City Council Planning Sessions

Monday, November 24, 2025 I. Call to Order The regular Wheaton City Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Suess. The following were: Physically Present: Mayor Suess Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilwoman Brice Councilman Brown Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Absent: Councilman Clousing City Staff Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager William Kolschowsky, Assistant City Manager Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer Erik Berg, Management Analyst Halie Cardinal, Public Relations Coordinator II. Approval of Planning Session Minutes – October 27, 2025, and Budget Workshop Minutes – November 10, 2025 The Council approved the October 27, 2025, Planning Session and November 10, 2025, Budget Workshop minutes. III. Review of Boards, Commissions, and Committees 2025 Annual Reports City Manager Dzugan introduced the presentation by the Boards and Commission. City Code requires that non-regulatory commissions submit an annual report to City Council outlining their 2025 and 2026 goals. Where appropriate, City staff provided comments on the estimated staff time. Additionally, he asked each commission to consider ideas for America250, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. City Manager Dzugan reviewed the Commission on Aging’s 2025 action items. In 2025, the Commission administered the Senior Assistance Program, reviewed the formula for the stipends, and assessed services available to seniors. In 2026, the commission plans to continue the Senior Assistance program. City Manager Dzugan stated that the commission could not undertake a gap analysis in 2025 but would possibly be able to issue an RFP in 2026 with additional staff support. Band Commission Dorothy Mackie reviewed 2025 action items. The Wheaton Municipal Band provided free live band concerts in Memorial Park and collected nonperishables in collaboration with the People’s Resource Center. Commissioner Mackie informed the Council that the Wheaton Municipal Band has been invited to the American Bandmaster Conference in Chicago. For 2026, the band plans to continue providing free live concerts at community events; for the America250 celebration, the band will provide music at the Fourth of July parade.  Monday, November 24, 2025, CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES In 2025, the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission attended community events to promote bicycle safety, discussed e-bicycle regulation and ADA transition plans with City staff, and consulted with local agencies on grant applications and bicycle regulations. In 2026, the commission seeks a Bicycle Friendly City designation and plans to pursue an RFP for a Multi-Modal Transportation Plan. City Manager Dzugan noted that the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan would require significant cross- department collaboration. Furthermore, the departments that would be involved are already committed in 2026 to revising the City’s zoning ordinance; he stated that this plan could be a feasible goal for 2027. In response to a Council question, Commissioner Co-Chair Michelle Dunlap stated that an updated Bike Plan would provide realistic goals reflecting emerging modes of transportation, such as e-bicycles. Community Relations Commission Chair David Sohmer discussed action items from 2025, including hosting the inaugural Wheaton Block Party, Good Citizens Award, the We Are Women art exhibitions, and the Wheaton Gives Back program. In 2026, the commission plans to continue its 2025 initiatives and renew the Sister City program. In response to Council questions, Commissioner Sohmer stated that the Wheaton Block Party’s focus on Wheaton distinguished it from other City events and that the commission is evaluating opportunities to increase engagement from community partners. In 2025, the Environmental Improvement Commission action items including hosting events including monthly electronics recycling, pumpkin smashing events, the native plant sale, and Prairie Path clean- ups. Environmental Improvement Commissioner Ted Witte stated that these programs will continue in 2026. Additional goals include developing new sustainability initiatives, with a focus on the City’s stormwater programs. Fine Arts and Culture Commission Randy King reviewed 2025 action items including the mural painting on the plaza wall at Lot 3, hosting Make Music Wheaton, and collaboration with community art partners. In 2026, the Commission will host Wheaton Arts Weekend, which will incorporate Make Music Wheaton and City-sponsored art exhibits. The Commission will also discuss how the remaining plaza wall mural could commemorate America 250. Council discussed a potential digital projection-mapping system for the pavilion and directed staff and the commission to develop a financial plan for its funding. Historic Commission Chair Debra Corwin reviewed 2025 action items, including hosting Preservation Month, providing one-on-one consultations with Wheaton homeowners, and identifying qualifying historic properties. In 2026, the Historic Commission plans to continue these programs and identify new opportunities to collaborate with community partners. New initiatives include researching and identifying historically important architectural blueprints, and, for America250, commemorating notable Wheaton anniversaries (e.g., 100th, 200th). IV. Public Comment There was no public comment. V. City Council/Staff Comments  Monday, November 24, 2025, CITY COUNCIL PLANNING SESSION MINUTES Councilwoman Bray-Parker reflected on her attendance at the opening of Scissors and Scotch in Town Square of Wheaton. Councilman Weller wished residents a Happy Thanksgiving and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Boards and Commissions. Mayor Suess invited residents to attend the Adams Park tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 28. VI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Respectfully, Erik Berg