City Council Planning Sessions

Monday, June 27, 2022 1. Call to Order The Wheaton City Council Planning Session was called to order at 9:11 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Fitch. The following were: Physically Present: Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Councilwoman Fitch Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Absent: Mayor Suess City Staff Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer Betsy Adamowski, Library Executive Director 2. Public Comments Steven Fisher, 812 Parkside, stated the new sidewalk project for his area is not listed on the City’s website, and he has not received an update on when sidewalks will be added to his street. Mr. Fisher stated there are flooding issues on his street and the residents on the street do not want sidewalks. He stated that when the City is putting in sidewalks, he would like for the City to also restore a ditch system to help with stormwater issues. Steve Benzy, 825 Parkside, stated he would like for the City to jet the culverts under driveways on his street to reduce flooding. He also discussed sanitary sewer issues near his property that he believes are related to an underground vault that was installed. Tony Stefancic, 961 Royal Glen Lane, Carol Stream, stated he thinks the City needs to offer more economic incentives for commercial developers to want to bring their businesses to Wheaton. Gabriella Reczek, 428 S. West St., stated she would like for the City to limit public comments at City Council meetings to Wheaton residents. 3. Approval of Planning Session Minutes – May 23, 2022 The Council approved the May 23, 2022 City Council Planning Session minutes. 4. City Council Election District Boundaries City Manager Dzugan stated the City recently received the 2020 Census data, which affects the City’s districts. The City created the four districts in 1993 based on the 1990 U.S. Census and sought to have as close to an equal number of residents in each district, known as the ideal number. Based on population changes, the City redistricted after receiving the 2000 Census data, because there was an 11.9% difference June 27, 2022 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES from below ideal to above ideal among districts. The City has not redistricted since then, and the 2020 Census numbers show a 15.5% difference in deviation among districts. City Manager Dzugan reviewed 6 proposed guiding goals to help staff create a proposed redistricting map for their consideration. He sought the Council’s direction on the goals and whether to pursue redistricting. Council members expressed support for redistricting and expressed support for the proposed guiding goals. Other areas Council members suggested could be incorporated into the guiding goals included: minimizing the number of residents who would change districts; looking for opportunities to square off boundaries in logical places, such as along major roads; and creating consistency with school boundaries if possible. 5. Regulatory BCCs Feedback City Manager Dzugan stated in response to a March 15 letter to regulatory boards and commissions, five boards and commissions provided feedback. Among the Planning and Zoning Board’s suggestions were changing term limits for members to 5 years, eliminating a term limit for chairperson and making the board exempt from solicitation. City Manager Dzugan stated staff believes the duties of the Group Care Home Commission could be completed by staff, as there is little that needs to be done by the commission. City Manager Dzugan stated the Library had many comments, and he believes their concerns can be worked through with staff, but he is seeking the Council’s direction regarding their comments on the City Council approval of bylaws. The Council expressed support for the Planning and Zoning Board’s suggestions except for the 5-year terms for members. The Council expressed support for 3-year terms for the Planning and Zoning Board to be consistent with all other boards and commissions, stating that members can continue to be reappointed. The Council expressed support with City staff completing the work of the Group Care Home Commission. In response to a council question about the Library’s bylaws review, Council members stated the intent was to ensure that there was some form of legal review of the bylaws built into the process consistent with state statute. City Manager Dzugan stated staff would work with the Library on proposed wording changes that would address their concerns, and they would present this for the Council’s review. In response to a Council question, Library Executive Director Adamowski stated the bylaws are updated approximately every two years, and the board sends it to their attorney for review. 6. City Council/City Staff Comments Councilwoman Bray-Parker encouraged everyone to vote in the June 28 Primary Election. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Bishel