HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-25-2017 COW Minutes appU469-1_, 1°/9/7020/
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President and the Board of Trustees
Held on September 25,2017
At Village Hall
Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board Present: Mayor Collins, Trustee
Lamb, Trustee Larson, Trustee Newton, Trustee Wojowski, and Trustee Bonuchi. Board absent:
Trustee O'Rourke. Others present: Brian Murphy, Administrator; Jim Harvey, Attorney; Michelle
Gibas, Village Clerk; Derek Wold, Engineer; Allen Persons, Public Works Director; Rick Vogel,
Attorney; Jon Proulx, Planning Director; Ken Goska, Building Official; Traci Pleckham,
Management Services Director; and John Konopek, Police Chief. There were approximately 17
persons in the audience.
Trustee Lamb moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on
September 11, 2017. Second by Trustee Larson. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion
carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Collins commented on the Chamber's 5K Run.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Lamb:
• Commented on the recent IML Conference that he attended and referenced a comment from a
keynote speaker, Mike Ditka, pertaining to teamwork. Trustee Lamb stated that the Village
Board, Staff, Plan Commission and Historic Preservation Commission need to get on the
same page to work effectively as a team. Trustee Lamb also commented on a Public Meeting
session that he attended.
Trustee Newton apologized for his outburst at the previous Board Meeting.
Trustee Bonuchi commented on the IML Conference and referenced a session on Public Private
Partnerships.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No Comments.
WORKSHOP
1) RIVERFRONT FOUNDATION
Representatives from the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation gave a presentation highlighting the
Riverfront Foundation. Mr. Rob Epley, Executive Director, reviewed the Mission Statement,
History, Board of Directors, and Former Board Members. Mr. Epley reviewed several projects
including the Education Center/Offices, Natural Wild Flower Area, K-9 Memorial
property improvements/landscaping, Lockport Street Bridge Education sign, Riverfront Plaza
(concrete pad/Electric Park Auditorium), River Trail Lighting, Northwest Riverfront, wooded area
debris removal, enhance power/electrical infrastructure, and exploring further utilization as an event
venue. Mr. Epley stated that the Riverfront Foundation has invested over$301,000 in property
improvements and estimates $180,000 more for 2018. Ms. Jean Brannen, Treasurer for the
Riverfront Foundation reviewed the financial status of the Riverfront Foundation and also reviewed
the Profit and Loss Statement for the Plainfield Fest from 2011 through 2017. Mr. Eric Marsaglia,
Village of Plainfield
Meeting Minutes—September 25, 2017
Page 2
Vice President of the Riverfront Foundation, stated the Foundation is excited to work with the
Village and help achieve the goals identified in the Village's Strategic Plan. Mr. Marsaglia also
encouraged people to volunteer and donate to the Riverfront Foundation.
Trustee Bonuchi thanked the Representatives for the presentation.
Trustee Wojowski stated that he supports the Foundation and thought tax-payer dollars should be
allocated to the Foundation, but expressed concern with the salary of the Executive Director. Mr.
Marsaglia pointed out that it is a flat salary with no benefits and stated that there are just not enough
volunteer hours to be successful without the Director. Ms. Brannen added that the Director is also
responsible for increasing the fundraising dollars for the Foundation. Trustee Wojowski also stated
that he would like to see Foundation stand on their own in regards to costs associated with the
Plainfield Fests.
Trustee Lamb stated that things have fallen quite a bit short of the vision for the Riverfront. We need
to find a way to help the fundraising efforts and capture people's interest.
Trustee Larson thanked the Riverfront Foundation.
Trustee Newton stated that he appreciates the history and has total confidence in the Foundation.
Mayor Collins thanked the Foundation for the presentation.
#2 DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE VILLAGE OWNED PARK N RIDE
PROPERTY
Mr. Allen Persons gave a presentation regarding options related to the future development of the
Village owned property that is north of Lockport Street and east of Van Dyke Road and Wood Farm
Road. Mr. Persons pointed out that previously, the Board provided general direction for staff to
develop a draft Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and conduct a public meeting regarding the possible
formation of a Public Private Partnership (P-3). The staff conducted an informational public open
house on September 14th, whereby exhibits were displayed that depicted the existing site,
PACE Park n Ride. During the public meeting, staff did not receive any negative comments
regarding the possibility of utilizing a public private partnership for the future development of this
site. Mr. Derek Wold reviewed public private partnerships, benefits of public private partnerships,
misconceptions, and examples of public private partnerships in Illinois.
Trustee Lamb inquired about the draft RFQ that was presented in the packet. Mr. Rich Vogel,
Attorney, stated that the while the draft RFQ is not completely identical to another RFQ, everything
in it has been proposed in other RFQ's. Trustee Lamb expressed support for moving forward with
the RFQ.
Trustee Bonuchi expressed support for moving forward with the RFQ.
Trustee Larson suggested having another open house.
Administrator Murphy stated that it is staffs intention to publish the RFQ by Wednesday.
Village of Plainfield
Meeting Minutes—September 25, 2017
Page 3
Mayor Collins read the reminders.
Trustee Lamb moved to adjourn. Second by Trustee Bonuchi. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
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Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk