DeKalb Times

City of Naperville City Council met April 2.

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: 8 -

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

Absent: 1 - Councilman Nathan Wilson

Also Present

City Manager, Doug Krieger; Deputy City Attorney, Sabrina Spano; City Clerk, Dawn Portner; Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis; Deputy Police Chief, Chad Bissegger; Director of Finance, Raymond Munch; Director of IT, Jacqueline Nguyen; Director of TED, Bill Novack; Director of Public Works, Dick Dublinski; Director of Public Utilities - Electric, Brian Groth; Director of Public Utilities - Water, Darrell Blenniss; Director of Community Services, Melanie Marcordes; Interim Director of Human Resources, Helga Oles, 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 April 2025 Autism Acceptance Month in the City of Naperville

The proclamation was presented by Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor.

WRITTEN COMMENTS

Mary Hamill (Naperville) - The Naperville Accessible Community Task Force (ACTF), a City of Naperville Task Force, is pleased to join with the City of Naperville in recognizing the talents, contributions, and diversity within the autism community by proclaiming April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month.

2. Proclaim April 25, 2025 as Arbor Day in the City of Naperville

The proclamation was presented by Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor.

3. Proclaim April 22, 2025 as Earth Day in the City of Naperville

The proclamation was presented by Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor.

G. PUBLIC FORUM:

No speakers for Public Forum.

WRITTEN COMMENTS

Nancy Ryan (Naperville) - Washington Street Bridge - The bridge project is dragging on interminably with no discernable work being done at any given time of day, no matter what day it is. I have lived in Naperville for 48 years and this has to be one of the most inconvenient all time projects that oddly goes unattended day after day, week after week, month after month. The traffic, unsightly mess, road hazards (emergency traffic to and from the hospital diverted), and impact to local businesses has my father (also a multi-decade resident of Naperville) wondering what the heck is going on with this project and the contractors involved. One would think it would be a major priority item, yet the site sits there abandoned. It's bizarre and very frustrating as a resident.

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:

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the Consent Agenda removing Item I14. The motion carried by the following vote:

1. Approve the regular City Council meeting minutes of March 18, 2025

Council approved.

2. Approve the City Council meeting schedule for April, May, and June 2025

Council approved.

3. Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-114, Northwest Water Works Ground Level Reservoir Restoration, to Garland/DBS for an amount not to exceed $791,418

Council approved.

4. Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-119, 1-Ton Dump Truck Vehicle Replacements - Units 064 and 095, to Sutton Ford for an amount not to exceed $205,934

Council approved.

5. Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-121, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Alletra Storage Area Network Hardware and Support Services, to Continental Resources for an amount not to exceed $283,265 and for a five-year term

Council approved.

6. Approve the amended award of Work Order 22-067-WATER-25-01, Construction Engineering Services for Ogden Avenue and Washington Street Water Main Improvements, to Ciorba Group to correct the total award amount not to exceed $314,525 and for a 22-month term

Council approved.

7. Approve the award of Work Order 22-067-WATER-25-02, Construction Engineering Services - Royal Oaks Water Main Improvements, to Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $118,187 and for a seven-month term

Council approved.

8. Approve the award of Change Order #2 to Contract 22-039, Springbrook Water Reclamation Center UV Disinfection Improvements, to Williams Brothers Construction for an additional 365 calendar days

Council approved.

9. Approve the award of Change Order #3 to Work Order 22-067C, Design Engineering Services - Ogden Avenue and Washington Street Water Main Improvements, to Ciorba Group for an additional 150 calendar days

Council approved.

10. Approve the award of Bid 24-242, SWRC Centrifuge Control Panel Replacement Phase II and Polymer Feed System Replacement, to William T. Connelly, Inc. dba Connelly Electric Co. for an amount not to exceed $474,000 plus a 5% contingency

Council approved.

11. Approve the award of Bid 25-066, Palo Alto Firewall Upgrade, to Continental Resources for an amount not to exceed $919,904 and for a five-year term

Council approved.

12. Approve the award of Bid 25-041, Fire Station Renovations - Stations #1 and #3, to Lite Construction, for an amount not to exceed $755,900 plus a 3% contingency

Council approved.

13. Approve the award of Bid 25-022, 2025 Sidewalk and Curb Maintenance Program, to Beritus, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $807,840.70 plus a 3% contingency (Item 1 of 2)

Council approved.

14. Pass the ordinance approving the 2025 Sidewalk Removal and Replacement Program Property Owner’s Cost Sharing Program (Item 2 of 2)

Council discussed whether sidewalk repairs should be the City's responsibility, similar to street repairs. They reviewed the program's history, potential changes to repair standards if the program were eliminated, budget impacts-especially with the grocery tax repeal in 2027-and the possibility of revisiting the program during the 2026 budget process.

Novack noted residents pay about $500,000 annually for sidewalk repairs, with the City covering 60% and residents 40%. Eliminating the program wouldn’t affect the standard of care. While there’s no impact expected in 2025, there may be one in 2026 as residents become aware of the change. It was suggested the issue be referred to the Transportation Advisory Board for review and comment.

Munch stated that the flexibility in the capital budget allows the City to accommodate changes to the sidewalk program, which can be reviewed annually during the budget process.

ORD 25-018

A motion was made by Councilwoman Bruzan Taylor, seconded by Councilman Holzhauer, to eliminate the 2025 Sidewalk Removal and Replacement Program Property Owner's Cost Sharing Program. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 7 - Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Kelly, Longenbaugh, McBroom, and White

Nay: 1 - Leong

Absent: 1 - Wilson

15. Pass the ordinance approving the transfer of the 2025 Volume Cap in the amount of $19,531,850 to the Town of Normal

ORD 25-016

Council passed.

16. Waive the first reading and pass the ordinance amending Section 3-3-11:2 of the Naperville Municipal Code to create a Class G2 - Boutique Market liquor license (requires six positive votes)

ORD 25-017

Council passed.

J. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

K. OLD BUSINESS:

L. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

M. AWARD OF BIDS AND OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE:

1. Approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-120, 138kV Hitachi Circuit Breakers, to Wesco, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,627,166

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the award of Cooperative Procurement 25-120, 138kV Hitachi Circuit Breakers, to Wesco, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,627,166. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Absent: 1 - Wilson

2. Approve the award of Bid 25-015, 2025 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT, to K-Five Construction Corporation for an amount not to exceed $5,563,599.47 plus a 3% contingency (Item 1 of 2)

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to approve the award of Bid 25-015, 2025 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT, to

K-Five Construction Corporation for an amount not to exceed $5,563,599.47 plus a 3% contingency (Item 1 of 2). The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Absent: 1 - Wilson

3. Adopt the IDOT resolution in the amount of $5,563,599.47 to allow expenditure of State Motor Fuel Tax dollars to fund the 2025 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT (Item 2 of 2)

RES 25-11

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to adopt the IDOT resolution in the amount of $5,563,599.47 to allow expenditure of State Motor Fuel Tax dollars to fund the 2025 Street Resurfacing Program - MFT (Item 2 of 2). The motion carried by the following vote:

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

Absent: 1 - Wilson

N. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

O. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Concur with City staff and the prior City Council to retain the opening of Hawkweed Drive per the terms of the Polo Club annexation agreement

SPEAKERS

Michael Krzywinski (Naperville) supported to retain the opening of Hawkweed Drive. A map was provided by the speaker of the area in question to the City Council for their review.

Tim Messer (Naperville) supported to retain the opening of Hawkweed Drive.

Paul Hinterlong (Naperville) supported to retain the opening of Hawkweed Drive.

Council discussed the possibility that closing Hawkweed Drive could create barriers for the adjacent subdivision and delay public safety response times.

They also reviewed the history of the Polo Club development and the status of the 119th Street improvements

Puknaitis stated that any issue or traffic device that causes delays, vehicle damage, or disruptions to response times is a concern for the Fire Department, as they must be able to respond 24 hours a day.

Bissegger stated that closing Hawkweed Drive raises not only ingress and egress concerns but also tactical concerns, as public safety needs multiple access points to effectively respond to emergencies. Blocked streets could hinder their ability to do their jobs.

Novack stated that 119th Street improvements are over a decade away. Phase one engineering will take 4-5 years, followed by detailed design and land acquisition before bidding begins. Before opening the road, the City will review traffic volumes and speeds in the South Pointe subdivision, then compare them post-opening to determine if further improvements are needed.

The Mayor stated that residents are concerned traffic backups on 119th Street may lead drivers to cut through South Pointe to reach Rt. 59. He requested staff confirm whether Pulte and Woodman’s have completed the additional turn

lanes before opening Hawkweed and, if not, to let City Council weigh in on the timing of the connection.

WRITTEN COMMENT ONLY

Michael Krzywinski (Naperville) - I support this agenda item. It was approved 2 years ago by City Council with staff concurrence. It will be a benefit to my subdivision to have this connection, which will offer an alternative exit from South Pointe. It will also make a safer exit to get directly to 119Th Street versus having to go through making 2 left turns at traffic signals, which is unsafe. It will also provide access to new amenities and open space at the Polo Club for both South Pointe and High Meadow residents. Without this, it will be a complete disconnection of neighborhoods, which I don't think Naperville is about.

Neighborhoods have always been connected together. As per City staff's original recommendation, this would not cause a cut-through traffic issue. Also, Pulte and Woodman's are adding turn lanes and intersection improvements at 119Th St and IL59, which would decrease backups

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to concur with City staff and the prior City Council to retain the opening of Hawkweed Drive per the terms of the Polo Club annexation agreement. The motion carried by the following vote:

Aye: 6 - Wehrli, Bruzan Taylor, Holzhauer, Longenbaugh, McBroom, and White

Nay: 2 - Kelly, and Leong

Absent: 1 - Wilson

P. NEW BUSINESS:

Traffic concerns on Jefferson Avenue from Ewing to West Streets

White expressed concerns with drivers speeding down Jefferson Avenue from Ewing to West Streets.

Council discussed adding temporary stop signs at both intersections, the Police Department adding extra traffic deterrents or devices to monitor the drivers speeds and the results of a recent traffic study in the area.

Bissegger stated that the Police Department provides a visual deterrent due to speeding concerns in the area but will increase their presence.

Novack stated that traffic data collected late last year showed 85% of drivers traveled at the posted 25 mph, while 15% drove at 32-33 mph. Temporary stop signs are not recommended, as they may create a false sense of security and increase accidents. Curb bump-outs were previously added, and speed and volume tests were conducted in fall 2024, with additional tests planned for 2025.

Results will be shared with Council when available.

Q. ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Councilman White, seconded by Councilman Kelly, to adjourn the Regular City Council Meeting of April 2 2025 at 8:08 p.m. The motion carried by a voice vote.

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