City Council Meetings

WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS MAYOR W‘HUP J, SUESS COUNCILWOMAN ERICA [SR/\VPARKER 1 COUNC!LWOMAN [LN-i BRICL E COUNCILMAN SCO'I 1 EROWN COUNCILMAN i3RAI‘JI..E\’ CIGUSINCI I COUNCILWOMAN L‘I’NN ROBBINS I COUNCILMAN SCO'II \N’ELLER IIJHEJ‘ITON CITY HALI . COUNCIE CHAMBFRS, m5 W WFSI EV STREET WHEATON, ILLINOIS (jOIW Monday, December 15, 2025 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 rol| call, the following were: Physically Present: Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilman Brown Absent: Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Brice City Staff Physicaliy Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager Wiliiam l<olschowsky, Assistant City Manager Dawn Didier, City Attorney Robert BriH, Fire Chief James Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development Robert Lehnhardt, Director of Finance Holly Schulz, Director of Human Resources Joseph Tebrugge, Director of Engineering Princeton Youker, Chief of Police Erik Berg, Management Analyst Samuel Webb, Public Works Fleet Superintendent Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk City Staff Electronically Present: None 2. Presentations Mayor Suess presented the St. Francis High School Boys Football Team State Championship Day Proclamation to the St. Francis High School Boys Football Team. Coach Bob McMillen expressed gratitude to the City of Wheaton for recognizing the team and school. He expressed appreciation to the boys on the team for their efforts. Mayor Suess presided over the swearing-in ceremonies of Police Officer Alejah M. Adams, Police Officer Tommaso E. Ballone, and Police Officer Remy A. Delgado, each preceded by remarks from Police Chief Youker. 3. Citizens to be Heard None. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 4. Consent Agenda Councilwoman Robbins moved and Counciiman Weller seconded that the following action be taken on the Consent Agenda item: 1. Approve the Minutes of the Wheaton City Council Reguiar Meeting — December 1, 2025, as submitted. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Counciiwoman Robbins Counciiman Weiler Counciiwoman Bray-Parker Counciiman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: Counciiwoman Brice Counciiman Ciousing Motion Carried Unanimousiy 5. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-52, An Ordinance Adopting the City of Wheaton Calendar Year 2026 Budget Councilman Brown moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that 0—2025—52, An Ordinance Adopting the City of Wheaton Calendar Year 2026 Budget, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the Council held the Public Hearing for the 2026 Budget on December 8. He expressed gratitude to the City’s staff and especially the Finance Department for their hard work. in response to Mayor Suess, Director Lehnhardt confirmed the budget reflects $160.8 million in revenue and $153.1 million in expenses. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Nays: None Absent: Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Brice Motion Carried Unanimously 6. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-53, An Ordinance Levying Taxes for General and Special Corporate Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026 for the City of Wheaton, Illinois Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that O-2025—53, An Ordinance Levying Taxes for General and Special Corporate Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026 for the City of Wheaton, lllinois, be passed. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 City Manager Dzugan reported the first reading of the Ordinance was on December 1. He confirmed the levy includes a 3% increase which has a $35 impact for a cash valued property of $550,000. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously 7. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-54, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number Three Councilman Weller moved and Councilman Brown seconded that 0-2025-54, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number Three, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the first reading of the Ordinance was on December l. He confirmed the levy is unchanged for SSA 3, which provides for the maintenance of open spaces within the Streams Subdivision. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously 8. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-55, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number Nine Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Brown seconded that 0-2025—55, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2026 in and for the City of Wheaton Special Service Area Number Nine, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the first reading of the Ordinance was on December 1. He noted the initial levy for SSA 9 is $500,000, with $325,000 allocated to the Downtown Wheaton Association and $175,000 to the City to cover extraordinary services in the area. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimouslv 9. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-56, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton, Appendix B (Fee Schedule), Section B-8, Public Works Water and Sewer Rates and Fees Councilman Weller moved and Councilwoman Bray—Parker seconded that 0-2025-56, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton, Appendix B (Fee Schedule), Section B—8, Public Works Water and Sewer Rates and Fees, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the first reading of the Ordinance was on December 1. He confirmed the Ordinance amends the water rates and fees to align the City’s rate increase to that of the DuPage Water Commission noting that currently residents would see 2 annual increases in January and June. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously 10. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-57, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 “Administration", Article VI ”Personnel", Division 1 ”Generally", Section 2-481 ”Employee Rules and Regulations Adopted” Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Brown seconded that 0—2025-57, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 ”Administration”, Article Vi ”Personnel”, Division 1 ”Generally”, Section 2-481 ”Employee Rules and Regulations Adopted”, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the City Employee Manual has been updated effective January 1, 2026 to include two amendments related to Illinois law changes. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 Councllman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: Counciiwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimousiv 11. Adopt Resolution R-2025-97, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Wheaton and the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation ”Ride DuPage” Program Authority for the Counciiwoman Bray—Parker moved and Councilman Brown seconded that R—2025-97, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Wheaton and the ”Ride Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority for the DuPage” Program, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan stated that due to Milton Township no longer leading Ride DuPage, the City must now have its own agreement with PACE to continue funding the program. He said there are no other options to maintain the current service level. He noted that PACE's subsidy has been reduced from 75% to 50% for 2026, doubling the City's cost to $30,000. He mentioned that 2026 will involve evaluating transportation services, with DuPage County studying consolidation of services early in the year. Councilman Brown expressed his support for the review oftransportation services. Mayor Suess expressed disappointment with the RTA’s inability to maintain the previous subsidy level. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously 12. Adopt Resolution R-2025-98, A Resolution for Construction on State Highways Councilman Brown moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that R-2025-98, A Resolution for Construction on State Highways, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan stated the resolution allows the City to perform work in the state of Illinois rights— of-ways such as Roosevelt Road relating to water, sewer mains and traffic signals. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Nays: None Absent: Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Brice Motion Carried Unanimouslv 13. Adopt Resolution R-2025-99, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Service Agreement for Food and Beverage Concessionaire Services at the Coliege Avenue Metra Train Station (303 N. President St.) Between the City of Wheaton and Platform Coffee, LLC Counciiman Welier moved and Counciiman Brown seconded that R~2025-99, A Resoiution Authorizing the Execution of a Service Agreement for Food and Beverage Concessionaire Services at the Coliege Avenue Metra Train Station (303 N. President St.) Between the City of Wheaton and Platform Coffee, LLC, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan confirmed that staff received one proposai for food and beverage services at the Coiiege Avenue train station. He noted the proposai, submitted by a Wheaton resident and owner of Platform Coffee, LLC, set a monthly fee of $600. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously 14. Adopt Resolution R-2025-100, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 582 with MacQueen Equipment LLC for the Purchase of One (1) Replacement Fire Ladder Truck for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $2,284,000 Councilman Brown moved and Councilwoman Bray—Parker seconded that R-2025-100, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 582 with MacQueen Equipment LLC for the Purchase of One (1) Replacement Fire Ladder Truck for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $2,284,000, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan reported the City was presented with an opportunity to purchase a demo 2024 Pierce IOO-foot mid-mount tower truck. He explained, due to the strong resale value of the City’s current rear—mount tower truck, purchasing the demo mid—mount truck is financially advantageous compared to proceeding with the previously ordered 2028 rear—mount truck. He stated the net cost of the demo truck is $1,624,700 after the sale ofthe current truck for $670,000. He further noted that the fleet replacement fund has approximately $1.5 million set aside for the tower truck replacement by the end of 2025, leaving a shortfall of approximately $120,000, which can be covered by the fund. He added that completing the purchase in 2025 will require a budget amendment, which is included on the agenda. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 Chief Brill explained that the mid-mount tower truck provides improved maneuverability, allowing it to be used more effectively in tighter areas. He detailed the truck provides access to areas both below grade and above grade and offers significant operational advantages due to its setup design. He noted the truck can be fully set up by one firefighter in less than 3O seconds, reducing required manpower and aiiowing other firefighters to perform additionai tasks. He noted the truck’s design uses oniy two external outriggers instead of four, increasing its ability to operate in high-traffic or heavily parked areas. Chief Brill reported the truck is equipped with cameras that allow the driver to position the vehicle between parked cars without exiting the cab. He highlighted that once parked, the power takeoff can be activated and the truck set up using a remote control by a single firefighter, saving time and improving efficiency, particularly in downtown areas. He addressed prior concerns with mid—mount ladder trucks, specifically the long rear overhang and associated safety risks, and explained that Pierce Manufacturing resolved this issue with an innovative ladder design introduced after 2022 that collapses to nearly the same length as the City’s current truck. He stated the truck includes rear-steer technology derived from Oshkosh military designs, resulting in improved maneuverability. Overall, he stated the truck is more usable, safer, and operates more like a fire engine, making it well suited for critical areas such as the downtown. ln response to Mayor Suess, Chief Brill confirmed the City’s current tower truck is nearly nine years old, having been purchased in 2017. Mayor Suess expressed support for the purchase noting replacement of the City’s current tower truck would be received sooner than anticipated and would be an improved product. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Nays: None Absent: Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Brice Motion Carried Unanimously 15. Adopt Resolution R-2025-101, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 583 with Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus for the Sale of a 2017 Pierce Fire Apparatus for $670,000 Councilman Weller moved and Councilwoman Robbins seconded that R-2025-101, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 583 with Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus for the Sale of a 2017 Pierce Fire Apparatus for $670,000, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan stated the resolution authorizes the agreement to sell the 2017 fire truck to Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 1 5, 2025 Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Counciiman Ciousing Motion Carried Unanimousiv 16. Pass Ordinance 0-2025-58, An Ordinance Amending the Caiendar Year 2025 Budget Contained in Ordinance No. 0-2024-34 Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that 0-2025-58, An Ordinance Amending the Caiendar Year 2025 Budget Contained in Ordinance No. 0-2024-34, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the Ordinance amends the budget to pay for the fire truck at $2.2 million. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Counciiman Ciousing Motion Carried Unanimousiv 17. Council Comment Councilwoman Bray-Parker wished everyone in Wheaton a Happy Hoiidays and a Happy Hanukkah to those that ceiebrate. She hopes that everyone enjoys time with their friends and famiiy. Councilwoman Robbins wished the community a Happy H0lidays and a Happy New Year. Mayor Suess looked back on a successfui 2025 and thanked the City’s staff and empioyees for their dedication to serving Wheaton‘s residents. He mentioned that Wheaton is fortunate to have the resources needed to do what needs to be done and acknowiedged the community’s appreciation for the services offered. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy hoiiday season. 18. Approval of Warrant Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilman Brown seconded that Warrant No. 910 in the amount of $2,042,370.85, be approved. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, December 15, 2025 Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimouslv 19. Adjournment Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilman Brown seconded that the regular Wheaton City Council Meeting be adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Nays: None Absent: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Clousing Motion Carried Unanimously Res ectfully submitted, Andrea Rosedale City Clerk Submitted for Approval: January 5, 2026