Village of Plainfield Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President and the Board of Trustees met Sept. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
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 ofthe 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.
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 ifthe 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.
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.
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://plainfieldil.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file%3Dplainfieldil_bfe3c1f82df85f79587d88427e5697cd.pdf%26view%3D1
Alerts Sign-up