Will County Gazette

Village of Plainfield Committee of the Whole met May 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 7: 00 p.m. Board Present: Mayor Collins, (Electronic), Trustee Calkins (Electronic), Trustee Kalkanis ( Electronic), Trustee Larson( Electronic), Trustee Wojowski (Electronic), Trustee Benton (Electronic), and Trustee Bonuchi (Electronic). Others Present: Brian Murphy, Village Administrator( Electronic); Jim Harvey, Attorney (Electronic); Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk( Electronic); Allen Persons, Public Works Director( Electronic); Jon Proulx, Planning Director( Electronic); Lonnie Spires, Building Official (Electronic); Traci Pleckham, Management Services Director( Electronic); Rick Kaczanko, IT Director( Electronic); Amy De Boni, Community Relations Director( Electronic); Joan Meyers, Attorney (Electronic), and John Konopek, Chief of Police (Electronic).

PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS 

Mayor Collins:

● Commented on this evening' s meeting and stated that we will need a majority opinion to move forward with outdoor dining on Lockport Street. 

● Commented on Liquor Licensing fees, payments, and prorations.

● Commented on carry-out liquor and the potential order to include mixed-drinks to go.

Mrs. Amy De Boni, Community Relations Director, gave an updated on the Gypsy Moth. Mrs. De Boni pointed out that the Department of Agriculture is planning to conduct a second spray tomorrow at 6:00 a.m.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS 

Trustee Calkins:

● Commented on emails received and felt they had good information.

● Stated that he supports closing Lockport Street for outdoor dining and looked forward to indoor dining as soon as possible.

● Commented on the on lawsuits against the governor and suggesting joining in.

Trustee Kalkanis:

● Thanked staff for continuing to address the issue with semi-trucks driving through a subdivision. 

● Stated that she supports closing of Lockport Street for outdoor dining and need to clarify days of the week and hours that this will be done.

Trustee Larson stated that she will defer comments on outdoor dining to the Workshop Meeting.

Trustee Wojowski:

● Stated that he is critical of the way this crisis has been handled and thought that this meeting should have been held sooner. 

● Stated that the Village should be working with other businesses and landlords outside of the downtown area.

Trustee Benton:

● Stated that he will hold off on his comments regarding outdoor seating to the Workshop portion ofthe meeting. 

● Thanked Chief Konopek and the Police Department for their efforts and response with the semi-trucks driving through a subdivision.

● Thanked staff for taking the time to prepare and stated that the businesses that he has talked to have indicated they have been contacted by Jake Melrose.

Trustee Bonuchi:

● Stated that she will defer comments regarding outdoor seating to the Workshop portion of the meeting.

● Stated that the Village needs to be working with other businesses as well.

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Clerk Gibas noted that 12 public comments were submitted for the Committee ofthe Whole Workshop:

● Michael Lambert submitted a public comment expressing concerns, raising questions, and offering suggestions on implementing street closures for outdoor dining.

●  Robin Youell submitted a public comment objecting to the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

●  Christopher Ptacek submitted a public comment supporting the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

●  Michelle Deihl submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

●  William Sims submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

● Tricia Fenili submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

● Sue Moritz submitted a public comment expressing concern regarding the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

● Trevor Moore submitted a public comment supporting the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining and also suggested extending the closure from James Street to Illinois Street.

● Galey Kielian submitted a public comment objecting to the closure ofLockport Street for outdoor dining.

● Mark Baudler submitted a public comment regarding reopening up the Village.

● Shiela Raddatz submitted a public comment supporting the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

● L Baudler submitted a public comment supporting the closing of Lockport Street for outdoor dining.

WORKSHOP 

1) RESTORE ILLINOIS PHASE 3 IMPLEMENTATION 

Village staff reviewed the State of Illinois Phase 3 Reopening guidelines and noted that Phase 3 now includes outdoor seating for restaurants. Village staff introduced a proposed plan to close Lockport Street for outdoor dining. The plan included guidelines for the closure of Lockport Street, tables and setup, and service. Staff noted that the plan is a collaborative effort between the Village and local businesses.

A lengthy discussion ensued. The Mayor and the Board of Trustees provided input and feedback on the downtown dining plan, downtown retail businesses, and other businesses throughout the Village.

There was consensus allowing the closure of Lockport Street for outdoor dining and for extending the hours and days of the of the road closure. Administrator Murphy stated that this weekend will be a trial for the downtown outdoor dining plan and staff will provide an update at the next Village Board Meeting on Monday. Mayor Collins pointed out the restaurants are allowed to have outdoor dining on the right-of-way during the week, this plan extends outdoor dining onto Lockport Street.

Mary Harris, Human Resources Director, provided an update on staffing and protocols, PPE, signage, modifications to comply with social distancing, and policy and procedures training. Administrator Murphy addressed various functions moving into Phase 3 for internal procedures to prepare for municipal buildings opening to the public.

Mayor Collins read the reminders.

Trustee Benton moved to adjourn. Second by Trustee Bonuchi. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 9: 38 p.m.

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