Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee

400 S. Eagle Street City of Naperville Naperville, IL 60540 Meeting Minutes Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee Tuesday, October 1, 2024 7:30 AM NEU A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Friant called the October 1, 2024 Naperville Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) Committee meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. The meeting was held in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) at the Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL. B. ROLL CALL: Present: Grant Cowen; John Cuff (arrived 7:32 a.m.); Jan Erickson (until 7:52 a.m.); Jeff Friant, Chairman; Pat Kennedy; Bill Novack; Tiffani Picco; Johnna Shields; Mike Sullivan (arrived 7:33 a.m. until 8:13 a.m.); and Carl Wohlt Absent: Pam Bartlett; Mary Gibson; and Ian Holzhauer Also Present: Tim Ball, Gary R. Weber and Associates, Inc. (GRWA); Rebecca DeLarme, City staff; Mike DiCristina, Naperville Park District; Brian Dusak, Engineering Resource Associates, Inc. (ERA); Peggy Motta, Naperville Park District; Stephanie Penick, Naperville Riverwalk Foundation; Carl Peterson, GRWA; Eric Shutes, Naperville Park District; and Alice Wood, resident C. PUBLIC FORUM: There were no public comments at this time. D. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Approval of Minutes - Jeff Friant Approve minutes from the August 6, 2024 Planning, Design and Construction Committee meeting Attachments: 24PDCMinutes0806 A motion to approve the August 6, 2024 Planning, Design and Construction Committee meeting minutes was made by Erickson and seconded by Shields. MOTION CARRIED City of Naperville Page 1 Printed on 11/5/2024 Riverwalk Planning, Design and Meeting Minutes October 1, 2024 Construction Committee 2. Park District Report - Tiffani Picco Picco reported that restoration to the Labyrinth at the Riverwalk Amphitheater was completed. She advised that they were able to use extra pavers that were stored with the Park District for some replacements and shared a photo with the group who expressed great appreciation with the results. Picco discussed presenting ideas for planned improvements to the Riverwalk at future PDC Committee meetings for feedback and discussion. She added that these projects would be maintenance-related and would fit within their annual budget. Novack noted the outstanding plan and vision from the Park District staff. Kennedy agreed and discussed the opportunity for outreach for additional funds on projects that align with the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. It was also noted that these projects could be completed within one season. Novack advised that this information will be included with future PDC Committee agenda packets. Picco reported that Park District staff were busy with watering in September and fixing a lot of irrigation breaks. The slope by the covered bridge/Park District Administration Building was completed and photos will be included with next week’s Park District memo for the Riverwalk Commission meeting agenda packet. 3. South Extension Progress Update - Bill Novack Review and provide input regarding the revised plan design addressing the tree line, lighting and riverbank treatment for the South Extension of the Riverwalk Attachments: Agenda Colored plan and cross sections Uncolored plan and cross sections Cross section of Martin Avenue at the river Friant recognized Alice Wood, resident, who stated her objections to the project. Novack noted past discussions and concerns from the August 6th PDC Committee meeting regarding the existing tree line along the river, the impacts of the proposed lights on the houses across the river, and proposed treatment of the riverbank. Dusak, Peterson and Ball reviewed the landscaping and site layout information included in the agenda packet, identifying the locations of tree removals, trees to remain, and replacement trees and shrubs. The shepherd’s crook light fixtures were highlighted in the plan and are spaced at approximately 40’ to 45’ which is typical to other areas of the Riverwalk. ERA is working on shielding to prevent glare to the neighbors to the east City of Naperville Page 2 Printed on 11/5/2024 Riverwalk Planning, Design and Meeting Minutes October 1, 2024 Construction Committee and a sample of a house side shield was distributed. The consultants have met with Park District staff and the City to identify the tree removals and replacements, which are based on the offset line or “no tree” zone due to the overhead utilities. East of the proposed path, bank stabilization treatment will include a variety of grasses and native mixes that are proposed in other areas along the river, specifically the shoreline stabilization plan discussed under New Business. It was suggested that the consultants and/or Park District staff provide the entire group with a brief presentation at a future PDC Committee meeting with more detail on the native species and deep rooted systems with regard to riverbank ecological restoration. Discussion followed on the elevation of the area and the 10 and 100 year flood events, requirements of the County, and the frequency of these events. Snow removal on Washington Street was discussed with it being noted that consideration will be given to any proposed plantings and that the pathway has been pulled further away from the existing walkway. Cuff would like to see more screening from Washington Street with trees, if possible, for privacy to the pathway and homeowners. He discussed the need to soften the areas near the businesses on either side of Hillside Road, possibly with concrete walls. Ball noted that using different sized plant material could create a forest-like feeling in places. Including some type of public art on the wall near the Dunkin’ was discussed with Wood expressing her opposition as she felt it would be prone to graffiti. Peterson noted that the original intent was to keep people moving through this area and they were looking to soften it with vegetation. The possibility of planting vines and using form liners on the exposed wall for a more natural look was also discussed and the group encouraged conversations with the business owner. Wood inquired about security cameras in this area. Novack noted that cameras are located throughout the City and they are in the process of getting onto one system, identifying locations where additional cameras are needed. Picco agreed that the area under the bridge would be a good location for a camera. Novack requested that the consultants plan for an extra conduit to the substation. E. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Shoreline Stabilization Plan - Bill Novack Review and provide input regarding the Naperville Park District’s Shoreline Stabilization plan for the north and east banks of the Riverwalk from Jefferson Avenue to the Naperville Jaycees Playground City of Naperville Page 3 Printed on 11/5/2024 Riverwalk Planning, Design and Meeting Minutes October 1, 2024 Construction Committee Attachments: Park District Narrative for Riverwalk Shoreline Stabilization Plan Shoreline Stabilization Plans Novack discussed the Naperville Park District’s Shoreline Stabilization plan for the north and east banks of the Riverwalk from Jefferson Avenue to the Naperville Jaycees Playground, included in the agenda packet. The Park District is collaborating with DuPage County to protect, restore and manage lands and water within the watersheds of DuPage County. The partnership will assist with improving water quality to benefit residents within the region. The Park District plans to begin the stabilization of the shoreline along this area on the west end where the erosion is severe and the stabilization will benefit the structural integrity of the existing paver pathway. ERA developed the plans and is working to secure permits for the project. The project is scheduled to kick off this fall with tree removal in November, and the remaining work resuming in spring of next year. Motta reviewed the information in detail with the group. Shutes advised that communications on the project will be led by the Park District via press releases, site signage, website postings and social media. The project is scheduled for substantial completion in spring or summer of 2025. F. MEETING SCHEDULE: Riverwalk Commission, October 9, 2024, 7:30 a.m. Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, November 5, 2024, 7:30 a.m. Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL Riverwalk Commission, November 13, 2024, 7:30 a.m. Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL Riverwalk Planning, Design & Construction, December 3, 2024, 7:30 a.m. Municipal Center NEU, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL G. ADJOURNMENT: Kennedy acknowledged that this was the last meeting for Friant as Chairman of the PDC Committee and led the group in thanking Friant for his hard work and leadership. Friant’s last meeting as a Riverwalk Commissioner will be the October 9th meeting. Erickson will be the new PDC Committee Chair, beginning with the November 5, 2024 meeting. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Shields and seconded by Picco. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 a.m. MOTION CARRIED City of Naperville Page 4 Printed on 11/5/2024 Riverwalk Planning, Design and Meeting Minutes October 1, 2024 Construction Committee Respectfully submitted by Rebecca DeLarme, City Staff City of Naperville Page 5 Printed on 11/5/2024