Michael DeVries

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the unanimous approval of the July 13, 2021 minutes. A proclamation was presented recognizing the National League of Women Voters and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Downers Grove, Woodridge, Lyle chapter, highlighting their history of empowering voters and engaging residents. Public comments addressed several issues: a resident criticized a council member for allegedly plotting to obstruct parents' rights to speak at a District 99 school board meeting concerning First Amendment rights and to censure the council member. Another speaker representing Unity Partnership and the NAACP discussed the need for local villages to take proactive steps in increasing diversity within their administrative and police departments to improve community trust, citing specific examples of villages lacking diversity and the introduction of diversity and equity plans. A third comment invited council members to a community party hosted by residents. A final public comment brought up a past issue involving utility easement marking on private property.

The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation's five-year Strategic Plan (2022-2026) aims to enhance the economic vitality of the Village of Downers Grove through the retention, expansion, and attraction of business. Key objectives include promoting business attraction, facilitating development tools and programs, increasing travel and entertainment spending, disseminating workforce development information, and cultivating a diverse local economy. The plan addresses critical areas such as commercial and downtown redevelopment, the evolving office and industrial markets, business retention and expansion efforts, mitigating labor shortages, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, maximizing the economic impact of tourism and sports, and implementing measurable marketing programs.

This Strategic Plan outlines the Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation's priorities for the next five years, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its overall purpose is to enhance and support business in an authentic and vibrant Downtown Downers Grove, with a vision to build and sustain a vibrant downtown. Key focus areas include Attraction & Retention, Marketing & Events, Aesthetics, and Finance & Staffing, aiming to promote economic development, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.

The Council Meeting addressed several key agenda items. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the prior meeting minutes, payment of bills, authorization to renew the annual maintenance agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for ArcGIS, payment of dues for the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference (DMMC) membership, and authorization of a contribution to the DuPage Senior Citizens Council for the Meals on Wheels Program. The Active Agenda featured multiple ordinances focused on land use and development, specifically approving special uses and rezoning for a 167-unit apartment building at Maple Avenue and Washington Street. The Council also reviewed the first reading of an ordinance proposing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment for the Oak Trace Senior Living Community, which involved discussion regarding building height, setbacks, and screening concerns raised by adjacent residents. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Council Governance Discussion covering topics such as Council seating arrangements, frequency of meetings, rules for Council Member Reports, procedures for public comment, and methods for responding to resident inquiries to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings Act. The Council also discussed restarting 'Coffee with the Council' sessions.

The document contains minutes for two separate meetings spanning June and July 2021. Key discussions included the approval of minutes from previous meetings. For the June 3, 2021, session, the Board approved the Police Lieutenant eligibility list and conducted oral interviews for one Police candidate during an executive session. For the July 14, 2021, session, the Board conducted oral interviews for a Fire Lieutenant position during an executive session to determine hiring.