is a low-hanging fruit that is an “easy one to knock out of the park.” Most Naperville residents would be furious if our City took a baseball bat to a program meant to accept and value all residents. I want Naperville to be an excellent place for everyone to live harmoniously. Wait for the Data The City must make budgetary decisions using data to support those decisions, remain flexible, and not react knee-jerk based on vocal opponents. Alarmists raise concerns about the budget effects of legislation such as the Illinois grocery tax cut, an inflation reduction act meant to help everyday citizens. (Grocery tax effects will not be apparent until at least mid-2025, and any statewide change would not take effect until January 1, 2026, with local governments able to institute their own 1% tax.) The City must implement and review measurements with government staff and the community and attend DEI events before considering “knocking DEI” out of Naperville. I urge Mayor Scott Wehrli and the Naperville City Council to remain intentional about helping all citizens thrive by supporting DEI. When we unite, we are stronger, safer, and healthier economically and societally. Exceptional cities invest in the extraordinary acceptance of their citizens. Naperville leaders should settle for nothing less than outstanding and must continue to support the DEI Mission.

“Over half a dozen companies have recently announced they will be rolling back DEI and employee support initiatives after receiving threats online from fringe conservative extremist and failed filmmaker Robby Starbuck. Starbuck has used his over half a million followers the platform to target companies and bully them into dropping DEI." Written Copy of Comments Spoken at the first of three City of Naperville Budget Meetings for the record: My name is Karen Peck. My pronouns are she and her. I urge continued funding for Naperville’s DEI program. The Council received a letter from me containing multiple citations confirming Naperville’s demographics, employer support for DEI to address systemic inequities, growth of DEI initiatives, bullying of corporations with DEI programs, research on those most opposed to DEI, and the rising division and hate. Combating hate requires speaking out FOR allies and against what is wrong, having the support of leaders, and being educated. Tonight, what I share is personal. I have faced bias incidents in Naperville. Flags and signs were stolen from my property because I support LGBTQ folks. The Naperville Police did an excellent job of apprehending the thieves. After the second theft incident of my LGBTQ flags, despite video evidence, the person, hooded and cloaked from head to toe, was not apprehended. I experienced targeted harassment because my sign said I support immigrants. Third and most upsetting, I received ugly, misogynistic hate mail from a self-described MAGA, with a local ZIP Code. That case is open. I have been name-called and had things thrown at me because of my beliefs. Naperville has hate groups. The rise of vocal neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups nationally and violent rhetoric from politicians and pundits has fueled a rise in antisemitism more than 360%. I am a person of Jewish Heritage. How long until I receive worse threats? As a Woman, an ally to LGBTQ, Black and Brown people, and Immigrants of all backgrounds, I do not feel safe from hate. Protecting Jews from antisemitism is part of a broader fight against ALL bias, bigotry, and hate: against Black and Brown, non-straight or non-cisgender people, and non-Christians. Naperville’s DEI program promotes unity through education. The fight against hate needs community leaders to actively stand up to hate even if some “haters gonna hate.” The choice to gut .0003% for DEI-a program to “foster an environment where ALL are welcome and have access to resources to thrive”-will affect ALL Naperville residents. As you make your budgetary decisions, I urge you, Mr. Mayor and Council, to remember the real people behind the numbers-ALL of Naperville-just trying to live their lives.

H. CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO USE OMNIBUS METHOD FOR THE

CONSENT AGENDA:

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to use the Omnibus method to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by a voice vote.

I. CONSENT AGENDA:

Approval of the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 9 - Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Leong, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson

1. Approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of September 17, 2024

Council approved.

2. Approve the City Council meeting schedule for October, November, and December 2024

Council approved.

3. Approve student representative appointments to City boards and commissions

Council approved.

4. Approve the award of Bid 24-020, 2024 New Sidewalk Improvements Program, to Triggi Construction, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $258,695.50 plus a 5% contingency

Council approved.

5. Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 24-246, Electric Utility Meters, to Wesco for an amount not to exceed $654,000

Council approved.

6. Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 24-253, Cisco Nexus Core Switches and Support, to Sentinel Technologies, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $112,301.04 and for a three-year term

Council approved.

7. Approve the award of Option Year #1 to Contract 24-062, Electronic Bill Payment, to Fidelity Information Services, LLC for an amount not to exceed $250,000

Council approved.

8. Approve the award of Change Order #1 to Contract 23-034, Single and Three Phase Transformer Qualifications, to add Deco Supply Company dba United Utility Supply

Council approved.

9. Approve the award of Change Order #1 to Contract 24-155, Cisco SMARTnet Maintenance, Support and License Renewal, to Sentinel Technologies, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $67,432.06 and a total award of $241,421.13

Council approved.

10. Approve the award of Change Order #1 to Option Year #3 of Contract 19-197, Security

Camera Maintenance and Repair Services, to Pace Systems, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $200,000, a total award of $350,000, and an additional 14 months

Council approved.

11. Approve the award of Change Order #2 to Contract 23-023, ESRI Advantage Program - ArcGIS Utility Network Implementation, to ESRI for an amount not to exceed $68,400 and a total award of $777,400

Council approved.

12. Accept the public underground improvements at Naperville Wheaton Townhomes and authorize the City Clerk to reduce the corresponding public improvement surety

Council approved.

13. Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending Sections 3-3-3 and 3-3-11:3 of the Naperville Municipal Code to allow liquor licensees with a growler permit to sell craft beer and cider manufactured by the licensee in its original package (requires six positive votes)

ORD 24-102

Council passed.

14. Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance adding Jefferson Avenue between Main Street and Washington Street as locations restricting valet transfer zones (requires six positive votes)

ORD 24-103

Council passed.

J. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

K. OLD BUSINESS:

L. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

1. Pass the ordinance establishing a valet parking transfer zone for AltaVida on Jefferson Avenue east of Washington Street

SPEAKERS:

Marilyn Schweitzer (Naperville) spoke against establishing a valet transfer zone for Altavida Restaurant.

Mary Moy-Gregg (Oakbrook, Petitioner) spoke in favor of establishing a valet transfer zone for Altavida Restaurant.

Edwin Rios (Naperville, Petitioner) spoke in favor of establishing a valet transfer zone for Altavida Restaurant.

Council discussed Downtown Naperville Alliance's (DNA) opposition due to the existing traffic congestion that already exists in this area, the requested valet spaces would only be used by Altavida and not any other area businesses, the proposed valet spaces are within steps from an accessible parking deck, since this restaurant has had multiple owners the past several years what has changed in this area to now request valet parking and does the City's current City of Naperville Page 8 Printed wayfinding system for City parking lots assist drivers to locate open parking spaces. 

Edwin Rios (Naperville, Petitioner) explained parking is not an issue for regular customers, but valet parking has been a request from several private event customers, which is the part of the business they are focusing on for the future. 

Novack commented the City's wayfinding system and existing signage does assist drivers to locate open parking spaces and the system will be enhanced in the future to provide even further assistance. 

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to pass the ordinance establishing a valet parking transfer zone for AltaVida on Jefferson Avenue east of Washington Street. The motion failed by the following vote:

Aye: 2 - Leong, and McBroom

Nay: 7 - Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Longenbaugh, White, and Wilson

M. AWARD OF BIDS AND OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE:

1. Approve the recommendation by Alera Group to award Medical Claim Administration Renewal to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) for an amount not to exceed $3,339,152.22 in fixed costs, based on HMO and PPO enrollment, for a one-year term (Item 1 of 3) 

Councilman Leong recused himself from Items M1-M3 and left the dais from 7:39 p.m. to 7:42 p.m. 

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the recommendation by Alera Group to award Medical Claim Administration Renewal to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) for an amount not to exceed $3,339,152.22 in fixed costs, based on HMO and PPO enrollment, for a one-year term. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 8 - Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson

Recused: 1 - Leong

2. Approve the recommendation by Alera Group to award Stop Loss Reinsurance to Optum, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,012,102.33 in fixed premium, based on PPO enrollment, for a one-year term (Item 2 of 3) 

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the recommendation by Alera Group to award Stop Loss Reinsurance to Optum, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $1,012,102.33 in fixed premium, based on PPO enrollment, for a one-year term. The motion carried by the following vote: 

Aye: 8- Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson

Recused: 1 - Leong

3. Approve the recommendation by Alera Group to award Pharmaceutical Management Services Renewal to CVS/Caremark - Employers Health - VPS for a one-year term (Item 3 of 3) 

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the recommendation by Alera Group to award Pharmaceutical Management Services Renewal to CVS/Caremark - Employers Health - VPS for a one-year term. The motion carried by the following vote: 

Aye: 8 - Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Longenbaugh, McBroom, White, and Wilson 

Recused: 1 - Leong 

N. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: 

O. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 

P. NEW BUSINESS: 

Multi mode transportation plan 

Council discussed the recent death of a bicyclist on Ogden Avenue and Royal Saint George Drive and if the current transportation plan needs additional funding that could be discussed during the 2026 budget season, and should a task force be created on bicycle safety to address the long term issues. 

Louden stated funds have been budgeted for 2024 and 2025 to initiate and update the bicycle/pedestrian plan the City will be working with several stakeholders, the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and the Council for input. The City is also working on updating the roadway improvement plan which gives direction on where to take the roadway network for the next several years. Staff is reviewing both plans to create one City wide mobility plan which will include all modes of transportation. 

Q. ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting of October 1, 2024 at 7:46 p.m. The motion carried by a voice vote.

https://naperville.legistar.com/DepartmentDetail.aspx?ID=34747&GUID=ACE7D218-B3F0-4AF6-B414-F8F820FB6FEE