City Council Meetings

WHEATON CITY COUNCfL PROCEEDINGS MAYOR M'HLIP j. SUESS COUNCILWOMAN ERICA BRAY-PARKER i COUNCILWOMAN LEAH BRICE i COUNCILMAN SCOH BROWN COUNCILMAN BRADLEY CLOUSING {COUNCILWOMAN LVNN ROBEINS i COUNCILMAN SCOI'I WELLER WHEATON CITY HALI..., COUNCII. CHAMBERS, 50:3 W WESLEV STREET" WHEATON, ILLINOIS 6018? Monday, April 20, 2026 1. Call to Order and Roll Call The regular Wheaton City Council Meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Philip J. Suess. Upon roll call, the following were: Physically Present: Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Absent: None City Staff Physically Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager William Kolschowsky, Assistant City Manager Dawn Didier, City Attorney James Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development Holly Schulz, Director of Human Resources Joseph Tebrugge, Director of Engineering Jason Ackerlund, Forestry Superintendent Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk City Staff Electronically Present: None 2. Presentation Mayor Suess delivered a proclamation in honor of Arbor Day 2026, after which Forestry Superintendent Ackerlund shared that the City is responsible for 20,067 trees. He also announced that the Arbor Day Celebration will take place at Lincoln Elementary School on Friday, April 24 at 10:00 AM. 3. Citizens to be Heard Jim Sourek, Lisle resident, opposed the kratom ban. He stated the City’s blanket ban of kratom will not eliminate the use and only push consumers to purchase it from other sources. Michael Fasano, a kratom tea consumer of the natural leaf, opposed the kratom ban stating it has helped him manage chronic insomnia, joint pains and ADHD. 4. Consent Agenda Councilwoman Bray—Parker moved and Councilman Brown seconded that the following action be taken on the Consent Agenda items: WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 1. Approve the Minutes of the Wheaton City Council Regular Meeting — April 6, 2026, as submitted. 2. First Reading ofAn Ordinance Amending the Official Motor Vehicie and Traffic Scheduie Vi (Chapter 70) for the City of Wheaton — Howard Street. 3. Resolution R-2026-32, A Resoiution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 608 with V3 Companies, Ltd. for Professional Engineering Services for the Stormwater Lift Station Rehabiiitation -Lake A Project for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $46,827 and a 10% Contingency, be adopted. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Counciiwoman Bray-Parker Counciiwoman Brice Counciiman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Counciiwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Nay$ None Absent None Motion Carried Unanimousiv 5. Pass Ordinance 0-2026-19, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton Chapter 42 ”Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions”, Article ll “Cannabis, Controlled Substances, Paraphernalia” by Adding Provisions Relating to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Products and Other Psychoactive Substances Councilman Weller moved and Councilman Clousing seconded that 0—2026-19, An Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wheaton Chapter 42 ”Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions”, Articie ii ”Cannabis, Controlled Substances, Paraphernalia" by Adding Provisions Relating to Tetrahydrocannabino| (THC) Products and Other Psychoactive Substances, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the City Council had a first reading ofthe ordinance on April 4 to amend Chapter 42 implementing regulations on THC products. He advised the proliferation of these products, complaints received from residents, absent regulation, and the City’s inability to provide meaningful enforcement has prompted the development ofthis ordinance like many other municipalities. He noted that SB 3160 proposes state legislation to prohibit the sale of kratom. Pete Olander, founder and CEO of Happie Beverages, lnc. in Wheaton, advised the proposed ordinance would make it unlawful for him to operate a portion of his business out of Wheaton. He noted his support of the spirit of the ordinance, but advised kratom extracts and nitrous oxide are different than tetrahydrocannabinols and other synthetically derived psychoactive compounds. He stated the broad language targets a compliant Wheaton business for problems it did not create and raised points pertaining to various federal regulations. Melody Woolf, shared the benefits of kratom noting the importance of distinguishing the difference of kratom from 7-OH. She stated that the FDA, HHS and federal government don’t intend to ban kratom, and encouraged the City Council to follow the HHS and FDA pertaining to kratom. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 Misty Brown, kratom consumer advocate and activist stated the FDA, HHS and DEA are not after natural kratom. She stated probiems in communities stem from synthetic 7-OH products. She suggested that the City Council ban synthetic 7—OH but save the natural leaf kratom. Halid Xhelaj, an owner of Wake N Bake Smoke Shop in Wheaton, advised the ordinance wiil have a negative impact to his business. He stated the City’s resources should focus on the businesses selling unregulated products and selling products to underage consumers. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Counciiman Brown Mayor Suess Counciiman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Nays: None Absent: None Motion Ca rried Unanimousiv 6. Pass Ordinance 0-2026-20, An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an lntergovernmentai Agreement Between the Village of Glen Ellyn and the City of Wheaton Regarding Jurisdictional Boundaries Councilman Brown moved and Councilman Clousing seconded that 0-2026—20, An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of an lntergovernmental Agreement Between the Village of Glen Ellyn and the City of Wheaton Regarding Jurisdictional Boundaries, be passed. City Manager Dzugan announced that, after three years, the boundary agreement between Wheaton and Glen Ellyn is set for formal review. He confirmed Glen Ellyn will address the agreement at their April 27 meeting, and advised if both municipalities approve, de-annexation and annexation ofthe certain parcels can proceed. City Manager Dzugan explained to Councilwoman Bray—Parker that staff had previously discussed plans for a townhome development during an earlier Planning Session. However, he noted that the agreement is drafted to allow for any type of development. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 7. Pass Ordinance 0-2026-21, An Ordinance Amending the Pay Schedules for Officers, Assistants and Employees of the City of Wheaton, Illinois Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that 0-2026-21, An Ordinance Amending the Pay Schedules for Officers, Assistants and Employees of the City of Wheaton, lllinois, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the ordinance amends pay schedules for May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, for positions not in collective bargaining units. He clarified the adjustments are recommended to maintain competitive pay scales with peer communities. He noted the City reviewed department head ranges and found an additional market adjustment was necessary to maintain ranges in the 50m percentile of peer communities. He stated that department head increases are based upon a performance review and are not automatic. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 8. Pass Ordinance 0-2026-22, An Ordinance Granting a Rezoning, Building Setback Variation and an Amendment to an Existing Special Use for a Building Primarily Devoted to Religious Worship at 520 E. Roosevelt Road to Include 431, 529 and 533 Pershing Avenue — Wheaton Free Evangelical Church N/K/A Compass Church Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that 0-2026-22, An Ordinance Granting a Rezoning, Building Setback Variation and an Amendment to an Existing Special Use for a Building Primarily Devoted to Religious Worship at 520 E. Roosevelt Road to lnclude 431, 529 and 533 Pershing Avenue — Wheaton Free Evangelical Church N/K/A Compass Church, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the Council directed the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to approve the application for Compass Church, noting the inclusion of the four conditions as set by the Planning and Zoning Board. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 9. Pass Ordinance 0-2026-23, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Building Primarily Devoted to Religious Worship at 610 E. Roosevelt Road for Temporary Use During Construction at 520 E. Roosevelt Road — Wheaton Evangelical Free Church N/K/A Compass Church Councilman Clousing moved and Councilwoman Bray-Parker seconded that O-2026-23, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Building Primarily Devoted to Religious Worship at 610 E. Roosevelt Road for Temporary Use During Construction at 520 E. Roosevelt Road — Wheaton Evangelical Free Church N/K/A Compass Church, be passed. City Manager Dzugan explained that the ordinance allows a temporary special use permit for religious worship at 610 E. Roosevelt Road during construction at 520 E. Roosevelt Road. He advised that in addition to the two Planning and Zoning Board recommendations, staff added a third for the permit to be valid for 24 months from the building permit date or until the church's certificate of occupancy is obtained. Roil Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: None Motion Ca rried Unanimously 10. Pass Ordinance O-2026-24, An Ordinance Amending Ordinances E-4006 and F-2042 703 and 705 W. Liberty Drive — DuPage PADS Councilwoman Brice moved and Councilman Brown seconded that O—2026—24, An Ordinance Amending Ordinances E—4006 and F-2042 703 and 705 W. Liberty Drive — DuPage PADS, be passed. City Manager Dzugan stated the ordinance includes six conditions from the Planning and Zoning Board, noting a recommendation from staff to add an additional condition requiring documentation to be sent to the City annually on DuPage PADS ability to fund the overnight operations. in response to Councilman Weller, April Redzik, President and CEO of DuPage PADS advised they plan to meet with the Police and Fire chiefs for an initial walkthrough on the development of a public safety plan. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 Councilwoman Bray-Parker Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 11. Receive Planning & Zoning Report Re: ZA #26-10/ Special Use Permit/ 800 Centennial Drive/ Wheaton College Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Brown seconded that Planning & Zoning Report Re: ZA #26- 10/ Special Use Permit/ 800 Centennial Drive/ Wheaton College, be received. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously Pass Ordinance 0-2026-25, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow the Construction and Use of a New Wheaton College Parking Lot Just North of North Harrison Hall, all on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 800 Centennial Drive — Wheaton College Councilwoman Bray-Parker moved and Councilman Brown seconded that 0-2026-25, An Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Allow the Construction and Use of a New Wheaton College Parking Lot Just North of North Harrison Hall, all on a Certain Piece of Property Commonly Known as 800 Centennial Drive — Wheaton College, be passed. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 12. Adopt Resolution R-2026-33, A Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code (2026 Road, Sewer, and Water Rehabilitation Program) WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Weller seconded that R-2026-33, A Resolution for improvement Under the lllinois Highway Code (2026 Road, Sewer, and Water RehabHitation Program), be adopted. City Manager Dzugan stated that the resolution outlines the proposed allocation of $3.5 miHion from the City's Motor Fuel Tax funds. He noted that Exhibit A provides a detailed list of the designated projects. Roll Cali Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 13. Adopt Resolution R-2026-34, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 610 with R.W. Dunteman Company for Construction Services for the 2026 Road, Sewer, and Water Rehabilitation Program for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $5,513,388.67 and a 5% Contingency Councilman Clousing moved and Councilwoman Brice seconded that R-2026-34, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 610 with R.W. Dunteman Company for Construction Services for the 2026 Road, Sewer, and Water Rehabilitation Program for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $5,513,388.67 and a 5% Contingency, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan reported two bids for the program were received, noting the project scope was reduced by about $1.2 million. He stated that despite this, costs remain $670,000 above the 2026 budget but noted capital project funds can cover it. He warned the fund is strained, yet staff is confident in proceeding. He highlighted Exhibit A lists the projects covered by the bid, with Driving Park reconstruction deferred to next year. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 14. Adopt Resolution R-2025-35, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 609 with R.W. Dunteman Company for Construction Services for the Gables Bouievard Reconstruction Project for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $1,514,000 and a 10% Contingency Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Brown seconded that R—2026—35, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Agreement No. 609 with R.W. Dunteman Company for Construction Services for the Gables Boulevard Reconstruction Project for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $1,514,000 and a 10% Contingency, be adopted. City Manager Dzugan reported three bids were received for the project, after a previous round had only one bid at $1.8 million, exceeding the 2026 budget of $800,000. He noted the City will receive a $325,000 grant. He reported Gables is in very poor condition, and reserves in the capital projects fund will be used to proceed. Councilwoman Robbins confirmed the poor condition of Gables. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 15. Receive Proposals Re: French Market Retaining Wall America250 Mural Concept from the Fine and Cultural Arts Commission Councilwoman Bray—Parker moved and Councilwoman Brice seconded that Proposals Re: French Market Retaining Wall America250 Mural Concept from the Fine and Cultural Arts Commission, be received. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously City Manager Dzugan advised the Fine and Cultural Arts Commission recommended a proposal submitted by Botts & Swider-Peltz called Wheaton: Your Hometown, for the mural to be painted on the retaining wall just \ north of the pavilion. He stated that staff seeks the City Council’s direction. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 Randy King, Fine and Cultural Arts Commission member, stated the Commission recommended Botts & Swider—Peltz, both of which are local artists that teach in the arts program at Wheaton College. He confirmed the artists will work with the Commission to finalize the plans. in response to Mayor Suess, Mr. King advised the mural would last approximately 10 to 12 years. City Manager Dzugan advised staff will return to the Council with a contract for approval. Mr. King told Councilwoman Bray-Parker that the Commission voted to recommend Botts & Swider-Peltz from the three finalists because their design reflected Wheaton’s history and highlighted key aspects of its development through typography and images. He noted the Commission would like to see the other 145 feet filled out noting that Peru had proposed a painting for a cost of $30,000 included in the Commission’s 2026 plan. Councilwoman Bray-Parker advised she’d like to see some additional specific Wheaton icons be included and incorporated in the design. Councilman Brown advised he was pleased to see local artists submit proposals. Mayor Suess noted the artists captured Wheaton's history and vision without making it feel dated, ensuring lasting relevance. Motion to accept the recommendation of the Fine and Cultural Arts Commission and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary documents to proceed as recommended. Councilman Brown moved and Councilwoman Brice seconded a motion to accept the recommendation of the Fine and Cultural Arts Commission and direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary documents to proceed as recommended. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray—Parker Councilwoman Brice Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously City Manager Dzugan reported that the Community Relations Commission requested $13,000 to install 30 flags and light post clamps in Downtown Wheaton. He noted concerns about the cost and asked the Council for input. Councilwoman Bray—Parker mentioned that the City currently supports the remarkable Field of Honor. Mayor Suess conveyed reservations regarding the approval of the expenditure, while also acknowledging the effective implementation of flag installations in the Downtown planters for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS Monday, April 20, 2026 16. CounciIComment Mayor Suess extended his appreciation to Madison Schooi for the invitation to participate in Career Awareness Night. He acknowledged the presence of representatives from the City's Fire and Police departments, and commended Susan Bishel for her efforts in coordinating the City’s exhibit. 17. Approval of Warrant Counciiwoman Bray-Parker moved and Counciiwoman Brice seconded that Warrant No. 918 in the amount of $2,619,142.77, be approved. Roli Call Vote: Ayes: Counciiwoman Bray-Parker Counciiwoman Brice Counciiman Brown Mayor Suess Counciiman Clousing Counciiwoman Robbins Counciiman Weller Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously 18. Adjournment Counciiwoman Brice moved and Counciiman Brown seconded that the regular Wheaton City Council Meeting be adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilwoman Bray-Parker Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously R pectfully submitted, MM Andrea Rosedale City Clerk Submitted for Approval: May 4, 2026 10