HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-23-2023 COW Minutes 111,3 J06a3
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President
and the Board of Trustees
Held on October 23,2023
In the Boardroom
Mayor Argoudelis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board present: Mayor Argoudelis,
Trustee Larson, Trustee Ruane, Trustee Wojowski, Trustee Bonuchi, Trustee Kalkanis, and Trustee
Kiefer. Others present: Joshua Blakemore, Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk; Rich
Vogel, Village Attorney; Scott Threewitt, Public Works Director; Jon Proulx, Planning Director; Jake
Melrose, Economic Development Director; Traci Pleckham, Management Services Director; and
Robert Miller, Chief of Police. There were approximately 30 persons in the audience.
Trustee Kalkanis moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held and
Executive Session on October 9, 2023. Second by Trustee Bonuchi. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0
opposed. Motion carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Argoudelis commented on the community support and fundraising events for the family of
Wadea Al-Fayoume,
Mayor Argoudelis and Representatives from DNA recognized the Plainfield Runners in the Chicago
Marathon.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Bonuchi:
• Congratulated all the runners.
• Commented on the vigil for Wadea Al-Fayoume and thanked all the organizers.
Trustee Larson:
• Congratulated all the runners.
• Stated that she expects to see the Campaign Finance Disclosure Ordinance on the November
13, 2023 Committee of the Whole Workshop. Trustee Larson asked the Village Attorney for
clarification on whether or not three Trustees can place an item on the Agenda. Attorney
Vogel advised that three Trustee should put the request in writing.
Trustee Ruane commented on the vigil for Wadea Al-Fayoume and thanked all the organizers.
Trustee Wojowski commented on the vigil for Wadea Al-Fayoume, thanked all the organizers, and
commented on the Mayor's speech.
Trustee Kiefer commented on the turnout for the vigil for Wadea Al-Fayoume and stated that he felt
the Mayor's speech was moving.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tim Freeman urged the Board to support the sale of cannabis seeds.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes—October 23, 2023
Page 2
WORKSHOP
1) DOWNTOWN GUIDELINES
Administrator Blakemore stated that these guidelines would be a great complimentary policy to the
Village' s Comprehensive Plan and establish a standard that will be known for developers coming in
with projects as the Village considers the potential expanded densities of the Downtown. These types
of standards can also be on redevelopment opportunities as well. One of the themes heard at the
Downtown visioning session was in fact increasing the densities of the Downtown to support and
expand our businesses within the area. With or without the Des Plaines project, these types of
standards are advisable as a piece of the Village' s Downtown planning.
Tim Scovik, JLK Architects, gave a presentation regarding a proposal for Architectural Design
Guidelines consulting services. There was some general discussion regarding the proposal and the
need for guidelines. Trustee Ruane indicated support and felt that the guidelines would be helpful for
the Historic Preservation Commission and developers as long as it is used as a tool and not as
restrictions. Trustee Wojowski did not support the proposal and stated that the Village Board and
Historic Preservation Commission should have a meeting regarding standards. Trustee Kalkanis
indicated support and expressed concern regarding restrictions. Trustee Kiefer indicated support.
Trustee Larson stated that she is not in favor. Trustee Bonuchi stated she is puzzled by this because
we have a historic downtown that is part of a registry and is subject to rules. Mayor Argoudelis
indicated support and stated that this will provide guidelines and standards to put everyone on the
same page.
2) TAX LEVY
Traci Pleckham stated that the first step in the annual tax levy process is to formally acknowledge the
2023 preliminary estimate, primarily for public hearing publication purposes. Tax levy revenue and
rate projections are a product of the Village's overall Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV). The
EAV used in the property tax calculation averages the property owner's assessed valuation over the
past three-year period. Based on preliminary information received from Will and Kendall Counties,
the overall 2023 estimated EAV has increased by approximately 14% as compared to the 2022 EAV.
The Village's official EAV will not be available until the spring of 2024. Although Board direction
for the tax levy is historically based on the Village's tax rate, it is important to point out that formal
approval of the annual tax levy is based on dollars requested. Once the official EAV is available, the
County Clerk then calculates the tax rate needed to produce the amount of dollars requested by each
taxing district. The 2023 preliminary estimate represents a maximum total request of$9,431,500 (or a
15% increase in revenues), however the actual dollar amount the Village will receive is anticipated to
be less. This higher estimate is to ensure that the Village captures the entire amount of the Village's
EAV. At the November 6, 2023 Village Board Meeting staff will request a motion to acknowledge
the preliminary estimate of the 2023 tax levy in the amount of$9,431,500. The Village will continue
the discussion and staff will seek direction regarding the dollar amount and overall tax rate at the
November 13, 2023 Committee of the Whole Workshop.
Mayor Argoudelis thanked staff and read the reminders.
Trustee Bonuchi moved to adjourn to Executive Session as permitted by the Open Meetings Act
under Section 2 (C)(5) to discuss property acquisition and under 2 (C)(11) to discuss pending
litigation, not to reconvene. Second by Trustee Ruane. Vote by roll call. Larson,yes; Ruane,yes;
Wojowski,yes; Bonuchi,yes; Kalkanis,yes; Kiefer,yes. 6 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes—October 23, 2023
Page 3
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk