Suzy Aguilar

This Mayor's address for Displayplaines provides an overview of the city's strategic direction and recent achievements. The city focuses on fiscal stability, driving economic development through downtown revitalization, and attracting investment in industrial and technology sectors. Key pillars include robust infrastructure investments, ensuring public safety through proactive policing and fire services, and fostering strong partnerships with the business community. The overall vision is to enhance Displayplaines as an optimal location for both business and family life, building on its growing regional recognition.

The council discussed various administrative and operational items, including the approval of a new liquor license for Hobart 333, LLC, and funding for the care and boarding of stray animals at Northwest Animal Hospital. The agenda included the authorization to purchase new network firewalls from CDW Government LLC to replace outdated equipment. The council also approved a request for Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) expenditures for 2024 roadway improvements and adopted an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) resolution for street resurfacing projects. Additionally, the meeting covered task orders for construction engineering services with SpaceCo, Inc. and AECOM Technical Services, Inc. to assist with the 2024 Capital Improvement Program, as well as a grant award for the Business Assistance Program (BAP) to Que Bola Cuban Café.

The meeting included discussions on resident parking concerns related to local businesses, status updates on restaurant development projects, and various ward-specific announcements. The council approved resolutions for financial guarantee releases, equipment purchases, professional consulting contracts, and an additional business assistance grant for a local cafe. Action was taken on conditional use permits and major variations for several commercial properties, with some items deferred to future meetings for further negotiation. The council also addressed zoning ordinance amendments and authorized repairs and equipment purchases for municipal departments.

The City Council meeting covered various administrative and operational items. Key topics included amending city code regulations regarding semi-trailer and truck parking and associated fines. The Council authorized expenditures for the annual renewal of software maintenance agreements with Tyler Technologies, Inc. and a multi-function copier lease agreement with Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. Additional approvals were granted for the purchase of water meters and installation services, replacement parkway trees, a master contract for vehicle maintenance, and new fire department equipment, including an ambulance and a ladder truck. The council also approved collective bargaining agreements with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police and addressed a liquor license application.

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.