Riverwalk Commission

400 S. Eagle Street City of Naperville Naperville, IL 60540 Meeting Minutes Riverwalk Commission Wednesday, May 1, 2024 3:00 PM Meet in NEU Annual AMP Walk (East of Eagle St.) A. ROLL CALL: Riverwalk Commission Attendees: Grant Cowen; John Cuff; Pat Kennedy, Chairman; Tiffani Picco; Johnna Shields; Mike Sullivan; and Carl Wohlt Additional Attendees: Tim Ball, GRWA; Jesus Cortez, NCTV; Rebecca DeLarme, City Staff; Brian Dusak, ERA; Rick Hitchcock, former Riverwalk Commission Chairman; Mary Hamill, ACTF; Jo Lundeen, Riverwalk Foundation; Stephanie Penick, Riverwalk Foundation; and Carl Peterson, GRWA B. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Commence Annual Asset Management Plan Walk - Tiffani Picco Picco began the walk at the Youth Plaza at the corner of Eagle Street and Jackson Avenue and continued east along the Riverwalk toward Martin Avenue. The following highlights were noted: 1. Riverwalk Pavers: Picco pointed out the Il Campo pavers in the Youth Plaza, located at the corner of Eagle Street and Jackson Avenue, noting the “wavy” pavers are no longer being made. It was noted that these pavers were installed in 2009 and have held their color well. 2. Banners and Banner Poles: Picco discussed the change from fabric to vinyl banners that was discussed at the April 18th AMP Walk. She is looking for consensus from the group on changing the banner poles before adding any new poles for the South Gateway. She discussed the possibility of a new style of pole that could ratchet up and down so a lift would not be needed and could also be easily accessed if placed in a landscape bed. There are currently eleven Riverwalk banner poles: three in this area (northeast side of Eagle Street and Jackson Avenue); three at Main Street; three on the other side of Eagle Street; one on Aurora Avenue; and one on Jefferson Avenue. City of Naperville Page 1 Printed on 6/19/2024 Riverwalk Commission Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 3. Retaining Wall on low-flow walkway by Youth Plaza: Picco pointed out the crumbling of some of the stone in the corner on the retaining wall beneath the Youth Plaza, noting it is still in good shape but may need to be discussed further if more deterioration occurs. Hitchcock noted past 2031 Master Plan discussions about including some type of artwork and/or lighting underneath the bridge at Eagle Street with Picco pointing out the issue they have with graffiti in the area. The City maintains the area across the river next to City Hall and has used paint that is supposed to be resistant to graffiti. 4. Picnic Tables at Smykal Free Speech Pavilion: The tops are coming up from the tables and it was noted a comment was made about them being uncomfortable to access. Picco asked if there was any significance to the style of the existing tables with Pennick noting they have been there for a very long time. 5. Dandelion Fountain: The Dandelion fountain should be running next week after staff investigates the integrity of the conduit so the lighting may be upgraded to LED. The blue color was discussed and it was questioned if the fountain would be changed to black. 6. Moser Bridge at Webster Street: The wooden slats at the north entrance to the covered bridge were upgraded to metal railing last year to match other railings along the Riverwalk. It was suggested that the slope treatment maintenance in Section 5 be discussed at an upcoming Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Committee meeting. 7. Cutouts on low-flow walkway @ Water Street: Picco advised staff will be placing different native sedge grasses in the three cutouts across the river to see which does best as the area has been underwater a lot this spring. Kennedy noted the grates/drains along the walls for stormwater. 8. Horse Trough Fountain: Picco noted the pumps will be lifted above ground and the basin will be painted black. She reminded the group that when the water is drained in fall, a platform will be built to go in the base over winter until the fountain is turned on again. 9. Fredenhagen Park: Picco discussed the Exchange Club Memories Fountain repairs that would be taking place this year. The group would like to revisit the discussions on restoration of the Ipe wood and other structures and the timing of repairs in City of Naperville Page 2 Printed on 6/19/2024 Riverwalk Commission Meeting Minutes May 1, 2024 relation to the completion of the Washington Street bridge construction. Pennick inquired about the Park District staff cleaning the building display windows. Picco would like attention to be given to the area along the north side of the river on both sides of the covered bridge. 10. 430 South Washington Street: Kennedy advised that the 430 South Washington Street project plans will be revisited by the PDC Committee soon. Picco noted the recent removal of the three cottonwoods near the Burger King and stated that after review of the project design plan they will look to see what improvements can be made in this area. 11. East Extension: Kennedy and Picco pointed out the different easements along the Washington Street side of the east extension noting that some areas are difficult to maintain as the lot lines are not straight and parts of overgrowth are not Riverwalk property. Access for the maintenance vehicles to the east extension was discussed. The proposed bike path from Hillside Road to North Central College that is part of the East Bank Riverwalk project from the 2031 Master Plan was discussed. 12. Hillside Road Gateway: The City-owned property behind the business at the northeast corner of Washington Street and Hillside Road was discussed as part of the Hillside Road Gateway project in the 2031 Riverwalk Master Plan. Peterson discussed the lower walkway access underneath the bridge. 13. South Gateway: Peterson gave an overview of the design plans for the south gateway to the Riverwalk, noting the area where the bike path and walkway would split. The implementation of shade trees in the area was discussed with Picco noting the power lines. The group observed and discussed the site design for the intersection at Martin Avenue and Washington Street. C. ADJOURNMENT: The walk ended at 4:50 p.m. City of Naperville Page 3 Printed on 6/19/2024