Brett Garelli

The meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee included a discussion and review of the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The presentation provided a refresher on CIP methodology, covering project alignment to avoid redundant work, the importance of economies of scale, and how project needs evolve over time (e.g., shifting focus from roads to stormwater and water/sewer projects). Key revenue sources discussed included the non-home rule sales tax (which is now excluded from the CIP) and various grants such as STP R&B, ITAP, and DEIO funding for specific projects like the Ward 1 stormwater project. The financial overview presented cash flow projections and a proforma indicating feasibility for funding projects, resulting in an expected positive balance for the General Capital Projects Fund. Specific financial components included MFT transfers (some related to Rebuild Illinois funding) and debt service related to stormwater projects and land acquisition. The discussion also noted three unfunded projects identified for future consideration.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by two Vietnam veterans. Key discussions included the approval of committee reports. The Public Works committee report involved a motion to approve the final payment of up to $165,220 to John Neri Construction Company for the Pine Lane water main and sewer main installation project. The Finance Administration committee addressed two resolutions: one authorizing an agreement with Sikage CPA LLC for auditing services for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and another adopting the strategic plan for the City of Wooddale for fiscal years 2027 through 2030. The council also approved two lists of bills, one for January 1st, 2026, totaling $1,785,584.15, and another for January 15, 2026, totaling $662,953.70. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn into executive session to review official minutes and land disposition.

The Committee of the Whole meeting focused on reviewing the transition from 2012 building codes to the 2021 building codes. This segment covered property maintenance, the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and updates to Chapters 12 and 6 of the municipal code. Key proposed amendments for the property maintenance code included reducing the time to remove graffiti from 15 days to seven calendar days and clarifying that building addresses must be visible from streets and alleys, including those on detached garages. The adoption of the IEBC was noted to encourage the reuse of existing or historic buildings by allowing alternate safety methods instead of full current code compliance. Discussion arose regarding an amendment to Chapter 12 concerning prefab or kit sheds, gazebos, and pergolas under 100 square feet, with a suggestion to increase the limit to 120 or 150 square feet to better accommodate common residential structures like those housing hot tubs, while noting that hot tubs themselves trigger electrical code review. The committee also discussed the removal of aesthetic requirements for commercial/industrial building facades (brick/stone minimums) that were eliminated in 2022, with a sentiment expressed to potentially reinstate a minimum material requirement, such as 50% brick/stone, as a regulation rather than a suggestion.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and established a quorum. Key discussion points included citizen comments regarding a rat infestation exacerbated by allowing chicken coops, concerns about excessive speeding on Commercial Street, particularly near school bus stops, and a request for increased traffic enforcement. The council also reviewed and approved the minutes from the January 15, 2026, meeting and the executive session minutes from October 16, 2025. A motion was passed to donate $2,500 to the Wooddale Food Pantry, mirroring a previous donation to the Bensonville location. Additionally, the Public Works Department reported achieving the Gold Standard recognition in the American Waterworks Association's water ambassador program. Finally, the council addressed an ordinance amending the municipal code to adopt various 2021 and 2023 building and fire codes, which included clarifications regarding building permit requirements and zoning reviews for residential sheds based on size and utilities.

The meeting included the approval of the minutes from the Planning, Zoning, and Building Committee meeting of September 25, 2025. Key discussions focused on updating building codes from the 2012 to the 2021 standards, specifically reviewing the 2021 International Mechanical Code, the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code. Amendments to the Mechanical Code address new flammable refrigerants. Amendments to the Electrical Code concern signage for electric vehicle charging station disconnects, which prompted a discussion regarding potential issues with accessibility during winter. A second major agenda item involved confirming regulations for housing chickens on residential properties, including proposed language for licensing fees, limitations on the number of hens, prohibitions on roosters, butchering, and sales, and requirements for housing structures. The committee also discussed methods for public input on the chicken regulations, such as a survey or a non-binding advisory referendum.