City Council Planning Sessions

Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 I. Call to Order The Wheaton City Council Planning Session was called to order at 7:18 p.m. by Mayor Suess. The following were: Physically Present: Mayor Suess Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Councilwoman Fitch Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Absent: None City Staff Present: Michael Dzugan, City Manager John Duguay, Assistant City Manager Robert Lehnardt, Director of Finance Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer Halie Cardinal, Public Relations Coordinator Andrea Rosedale, City Clerk II. Public Comment There was no public comment. III. Approval of Planning Session Minutes – October 10, 2022 There were no revisions to the Planning Session Minutes. IV. Review of Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) 2022 Annual Report/2023 Action City Manager Dzugan stated for much of 2022, the City Council completed a comprehensive review of the purpose statements of each of the City’s boards, commissions and committees (BCCs). This culminated in City Code (Chapter 2, Article V) amendments adopted in August of 2022. One of the amendments required each BCC to submit an annual report summarizing proposed actions to carry out their purpose statements for annual City Council review and approval. During this Planning Session, the City Council will review the (BCC) CY 2022 Annual Reports, which include CY 2023 proposed action items tied to purpose statements, and review requested resources. City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Commission on Aging’s 2022 Annual Report. The group’s purpose statements include administering a senior assistance program with funds annually budgeted by the City Council; developing a resource file of services available to seniors; providing advocacy services to seniors; evaluating the needs of all seniors; coordinating services for seniors provided by Federal, State, regional, and local agencies; and promoting community education. He stated that the City Council is seeking clarification on the group’s reference to advocacy services within the third purpose statement. Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission’s 2022 Annual Report. The group’s purpose statements include recommending strategies to the City Council to encourage and foster bicycling and pedestrian opportunities; promoting bicyclist and pedestrian education programs in the school systems and disseminating safety information to the public at-large; making recommendations regarding implementation of the Wheaton Bicycle Plan; and maintaining communications with those agencies, individuals and organizations within the city that advocate bicycling and walking. In response to a question from City Manager Dzugan, Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission Co-chair Michelle Dunlap stated that the group intends to take a more assertive approach with other governing bodies, especially as it relates to proposals that work with state-run roads such as Roosevelt Road. Council members suggested that the group propose amendments to the existing plan versus creating a new plan. In response to a Council question, Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission Co-chair Dunlap stated that the group’s action items for the pedestrian focus of the group are yet to be determined. However, she stated that many of the bike-focused proposals and goals benefit pedestrians. Assistant City Manager Duguay stated that the City plans to install 7 miles of new sidewalks next year, which will in turn benefit the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission and promote safe pedestrian movement. City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Community Relations Commission’s 2022 Annual Report. The group’s purpose statements include developing better relationships among all residents; encouraging and recognizing residents to be service-oriented in the opportunities to assist one another in the community; promoting and supporting initiatives with federal, state and local governmental agencies, commissions, businesses, schools, civic and religious organizations, neighborhood and community events; recognizing and approving honors or awards for persons, firms, or entities that serve or advance understanding, mutual respect, cooperation, and positive relations between and among residents; identifying for the City Council programs or projects which will enhance relationships between city government and its residents; promoting such educational and other programs; and encouraging communications and awareness between the people of Wheaton and its sister cities. City Manager Dzugan suggested that in regard to the first two purpose statements, the group can potentially work with the Fine and Cultural Arts Commission and the Commission on Aging. He stated that for the Good Citizen’s Award, the recipient’s congratulatory letter may come from all City Council members. Community Relations Commission Chair Rachel Bautista stated that there are additional partners which the group will work alongside outside of those listed within the annual report. In response to a Council question, Community Relations Commission Chair Bautista stated the group partially contributes funds for speakers and community events. She stated the determination on funding of speakers is guided by evaluating who is best qualified to speak about a topic and his or her area of expertise. She stated the funding of speakers is not a large expense of the group’s budget. City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Environmental Improvement Commission’s 2022 Annual Report. The group’s purpose statements include studying and advising the City Council on local sustainable initiatives;  Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES educating and actively engaging the Wheaton community regarding the benefits of living environmentally and sustainably; locally facilitating national, state and local programs which affect local awareness of environmental and promote native bio-diverse beautification of the natural environment related issues; disseminating environmental and sustainable information and resources; and creating partnerships with interested parties to help achieve mutually beneficial sustainability goals. Environmental Improvement Commission Chair Ted Witte stated that the monthly recycling event as listed in the Annual Report is one that already occurs and involves recycling electronics. He stated that the group’s native plant sale is a major expense within the budget. However, the funds earned are sent back to the City and each year’s event has always made a profit. City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Fine & Cultural Arts Commission’s 2022 Annual Report. The group’s purpose statements include increasing citizen access to the arts, providing advice and working with the City council to promote fine and cultural arts in the City; fostering and promoting an appreciation of fine arts within the City; reviewing and making recommendations directly to the City Council for art works for public buildings and spaces; and assisting in creating and maintaining a City-wide arts and culture webpage. In response to a Council question, Assistant City Manager Duguay stated that the City has been working with this group on the proposed project to paint the 25 fire hydrants within the downtown. Council members suggested the group consider executing an art fair. In response to a Council question, Public Information Officer Bishel stated that each commission’s webpage has a standard format. However, there is allowance for individuality for each commission’s webpage. City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Historic Commission’s 2022 Annual Report. The group’s purpose statements include promoting awareness of the city’s history and appreciation for the city’s heritage among the citizens of the city; preserving and recording the history of the city through appropriate and feasible means, including the promotion of Preservation Week and recognition of historic landmarks; providing liaison between the city and groups involved in historic preservation; recommending to the City Council appropriate historic programs and projects; informing and educating the citizens of Wheaton concerning the historic and architectural heritage of the City by publishing appropriate maps, newsletters, brochures, and pamphlets, and by holding programs and seminars; and offering opportunity for property owners, owner initiated, to have their properties recognized and identified as historically and architecturally significant properties, structures, and areas. Historic Commission Chair Nancy Flannery stated that the group would like to have an improved webpage, and that there is a new commissioner who would like to increase social media efforts for the Historic Commission. V. City Parks Ordinance Amendments City Manager Dzugan stated that concerns have been expressed regarding the use of City parks. He proposed consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 42, Article IV, City Parks, to address uses permitted in City Parks (Adams Park). He stated the use concerns relate to active- vs. passive-type uses within Adams Park. Some Council members expressed the opinion that the proposed amendments may be too restrictive.  Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES Some Council members suggested the amendments should focus on issues related to safety, property destruction, and that Adams Park is not a reservation space. Other Council discussion of the matter suggested that enforcing the amendments may pose a challenge. Some Council members expressed support for the amendments to ensure Adams Park remains one with passive-type uses. Council members expressed concern about the use of the park for organized group activities. City Manager Dzugan stated staff would prepare updated proposed amendments based on this discussion. VI. Adjournment City Council/Staff Comments Mayor Suess thanked all the Boards and Commissions for their efforts to complete the Annual Reports. He stated that the City Council is appreciative of each member’s interest in service, as their efforts enhance the community. Councilman Barbier concurred with Mayor Suess and stated that the Annual Reports will serve as a valuable tool for each commission and prospective members. Councilwoman Bray-Parker concurred with Councilman Barbier and thanked the commissions for their efforts. Councilwoman Bray-Parker stated that Wheaton North is hosting a music concert on Thursday, Dec. 12, and she wished residents a Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate the holiday. VII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Halie Cardinal