HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-14-2020 COW MinutesMinutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President
and the Board of Trustees
Held on September 14, 2020
Boardroom/Virtual
Trustee Bonuchi called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. Board Present: Trustee Benton, Trustee
Bonuchi, Trustee Calkins, Trustee Kalkanis, Trustee Larson, and Trustee Wojowski. Board Absent:
Mayor Collins. Others Present: Brian Murphy, Village Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village
Clerk; Allen Persons, Public Works Director; Jon Proulx, Planning Director; Jessica Gal, Planner;
Jake Melrose, Economic Development Manager; Lonnie Spires, Building Official; Amy De Boni,
Community Relations Director; Traci Pleckham, Management Services Director; and John Konopek,
Chief of Police.
Trustee Larson moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on
August 24, 2020. Second by Trustee Calkins. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
No Comments.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Larson:
• Expressed gratitude Police Department and to the newly sworn in officers.
• Expressed concern for the businesses that are struggling.
• Expressed dismay that we are still in this phase.
Trustee Wojowski:
• Stated that he agrees with Trustee Larson.
• Stated that he has received several inquiries about Halloween.
Administrator Murphy stated that the Village Staff has been in several meetings expressing concern
regarding the mitigations imposed on Region 7 along with other communities. Staff and Mayor
Collins are of the opinion that a diplomatic approach and positive dialog is the best way to handle the
situation. Administrator Murphy stated that is first and foremost to strike that balance to assist
businesses and to keep residents safe.
Administrator Murphy stated that in the past, the Village has not endorsed Halloween one way or the
other, it has only offered guidelines. Administrator Murphy suggested that the Village take the same
approach this year, and to offer guidelines. If you want to trick or treating, do it; if you don't, don't.
Trustee Bonuchi stated that she agrees that it should be a personal choice.
Trustee Kalkanis questioned pumpkin farms/patches. Administrator Murphy noted that the Village
has not received any applications.
Trustee Larson stated that she too agrees that Halloween should be up to individuals.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Clerk Gibas noted that 15 public comments were submitted:
• Nicole Lawson submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes — September 14, 2020
Page 2
• Bradi O'Rourke submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Lori Bearbower submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• John Barrett submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Ted Brunson submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Amy Pryzbylo submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Chad Mather submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Krystal McPherson submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Erin Zabeth submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Moosoriom submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Danny Ayala submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Christine Martis submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Dilara U submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's COVID-
19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
• Nathalie Ferenzi submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining
• Angela Lewis submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the Governor's
COVID-19 restrictions regarding indoor dining.
WORKSHOP
1) WINTER OUTDOOR DINING OPPORTUNITIES
Mr. Jon Proulx, Planning Director, provided an overview of the current restrictions on outdoor
dining. Mr. Proulx stated that restaurants and bars are prohibited from offering indoor service under
more stringent mitigation measures imposed by the State for Region 7, which includes Will and
Kankakee Counties. Even if the Region is successful in transitioning back to Phase 4, indoor
capacity is limited by the need to provide adequate social distancing between tables. Mr. Proulx
reviewed the outdoor dining guidelines.
Trustee Bonuchi stated that she would like the Village to do as much as possible to help all
businesses and to keep it fair for every business. Trustee Bonuchi expressed concern regarding
liability.
Trustee Larson expressed frustration at the State level of guidelines and stated that a canvas structure
versus sitting inside is not logical. Trustee Larson suggested closing Lockport Street for outdoor
dining and looking into grant funds to be able to offset any implementations necessary to help the
businesses.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes — September 14, 2020
Page 3
Trustee Wojowski expressed concern regarding the stringent mitigation measures imposed by the
Governor and questioned the data provided.
Trustee Benton expressed concern regarding the Will County Health Department's data and data
sharing. Trustee Benton encouraged everyone to practice social distancing and to wear masks.
Trustee Benton also suggested closing Lockport Street.
Mr. Jake Melrose, Economic Development Manager, reviewed available grant programs for
businesses and stated that Region 7 will have priority.
Trustee Kalkanis indicated support for closing Lockport Street for outdoor dining. Trustee Kalkanis
stated that the Governor and Legislature are not going to do anything for the Village and expressed
concern regarding push back. Trustee Kalkanis stated that the Village needs to address solutions on
its own.
Trustee Calkins expressed concern regarding the restrictions. Trustee Calkins supported street
closures as long it is fair to other businesses.
Administrator Murphy stated that staff will work with local businesses to find solutions that are in
everyone's best interest.
2) CENSUS 2020 WRAP-UP
Ms. Jessica Gal, Planner, gave an update on the 2020 Census. Ms. Gal stated that the self -response
rate for the Village is 82.5%. Residents can respond online at www.my2020census.gov or by phone
at 844-330-2020. Responses will be collected until September 30, 2020. Ms. Gal thanked Mayor
Collins and the Village Board for their support and thanked the Complete Count Committee.
3) RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN KICK-OFF
Mrs. Amy De Boni, Community Relations Director, gave an update on the Riverfront Master Plan.
Mrs. De Boni stated that the Riverfront Master Plan Website is now live —
http://www.hlplanning.com/portals/plainfieldriverfrontmasterplan/. The site includes information
about the plan, the project timeline, ways for the community to get involved, and the latest project
news. Mrs. De Boni stated that the Community can share their ideas for the Riverfront through the
online survey and map.social. Mrs. De Boni and Ms. Gal gave a demonstration how to participate in
map.social. Mrs. De Boni stated that as the project progresses, staff will continue to share
information and updates through the Village Newsletter, E-News, social media, and the local news
outlets. Staff anticipates that the plan will be completed in January/February 2021.
Trustee Bonuchi thanked staff and read the reminders.
Trustee Larson moved to adjourn. Second by Trustee Calkins. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed.
Motion carried.
g adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
<431
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk