City Council Meetings
Regular MeetingWheaton, IL · December 16, 2019
Minutes
December 16, 2019
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The regular Wheaton City Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Philip J.
Suess. Upon roll call, the following were:
Physically Present: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Absent: None
City Staff Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager
John M. Duguay, Assistant City Manager
James Knippen, City Attorney
James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development
Paul G. Redman, Director of Engineering
Robert Lehnhardt, Finance Director
Sharon Barrett-Hagen, City Clerk
2. Report of the City Manager
City Manager Dzugan referred the City Council to a memorandum from Assistant City Manager
Duguay which provides a preliminary estimate of approximately $950K to extend the full
streetscape amenities on Main Street between Wesley Street and Seminary Avenue. He feels
that estimate is high and the actual costs would be less than that figure. He indicated the City
may need to rely on TIF 3 revenue for funding the additional scope with non-TIF expenses
covered by the 2018 GO Bond issue. He asked for direction from the Council on whether or not
to proceed with this additional work.
Councilwoman Fitch stated that there are no streetscape amenities on the north side of Wesley
Street adjacent to Adams Park. She therefore assumed that full streetscape amenities would
not be installed on the east side of Main Street adjacent to the park and would only be installed
on the west side of Main Street. Assistant Manager Duguay replied that there was not enough
room on the north side of Wesley Street for all the amenities and the question of treating the
east and west side of Main Street differently would be dependent on room available for
installation of the full amenities.
WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Councilman Barbier stated he is not concerned about the change order if the unit price is the
same but questioned if there was a desire for a transition area into the downtown by keeping
the existing plan.
Councilman Rutledge stated he would like to go ahead and extend the full streetscape
amenities.
Councilman Zaruba also indicated he would like to go ahead with the additional work.
In response to Councilwoman Bray-Parker, Assistant City Manager Duguay stated more
definitive figures would be presented to the Council.
Councilwoman Fitch stated she would like to keep the east side of Main Street similar to the
north side of Wesley Street. City Manager Dzugan stated staff could ask Primera to prepare a
schematic design for the additional work and staff would then bring that to the Council for a
final decision on whether or not to proceed.
Mayor Suess stated that even if the width of the sidewalk on the east side was less than what
was on the west side of Main Street, if the materials were the same, he feels that would be
acceptable.
The Council was generally favorable to the additional work but asked to review a preliminary
design before making a final decision.
3. Citizens to Be Heard
None.
4. Consent Agenda
Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that the following action be
taken on the Consent Agenda items:
1. Approve the December 2, 2019 minutes of the regular Wheaton City Council, as
submitted.
2. First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Official Motor Vehicle and Traffic
Schedules (Chapter 70) for the City of Wheaton (One Way Streets).
3. Authorize issuance of a Class I Liquor License to Brinker Restaurant Corporation/Chili’s
Grill & Bar/240 Danada Square West.
4. Approve Bond Waiver and Authorize Issuance of a Raffle License to St. Michael Parish
School.
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
5. Adopt Resolution R-2019-107, A Resolution Authorizing the Disposal of Certain Surplus
Property (PD).
Roll Call Vote on Consent Agenda:
Ayes: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
5. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-60, An Ordinance Adopting the City of Wheaton Calendar
Year 2020 Budget
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Ordinance O-2019-60, An
Ordinance Adopting the City of Wheaton Calendar Year 2020 Budget, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated the ordinance would approve the City’s Calendar Year 2020
Budget. Councilman Rutledge noted that the Council has spent several hours reviewing the
proposed 630- page budget.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
6. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-61, An Ordinance Levying Taxes for the General and Special
Corporate Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31,
2020 for the City of Wheaton, Illinois
Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Ordinance O-2019-61, An
Ordinance Levying Taxes for the General and Special Corporate Purposes for the Fiscal Year
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 for the City of Wheaton, Illinois, be
passed.
City Manager Dzugan advised the 2019 general purpose property tax levy is flat, with no
increase in the levy. He stated the total levy is $20,459,855.
Councilwoman Bray-Parker expressed her opinion that it would be reasonable and responsible
to raise the levy to capture the growth to pay for additional services and capital improvement
projects needed in the City. She stated she would vote no on the proposed flat levy. She feels
the City should use its reserves to pay for large projects and therefore believes that a 1% or
1.5% increase to capture the growth should be approved.
Councilman Barbier expressed his thoughts on the challenges facing the City with regard to
pension and infrastructure improvements. He stated he cannot explain to Wheaton residents
how an increase in the levy would solve these challenges. He supports leaving the levy flat and
looks forward to future discussions on these topics.
Councilman Rutledge stated the City needs to fund the library and cover the 2% annual increase
in the budget. He stated he would vote yes on the levy but is not necessarily happy with
keeping it flat.
Councilman Zaruba expressed his support for the proposed levy and stated he would need a
clearer answer on where any additional money would go before he could support taking more
money from Wheaton residents.
Mayor Suess stated the Council has a discussion each year about whether or not to raise the
levy. He stated there may come a time in the future when the City may need to raise the levy
for a specific project, but he does not support raising the levy when the City’s reserve balances
are above target. He feels keeping the levy flat is a benefit to residents.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Nays: Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Absent: None
Motion Carried
7. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-62, An Ordinance Amending the 2019 Tax Levy Contained in
Ordinance No. O-2019-61
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Councilman Barbier moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-62,
An Ordinance Amending the 2019 Tax Levy Contained in Ordinance No. O-2019-61, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated the ordinance amends the previous ordinance by abating the bond
and interest portion of the levy by $1,159,550. He indicated an abatement of $600,000 would
be from TIF 3, $200,000 from the debt service reserve fund and $300,000 from the 2018 GO
Bond.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
8. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-63, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for
the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 in and for the City of
Wheaton Special Service Area Number Two
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that Ordinance No. O-
2019-63 An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning
January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service
Area Number Two, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated the levy of $39,400 is for parking service expenses in the central
business area.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
9. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-64, An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the City of
Wheaton Special Service Area Number Two for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and
Ending December 31, 2020
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-
64, An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number
Two for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan indicated this ordinance would appropriate the taxes for Special Service
Area Number Two in the amount of $39,793.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
10. Pass Ordinance O-2019-65, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the
Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 in and for the City of
Wheaton Special Service Area Number Three
Councilman Barbier moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that Ordinance O-2019-
65, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1,
2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area
Number Three, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated the $12,000 levy relates to maintenance of open spaces within the
Streams Subdivision.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
11. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-66, An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the City of
Wheaton Special Service Area Number Three for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020
and Ending December 31, 2020
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-
66, An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number
Three for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan indicated this ordinance would appropriate $12,132 in taxes for Special
Service Area Number Three.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
12. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-67, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for
the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 in and for the City of
Wheaton Special Service Area Number Eight
Councilman Zaruba moved and Councilman Rutledge seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-67,
An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1,
2020 and Ending December 31, 2020 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area
Number Eight, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan stated the levy amount of $139,000 for Special Service Area Eight will
generate a total of $250,000, which includes $111,000 from the TIF 2 increment, and will fund
the services provided by the Downtown Wheaton Association as requested in their 2020
budget.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
13. Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-68, An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the City of
Wheaton Special Service Area Number Eight for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and
Ending December 31, 2020
Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilwoman Fitch seconded that Ordinance No. O-2019-
68, An Ordinance Making Appropriations for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number
Eight for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2020 and Ending December 31, 2020, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan indicated this ordinance would appropriate $139,000 in taxes for Special
Service Area Number Eight.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
14. Approve Appointment to City Boards/Commissions
Mayor Suess moved and Councilman Rutledge seconded that Rochelle Favale be appointed to
the Housing Commission for a three-year term.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
15. Adopt Resolution R-2019-108, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No.
97 with Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Removal Services
for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $55,000
Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that Resolution R-2019-
108, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 97 with Chicagoland Paving
Contractors, Inc. for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Removal Services for a Total Amount Not to
Exceed $55,000, be adopted.
City Manager Dzugan stated the City received six bids for milling services. He stated these
services are part of the Public Works Department’s paving operations, and stated it is more
efficient to have a contractor perform these services.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
16. Adopt Resolution R-2019-109, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of the
Replacement and Upgrade of Itron Equipment and Software from Midwest Meter, Inc. for a
Total Amount Not to Exceed $35,400
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Resolution R-2019-109, A
Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of the Replacement and Upgrade of Itron Equipment and
Software from Midwest Meter, Inc. for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $35,400, be adopted.
City Manager Dzugan stated the purchase relates to an upgrade for the City’s water meter
reading system software.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
17. Waive First Reading and Pass Ordinance No. O-2019-69, An Ordinance Amending Article
II “Drug Paraphernalia” Sub-Sections 42-46 and 42-47 of Chapter 42 “Offenses and
Miscellaneous Provisions” of the Wheaton City Code
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilman Barbier Seconded to Waive a First Reading and
that Ordinance No. O-2019-69, An Ordinance Amending Article II “Drug Paraphernalia” Sub-
Sections 42-46 and 42-47 of Chapter 42 “Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions” of the
Wheaton City Code, be passed.
City Manager Dzugan advised the proposed ordinance establishes City Code provisions in
preparation for the new Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. He stated the most significant
component of the ordinance is that violations in the new law would be considered local
ordinance violations with approval of this ordinance.
In response to Councilman Barbier, City Attorney Knippen stated the ordinance would be
effective upon passage but enforcement would not happen until January 1, 2020. City Attorney
Knippen confirmed for Councilman Zaruba that the ordinance mirrors the State statute.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
18. Adopt Resolution R-2019-110, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Contract No.
105 with Management Partners for Strategic Planning Services for a Total Amount Not to
Exceed $38,950
Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that Resolution R-
2019-110, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Contract No. 105 with Management
Partners for Strategic Planning Services for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $38,950, be adopted.
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
City Manager Dzugan stated approval of the proposed resolution would be the start of the
City’s Strategic Planning process.
In response to Councilwoman Fitch, City Manager Dzugan confirmed this contract goes beyond
the original scope. Councilwoman Fitch stated she does not support the additional scope of this
work.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Nays: Councilwoman Fitch
Absent: None
Motion Carried
19. Adopt Resolution R-2019-111, A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Settlement
Agreement and Release Between the City of Wheaton and Morningside Wheaton, LLC
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Zaruba seconded that Resolution R-2019-111, A
Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign a Settlement Agreement and Release Between the
City of Wheaton and Morningside Wheaton, LLC, be adopted.
City Manager Dzugan advised that with the adoption of this resolution, a two plus year legal
process comes to a successful conclusion. He thanked Attorneys Knippen and Black for their
efforts to resolve this matter.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
20. Council Comment
Councilwoman Bray-Parker stated she and Councilman Barbier attended the League of Women
Voter’s luncheon and thanked them for providing such a great service to the citizens of
Wheaton.
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Councilwoman Robbins stated she participated in the Christmas Sharing event at Gary
Methodist Church. She stated 142 families were helped at that event and she thanked Wheaton
residents for their generosity for contributing to this program.
Mayor Suess stated that he visited a number of schools in connection with District 200’s
Excellence Project and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the students. He recently
visited Lincoln School and had a great experience with the students there.
Mayor Suess expressed his thanks and appreciation to City staff members for their work
throughout the year, as well as the volunteers on the City’s boards and commissions, as well as
his fellow Council members. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
21. Approval of Warrant
Councilman Rutledge moved and Councilman Barbier seconded that Warrant No. 766 in the
amount of $1,684,090.92, be approved.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
22. Adjournment
Councilwoman Fitch moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that the regular Wheaton
City Council Meeting be adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Fitch
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Rutledge
Councilman Zaruba
Councilman Barbier
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Nays: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried Unanimously
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WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
December 16, 2019
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Barrett-Hagen
City Clerk
Submitted for Approval: January 6, 2020
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