City of Des Plaines

The regular meeting commenced with a proclamation by the Mayor declaring June as Pride Month, which was presented to local student organizations. Public comments addressed an issue with a concrete permit application. Alderman announcements included reminders about an upcoming Planning and Zoning Board meeting concerning the Contour Saws property, acknowledgments of department awards, and requests for clarification on potential legislation regarding the handling of tattered American flags. The Council approved the Consent Agenda, which included the adoption of several ordinances and resolutions related to declaring surplus equipment, approving conditional use permits for a commercial assembly use and private school, and authorizing purchases for IT switches, truck upfitting, and various pavement marking and engineering services. Under New Business, the Council approved the Warrant Register for June 5, 2023. Community Development discussed and ultimately approved a resolution to extend the compliance and temporary abeyance of enforcement agreement for the Holiday Inn Express parking lot use until December 31, 2023, stipulating tax remittance and maintenance requirements. The Council also debated a Business Assistance Request from Foxtail on the Lake for $750,000 in assistance, ultimately approving a motion for $300,000 upfront with the remainder as a 2% sales tax sharing agreement at 100% against future sales.

The meeting included a closed session concerning property acquisition and sale of property. Key discussions and actions during the regular session, largely driven by the Consent Agenda, involved approving a new Class "M" liquor license for 7-Eleven, Inc. Multiple resolutions were passed, including waiving the bidding process for purchasing Genesis Rescue Systems Rapid Intervention Extrication Tools using Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board funds, approving amendments for Media Services Control Room Upgrades with Key Code Media, Inc., and approving the second renewal terms for Downtown Landscape Maintenance Services with Beary Landscaping, Inc., and Parkway Restoration and Planting with Installation Services with TNT Landscape Construction, Inc. New Business covered a Warrant Register approval and resolutions supporting the renewal of Cook County Class 6b Tax Incentives for properties on East Touhy Avenue and Clearwater Drive.

The meeting included several announcements and reports from the Mayor, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Manager. Key actions involved the Consent Agenda, which covered resolutions for renewing membership in the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC), approving a server maintenance agreement waiver, purchasing ballistic vests with federal funds, awarding bids for the replacement of the Levee 50 Flood Gate Electric Operator and asphalt milling/resurfacing repairs, approving a parking structure maintenance contract, and approving a three-year renewal for professional services consulting. An Ordinance amending liquor license classifications was also presented. New Business included the Finance & Administration consideration of a Warrant Register and Community Development items concerning conditional use permits and a final plat of subdivision. Public Safety addressed the consideration of purchasing an Alexis Mini-Rescue Apparatus.

Key discussions during the meeting included the appointment of an Alderman as Mayor Pro Tem for the session. The Council entered and exited a Closed Session concerning property acquisition and probable litigation. Following public comment regarding a previous cannabis dispensary vote, the Council voted to extend the Declaration of Civil Emergency related to COVID-19. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of multiple ordinances and resolutions, including the approval of new ownership for a Class M liquor license, first readings for ordinances amending the City Code for a Class B liquor license, declaring a surplus backhoe loader, and approving an intergovernmental agreement with NIPSTA for a surplus ladder truck. Resolutions adopted covered the purchase of a utility vehicle, agreements for polygraph and psychological testing services, and a change order for a sewer lining project. Unfinished Business included the postponement of the Metropolitan Square Plaza redesign options. New Business featured the approval of the Warrant Register. Community Development addressed a zoning map amendment for 1387 Prospect Avenue, rezoning from C-1 to C-3. A significant portion of the meeting involved debating and ultimately denying Resolution R-18-22, which sought to waive pre-conditions for financial incentive closing and authorize the assignment of incentive notes for the Orchards at O'Hare development, citing concerns over developer compliance, outstanding fines, and project completion. Community Services involved the approval of the 2022 City-Sponsored Events Plan, including changes to existing events and the introduction of new ones like the Des Plaines Market, alongside the approval of funding agreements for the Des Plaines Community Senior Center for general services, the Meals on Wheels program, and health/support services. Public Safety discussions centered on approving amendments to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to ensure compliance and flexibility in testing, and adopting Resolution R-24-22 to provide notice of withdrawal from the Regional Emergency Dispatch Center due to operational and economic concerns related to using two separate dispatch centers.

The City Council meeting addressed numerous items through the Consent Agenda, including the approval of resolutions concerning training procurement for the Police Department Tactical Response Team, engineering services for water distribution system leak detection, an agreement for painting the Dulles Water Tank, the purchase of a new industrial sweeper, and an intergovernmental agreement with Mount Prospect Park District for park use. Under Unfinished Business, a request for a conditional use permit was withdrawn. New Business included approving the Warrant Register, passing an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance text regarding fences, trellises, arbors, and yard features, and adopting an ordinance amending the City Code concerning work exempt from permits. Furthermore, the Council converted the temporary pilot program for keeping chickens into a permanent program with adjusted regulations, and approved a resolution supporting a Cook County Class 6b Property Tax Incentive for the property at 55 Howard Avenue, which is expected to facilitate job creation through a new tenant. The meeting also included a discussion and update on the Algonquin Road Grade Separation Project, with input provided by representatives from TranSystems Corporation and the Des Plaines Park District expressing concerns about property impact. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss property acquisition and probable or imminent litigation.