Public Notices & Hearings

Monday, September 11, 2023 I. Call to Order and Roll Call The public hearing of the Wheaton City Council was called to order at 7 p.m. by Mayor Suess. The public hearing was held in the Council Chambers, Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, Illinois. Upon roll call, the following were: Present: Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Absent: None City Staff Present: Michael G. Dzugan, City Manager John M. Duguay, Assistant City Manager James Kozik, Director of Planning & Economic Development Joseph Tebrugge, Director of Engineering Robert Lehnhardt, Director of Finance Sarang Lagvankar, Senior Project Engineer Al McMillen, Water Superintendent Sean Walsh, Sewer Superintendent Nathan Plunkett, Street Superintendent Halie Cardinal, Public Relations Coordinator II. Public Hearing – ZA #23-16/ PUD Amendment/ Central Athletic Complex – 501 S. Main Street/ Wheaton Park District a. Presentation Wheaton Park District (WPD) Director of Parks and Planning Rob Sperl presented on the Wheaton Park District's request to install two additional lights/poles for softball field #31 at the Central Athletic Complex, 501 S. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187. The WPD is proposing to amend the existing Planned Unit Development (PUD) by Ordinance No. F-1631 for the Central Athletic Complex. The proposed lights/poles would be located adjacent to the infield similar to the other ball fields on the property and the new LED technology of the lights allows for better lighting spill control. The WPD stated that they are proposing to add these lights to improve player safety and enhance game scheduling. The lights/poles, WPD Director of Parks and Planning Sperl stated, will not be  WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES September 11, 2023 injurious to neighboring properties; will not change the current lighting restrictions for the Central Athletic Complex; will concentrate light onto the field; will be oriented south and west; shall not impede the development and improvement of the surrounding properties; shall not cause changes to utilities other than minor electrical improvements; shall not change current parking needs; comply with the City’s Comprehensive Plan; and comply with the applicable requirements of this ordinance. In response to a question from Mayor Suess, WPD Director of Parks and Planning Sperl stated that the WPD is not replacing any of the existing light fixtures as a part of this project. b. Public Comment Frank Moscardini, 47 Marywood Trail, stated he is a Wheaton resident, WPD volunteer, and the WPD Youth Baseball & Softball Board of Control Commissioner. He expressed support for the addition of the new lights/poles which, he stated, will enhance player safety, especially in regard to the shadows currently cast over the field due to the current lighting configuration; increase field usage, especially in regard to the girls’ softball program, which has seen an increase in registrations; and not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods. c. Council Comment Councilman Weller asked for clarification on whether additional games would be scheduled if the proposed infield lighting is added. In response, Director of Parks and Planning Sperl stated that there is variability to the use of the fields, which is why the written submittal regarding the special use standards indicates there will be no additional games or practices as it relates to traffic. WPD Youth Baseball & Softball Board of Control Commissioner Frank Moscardini stated that despite the potential for additional games, the WPD will still honor the lighting and time restrictions of the Central Athletic Complex. III. Adjournment Councilwoman Robbins moved and Councilman Weller seconded a motion to close the public hearing at 7:09 p.m. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Councilwoman Robbins Councilman Weller Councilman Barbier Councilwoman Bray-Parker Councilman Brown Mayor Suess Councilman Clousing Nays: None Absent: None Motion Carried Unanimously Respectfully submitted, Halie Cardinal 2