HomeMy Public PortalAbout09-11-2023 COW Minutes ap/01,a-2,4ek `74.5-k:)
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President
and the Board of Trustees
Held on September 11, 2023
In the Boardroom
Mayor Argoudelis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board present: Mayor Argoudelis,
Trustee Bonuchi, Trustee Kalkanis, Trustee Kiefer, Trustee Larson, Trustee Ruane, and Trustee
Wojowski. Others present: Joshua Blakemore, Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk; Dan
Biermann, Water Superintendent; Jon Proulx, Planning Director; Jake Melrose, Economic
Development Director; Traci Pleckham, Management Services Director; and Robert Miller, Chief of
Police. There were approximately 35 persons in the audience.
Trustee Bonuchi moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on
August 28, 2023. Second by Trustee Wojowski. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Argoudelis proclaimed September 11, 2023 as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and
Remembrance. Mayor Argoudelis presented plaques to the Plainfield Police Department, Plainfield
Fire Protection District, and Plainfield Emergency Management Agency thanking them for their
service.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Larson:
• Thanked the first responders for their service.
• Requested Board input on discussion of an ordinance regarding campaign contributions at a
future Committee of the Whole Workshop. Mayor Argoudelis called Trustee Larson out of
order. Mayor Argoudelis stated that she could not poll the Board and if any of the Trustees
supported discussion of a campaign disclosure ordinance that they could indicate support
during their individual comments and not by being polled.
Trustee Wojowski:
• Stated that he would support discussion on a campaign contribution ordinance.
• Thanked the first responders for their service.
Trustee Bonuchi:
• Indicated support for discussion on a campaign contribution ordinance.
• Stated that first responders are heroes and thanked them for their service.
Trustee Kiefer stated that it is important to recognize the Police, Fire, first responders, and emergency
management for the work they do currently and the sacrifices of those in the past.
Trustee Ruane:
• Thanked all the first responders for their service.
• Stated that he believes in transparency and supports discussion on a campaign disclosure
ordinance.
• Commented on the response of unity the day after the 9/11 attacks.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes— September 11, 2023
Page 2
Trustee Kalkanis:
• Thanked the first responders for their service.
• Indicated support discussion on a campaign disclosure ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nora Gruenberg expressed concern regarding rental regulation ordinance and crime free addendum.
WORKSHOP
1) PLAINFIELD AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION
Representatives of the Plainfield Area Public Library gave a presentation highlighting their $10.5
million self-financed renovation and expansion plan. Representatives reviewed the goals of this
renovation including improving the overall efficiencies of the building and the spaces; making the
building fully ADA-compliant and accessible; adding a drive-up window for service; adding study
rooms of varying sizes; and including public and staff space on the ground level. Representative
stated that the renovation will include shifting the entrance to the building further north, removing the
large central staircase, enlarging one of the program rooms, adding five study rooms and adding
about 3,500 square feet on the ground level for the entrance, lobby and the drive-up service window.
Representatives pointed out that to retain the same amount of parking for the community, the parking
lot will be expanded onto an adjacent Library-owned residential property.
Trustee Larson congratulated the library on self-funding the project and noted that parking is going to
be a necessity. Trustee Bonuchi stated that the plan was a great use of space and looks great. Trustee
Ruane stated that he likes the layout and architecture and stated that it potentially needs more
parking. Trustee Wojowski stated that he likes how it looks. Trustee Kalkanis stated that it looks
great. Trustee Kiefer indicated support for moving forward.
Mayor Argoudelis thanked the representatives for the presentation.
2) RENTAL REGULATION ORDINANCE
Village staff presented a draft residential rental regulation ordinance.
Trustee Kalkanis expressed concern enforcement. Trustee Wojowski expressed concern regarding
the intrusiveness of ownership of rental properties. Trustee Larson expressed several concerns
including mold disclosures, collecting information regarding Trusts and registered agents, potential
public access to collected private information, timelines, inspections, impact on older homes,
legalities, residency of property owners. Trustee Ruane expressed concern regarding the
invasiveness of rental property ownership. He likes the concept of the ordinance, but it needs to be
tweaked. Trustee Kiefer questioned the impact on short-term rentals. Mayor Argoudelis stated that
he likes the concept of the rental regulation ordinance but expressed concern regarding invasiveness
of rental property ownership and potential financial burden.
Staff will continue working on the ordinance and bring it back to the Board.
Mayor Argoudelis read the reminders.
Trustee Bonuchi moved to adjourn to Executive Session as permitted under the Open Meetings Act
under Section 2(c)(11) to discuss pending litigation, not to reconvene. Second by Trustee Larson.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes— September 11, 2023
Page 3
Vote by roll call. Bonuchi, yes; Kalkanis, yes; Kiefer, yes; Larson,yes; Ruane, yes; Wojowski,yes.
6 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
Trustee Ruane moved to adjourn. Second by Trustee Bonuchi. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk