HomeMy Public PortalAbout11-13-2023 COW Minutes C'itatex.2_0( /a/ /J033
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President
and the Board of Trustees
Held on November 13, 2023
In the Boardroom
Mayor Argoudelis called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Board present: Mayor Argoudelis,
Trustee Ruane, Trustee Wojowski, Trustee Bonuchi, Trustee Kalkanis, Trustee Kiefer, and Trustee
Larson. 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; Lonnie
Spires, Building Official; and Robert Miller, Chief of Police. There were approximately 90 persons in
the audience.
Trustee Bonuchi moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held and
Executive Sessions on October 23, 2023. Second by Trustee Kalkanis. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0
opposed. Motion carried.
PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS
Mayor Argoudelis:
• Commented on Veterans Day.
• Welcomed the Plainfield North Boys Cross Country Team and congratulated them for their
second-place finish at IHSA 3A State Cross Country Championships.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS
Trustee Kiefer commented on Veterans Day and thanked them for their service.
Trustee Wojowski:
• Thanked Veterans for their service.
• Asked the audience to be civil and respectful.
Trustee Ruane:
• Thanked Veterans for their service.
• Asked the audience to be civil and encouraged people to participate.
Trustee Bonuchi thanked Veterans for their service and especially thanked the Vietnam Veterans.
WORKSHOP
1) YEAR 2023 TAX LEVY
Traci Pleckham reviewed the tax levy history and calculation scenarios maintaining the current rate
and a 5% reduction in rate. Traci Pleckham also reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2025 budgets for
the Audit, Tort Immunity, and Police Pension Funds and the Police Pension actuarial report. Mrs.
Pleckham noted that the Police Pension Fund will require an increased levy contribution for the 2025
fiscal year. Mrs. Pleckham also pointed out that the Village of Plainfield's portion of the 2022 tax
levy was 5.75%.
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes—November 13, 2023
Page 2
Trustee Larson inquired about the Police Pensions, Pavement Condition Index and Municipal
Building Study. There was some general discussion regarding Police Pensions Tier 1 vs Tier 2.
Trustee Larson indicated support for increasing the police pension funding. Trustee Wojowski stated
that the Village should contribute as much as possible to the police pensions while still lowering the
tax levy rate.
2) 2024 FIREWORK FUNDING
Administrator Blakemore stated that after the 2023 fireworks, there were some questions about
potentially coordinating a show with Romeoville. The Park District has reviewed that option with
Romeoville and is presenting the following options for 2024:
1) A $20,000 show, split evenly between the Park District and Village. The show would be
slightly decreased from last year' s show due to the increasing costs of fireworks.
2) A$22,000 show, split evenly between the Park District and Village. This would be the same
show as last year and accounts for a price increase.
3) A coordinated show with six (6) locations with the Village of Romeoville and the Plainfield
Park District. The cost of this is $47,250 each, from the Park District, Village, and
Romeoville. Additional details such as the three locations in Plainfield would still need to be
determined.
It was the general consensus to go with option 2 - a$22,000 show, split evenly between the Park
District and Village. This would be the same show as last year and accounts for a price increase.
3) WALLIN WOODS LOT 4 PROPERTY ACQUISITION
Administrator Blakemore stated that over the last several months the Village has been reviewing a
potential mixed-use development at the SE corner of Village Center and Van Dyke. The proposed
development was for an 84-unit apartment complex, with approximately 9,000 square feet of
commercial space on the ground level. Mixed use is permitted in the B-5 zoning district, however the
developer requested variances as part of the application. The variances and site plan were considered
at the October 2nd Board meeting, with the motion failing on a 3-4 vote. During the October 2nd
meeting, questions and comments were raised about the Village purchasing the property. Since that
time, the current owner has met with the Village and have represented they are willing to sell the
property to the Village for a sum of$2,000,000. Administrator Blakemore highlighted the proposed
purchase and the conditions of the sale to the Village. Administrator Blakemore noted that should the
Village take ownership of this parcel, staff would recommend adding a covenant to this parcel so that
it cannot be developed in the future, and to combine parcels with the existing Settlers' Park.
Trustee Kalkanis stated that she supports the purchase of the property. Trustee Wojowski stated that
he does not support the purchase of the property. Trustee Ruane stated that he does not support the
purchase of the property. Trustee Kiefer stated that he supports the purchase of the property. Trustee
Larson stated that that she does not support the purchase of the property. Trustee Bonuchi stated that
she will be requesting a motion to table or will recuse herself if there is no motion to table.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following people expressed support for purchasing the property.
1) Rachel Gould
2) Anthony Lee
3) Venassa Sula
Village of Plainfield
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes—November 13, 2023
Page 3
4) John Gidlund
5) Dr. John Green
6) Jenny Watkins
7) Greg Roach
8) Crystal Ready
9) Robert Schiavo
10)Amy Ciesniewski
11)Brianne Gallagher
12)Liudmila Condruc
13)Matt Andes
14)Jennifer Roach
15)Lyle Hugart
16)Brian Chevere
17)David La Francis
18)Gisell Corral
19)Jeff Pedtka
20)Kathy Blessant
21)David Tucci
The following people did not support the purchase of the property or expressed concern:
1) Eric Marsaglia—did not support the purchase of the property.
2) Brian Minnis—indicated more time was needed for additional resident input.
3) Michael Collins—expressed concern regarding the price.
Mayor Argoudelis noted that the Board will adjourn the Committee of the Whole Workshop and open
a Special Meeting immediately afterwards to vote on the Wallin Woods Lot 4 Property Acquisition.
Trustee Ruane moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole Workshop. Second by Trustee Kiefer.
Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk