DeKalb Times

City of Naperville Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

A. CALL TO ORDER:

Riverwalk Commission Chair Bartlett called the March 4, 2025 Naperville Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Committee meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. The meeting was held in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) at the Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL.

B. ROLL CALL:

Present: Pam Bartlett; Grant Cowen; John Cuff; Bill Novack; Tiffani Picco; Johnna Shields; Mike Sullivan and Carl Wohlt

Absent: Hannah Brauer; Jan Erickson, Chair; Mary Gibson; Ian Holzhauer; and Seth Michael

Also Present: Tim Ball, Gary R. Weber and Associates, Inc. (GRWA); Jesus Cortez, NCTV; Rebecca DeLarme, City staff; Mike DiCristina, Naperville Park District; Mary Hamill, Accessible Community Task Force (ACTF); Rick Hitchcock, former Riverwalk Commission Chairman; Carl Peterson, GRWA; and Marilyn Schweitzer, resident

C. PUBLIC FORUM:

Mary Hamill, ACTF, discussed the accessibility audit of the Riverwalk conducted by the North Central College Occupational Therapy students that was shared at the November 5, 2024 PDC Committee meeting. She inquired if anything was scheduled regarding their recommendations. She also advised that the ACTF would be participating in an upcoming accessibility audit with the students this week, weather permitting.

Picco advised that the Park District staff installed a second bench on the lower walkway, and she and Novack noted the other recommendations have not yet been coordinated. Hamill reviewed the five key areas from the report which included: 1) more seating; 2) repairs to weathered bricks and concrete; 3) additional lighting on overhead signs; 4) installing a bumper curb or extended railing; and 5) education through warning signs. The ACTF will be following up with the Advisory Commission on Disabilities regarding this information.

Hitchcock inquired about a 2025 work plan for projects in addition to Eagle Street Gateway, and how the Grand Pavilion project fits. Novack advised that feasibility studies for the Grand Pavilion were included in the 2025 CIP and discussed working with City and Park District staff about conducting a survey of past users regarding issues and/or improvements they would like to see in the area. Per Hitchcock’s suggestion, Grand Pavilion area programming will be included on the April 1st PDC Committee agenda.

Novack encouraged the group to think about questions for the survey.

Hitchcock discussed shoreline restoration, specifically in the area directly across the river from the Eagle Street Gateway. Novack advised that the Park District and DuPage County have been working on a very aggressive shoreline restoration further west near the Grand Pavilion and are looking to continue the work with the contractor further north. He noted that the Park District had been working with the Riverwalk Foundation on improvements in this specific area and that they could follow up with Peggy Motta. Hitchcock suggested including this on an upcoming PDC Committee meeting agenda, possibly after the annual Asset Management Plan (AMP) walk in May.

Novack discussed the enhancement projects that Picco and staff have planned and are implementing that were reviewed at the last couple of meetings. He advised that 2025 funds are being used for annual maintenance including the additions to the railing along Eagle Street.

D. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Approval of Minutes - Pam Bartlett for Jan Erickson

Approve minutes from the February 4, 2025 Planning, Design and Construction Committee meeting

A motion to approve the February 4, 2025 Planning, Design and Construction Committee meeting minutes was made by Shields and seconded by Sullivan. MOTION CARRIED with Sullivan abstaining

2. Park District Report - Tiffani Picco

Picco reported that staff was busy with winter operations in February, and they were able to get the ice rinks running for four more days of skating before the season ended. Staff continues with training, tree pruning, planning and plant ordering.

3. South Extension Project Update - Bill Novack

Review the design concepts and provide feedback regarding the Park District sign located along the South Extension of the Riverwalk

Novack discussed the Park District’s digital community event sign located on the east side of Washington Street along the proposed South Extension of the Riverwalk. Concept drawings were provided by the Riverwalk consultants and included in the agenda packet.

Ball reviewed the concept drawings which were developed after discussions and suggestions made at last month’s PDC Committee meeting. He advised that the concepts were reviewed with the Park District, who wishes to maintain the sign in the area as it is used for community events. In addition to Concept A, B, C and D, Chicago Sign provided the concept of a back-to-back display within the existing limestone wall. The Park District preferred concepts C and D with Picco noting it was because they were similar to existing signs.

Discussion followed about the intent for the original sign which was erected in 1987 and included banners that were changed weekly. The group discussed the possibility of moving the sign closer to the substation, closer to Martin Avenue or possibly even relocating to another area such as Pioneer Park. Schweitzer noted she prefers the softer arch and suggested keeping the existing wall, not moving the sign closer to the road, or near Pioneer Park. Peterson noted that the existing sidewalk will be removed, and the bike path and pedestrian path will be located behind the sign.

Ball noted the effectiveness of digital signs and Cowen discussed the importance of identifying the Riverwalk for visitors who may not recognize the area based on just Riverwalk elements. Hitchcock discussed the Martin Avenue gateway and the importance of identifying the Riverwalk at that location.

The consensus from the group was that the current location of the sign is probably most appropriate. Novack suggested taking a broader view of the South Extension with greater detail on the plazas at Martin Avenue and Hillside Road at next month’s meeting. The framing of the sign could then be discussed towards the end of the design process.

E. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Annual Riverwalk Asset Management Plan Walk - Tiffani Picco

Proposed dates for the annual Riverwalk Asset Management Plan walk of the Naperville Riverwalk

Picco proposed two dates for this year’s annual Riverwalk Asset Management Walk: Wednesday, May 7th, for the area west of Eagle Street, and Thursday, May 15th, for the area east of Eagle Street. Both walks will begin at 3:00 p.m. This information will be shared at next week’s Riverwalk Commission meeting.

Discussion followed on groundbreaking for the Eagle Street Gateway project. Novack noted that the pre-construction meeting was held with Baumgartner Construction two weeks ago and they are planning to start bringing materials out and setting up fencing on Thursday, March 6th. Directional signage will be provided by the contractor. The group discussed additional signage, noting previous discussions about using the 3D graphic from the consultants to announce the project.

Bartlett thanked Picco and Hitchcock for the well-received Riverwalk 2031 presentation on February 25th.

Novack advised that the Walgreens property is currently on the market. Once purchased, we will engage with them relative to the Riverwalk.

F. MEETING SCHEDULE:

Riverwalk Commission, March 12, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

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

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, April 1, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

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

Riverwalk Commission, April 9, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

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

Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, May 6, 2025, 7:30 a.m.

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

G. ADJOURNMENT:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Cuff and seconded by Cowen. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED

https://naperville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7284960&GUID=7D34946B-7E24-4862-92B4-98FDA89A616B