Village of Lombard Legistar System

Upon Roll Call by Village Clerk Gerhardt, the following were:

Present: President Mueller, Trustees Borgatell, Tross, Sebby, Florey and Kufrin

Absent: Trustee Schaffer

Quorum Present

Appointed Officials Present:

Village Manager William T. Lichter

Administrative Assistant Ellen Balsamo

Human Resources Manager Joanne Jakubowski

Village Attorney Thomas P. Bayer

Village Attorney Janet Petsche

Director of Community Development David Hulseberg

Administrative Assistant of Finance Melissa Mundt

Fire Chief Ed Seagraves

Police Chief Leon Kutzke

Director of Public Works Stan Rickard

Assistant Director of Public Works John Burg

Village Engineer David Dratnol

Records Clerk Diane Mucha

Deputy Village Clerk Barbara Johnson

Dave Gorak, 36 N. Ahrens, spoke saying he is with Media Relations Mid West Coalition

which is asking the government to reduce the levels of immigration allowed also to

reduce numbers of illegal aliens. Mr. Gorak requested that the Board pass an "Aspen

Resolution" as passed by Aspen Colorado asking Congress and the President reduce

immigration to no more than 300,000. He said that he had provided a video previously

to each Board member.

Trustee Borgatell commented on the presentation Mr. Gorak had made at the

Legislative Review Committee. The Committee had decided to put the matter on the

Agenda for the following meeting and hear questions. He said that at the meeting there

were no comments either pro or con regarding the subject and the Committee therefore

decided not to pursue the matter.

Mr. Gorak interjected that was because there was no audience.

Trustee Tross commented that having watched the meeting, the Committee also chose

not to pursue the Aspen Resolution as they thought that it was not a matter for municipal

government to become involved in. He suggested that the Board formally state that they

don't feel it is a municipal initiative. The matter was added to the agenda as IX C.

Trustee Kenneth M. Florey said that at their last meeting the topic was the recycling

extravaganza to be held between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 14th at the

Yorktown Shopping Center in the Highland Avenue parking lot. They will be accepting

lumber, electronics, books and metal. He further explained that the books can also be

rescued, traded and taken by other people. He concluded saying that for information,

residents should call him or John Burg. Trustee Florey also said that there is still a

vacancy on the Committee, anyone interested should call John Burg or himself.

Joan De Stephano, 30 N. Lincoln, spoke saying that she is part of the DuPage

Millennium Group and she approves the McClier Preferred Proposal. She expressed

concerns with specific comments of Board members and President Mueller. She

objected to the statement that the 100 day stipulation was a reason for Big Idea leaving,

she does not feel that it was a reason. She said National Register appraisers have said

that the theater is in very good condition. She said that TIF funds being used for

restoration of the Theater is appropriate, stating that TIF Districts are for blighted areas

and this property suits that definition. She feels that the proposal figures are probably

accurate around Five Million Dollars. She said that a foundation representing groups in

town to raise funds should be established and stated that she is donating Ten thousand

Dollars of her savings. She called attention to an article in AAA magazine entitled "New

Life in Old Theaters", She urged her Trustee and the rest of the Board to support the

restoration. She mentioned that she plans to start a petition for a referendum. In

conclusion she said that a lot of time and money had been expended to develop

proposals and urged the Board to make use of them.

Jim Devitt 7 E. Goeble, thanked the Board for recognizing him. He said he had no

monetary interest in this topic but is just an ordinary citizen. He recalled some of the

great stars who have appeared in movies at the DuPage Theater. He said that to tear

down such a majestic Theater would be a shame. While he supports the idea that the

tax payers should support schools, he said that youth need a place to learn and create

rather than hitting the streets when school is dismissed. He spoke in support of the

Banbury proposal to have entertainment and an upscale restaurant. He gave a history

of the building and described how successful the Schaumburg Arts Center has been.

Daniel Ferry, 417 West Road, said that he had previously spoken about the value of a

cultural performing arts center but wanted to comment tonight on the economics of the

decision about the property. He talked about the deterioration of Waukegan, where he

had grown up, saying that with the development of Malls, the downtown area was

abandoned and never revitalized. He complimented the appearance and the historic

value of Lombard but said that we need to develop character in the downtown area. He

wanted the Board to realize that a town is not only a commercial enterprise but also

needs to have cultural character.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, commented on the last meeting which he watched twice and said he

felt that many things need clarification such as a TIF district. He briefly explained the

TIF concept for those who may not know what it is and said that the Downtown Lombard

TIF expires in 2005, was in existence before the Theater issue and has been used for

previous development. He said that no different concessions have been made on this

project. He said he felt that the referendum is very bad government. He talked about

the amount of time it actually takes to develop, cultivate and educate for a referendum

and that this one will be hasty and the results will be messy. He said that it is doomed

from the start and represents shameful government. He felt that the Board has wasted

a lot of a lot of peoples' time. He said he feels that the Village taxes are not that bad

and rather than the Village assume the issue is always to keep taxes down, he now

needs them to take actions which will increase his property value. He urged the Board

to open a cultural center and said that he has contacted State and County officials about

funding, their response has been that they need to know that Village Officials support

the plan before they will consider granting any funding. Mr. Fitzpatrick also talked about

how people used to go to downtown Lombard and although there are Cruise Nights and

the Taste, we should have a full time attraction in the Downtown area. He thinks it is a

shame when people in town think that this part of the town is not viable.

Laura Fitzpatrick introduced herself as an Artist and teacher and talked about those who

don't fit in to academics and have no where to go. She stated that often the children

who are behavior problems are the artists and the actors who crave attention. She said

that an arts center would provide an outlet to keep them out of trouble. She outlined

how the elderly could find a sanctuary there and try activities they had always wanted to

do, that home makers could find a craft, families attend a symphony, fathers could go

see their little girls in dance performances. She said that having a cultural arts center

could effect social change just as baseball has done. She urged the Board to approve

the theater.

Pam Pulice, 1801 S. School, proposed that the Board pass a resolution to establish a

fund raising committee so that, at no cost to tax payers, the theater could be saved.

She said that everyone she talks to is in favor of saving it. She believes that the money

is out there to do this. She is concerned that a piece of Lombard's heritage is about to

be lost.

Crystal Dollenger, 156 S. Craig, said that she understands the frustration over the

decision of what to do with the property but she thinks that this is a wonderful

opportunity. She complemented the spirit of the community and commented on how the

Theater has always been a landmark, saying that people always know where Lombard

is because of the Theater. She reminded the Board that our signs point to Historic

Lombard but commented that our historic buildings are disappearing. Ms. Dollenger

stated that she thinks that this opportunity to restore the Theater is a miracle. She

urged the Board to immediately take possession, turn over the site to a not for profit

organization who see it as a cultural arts center to develop, give them time and work

with them. She stated that if the organization is unable to obtain the funding, the Village

can take the property back. She feels that restoration of the Theater will add a visible

improvement to Lombard.

Penny Arnold, 527 E. Washington, asked the Board to recognize this building as a

cornerstone. She said that the City of Chicago along with the State had funded the

restoration of the Water Tower with Illinois First Grants and Illinois First funding was also

used for the Morton Arboretum. Ms. Arnold stated that the State indicated that if

Lombard wants similar funding they need a plan. She feels that there is enough interest

to have a viable performing arts theater.

Joe Shores, 44 N. Lincoln, was at home and came down to express his concerns. He

said he welcomes a referendum, has been here 10 years and loves Lombard. He feels

that the referendum will put the issue to rest and hopes that if the vote is to develop

instead of restore the Theater he hopes the opposition will respect that vote.

President Mueller said he had spoken to a former resident at Cruise Nights who was in

town attending Glenbard West High School reunion and had said that she is so happy

about all the good things that have happened in Lombard and the improvements that

have been made.

President Mueller also made the statement that the Village Board does not always rate

developments by the expected tax dollars. He said that the communities that have a

successful downtowns have people living in the downtown area. He said that many

people have spoken about the restoration of the Theater and about a cultural arts center

with proposals by the two developers, but he pointed out that one developer talks about

saving the Theater and one talks about tearing it down.

He asked that the Board revisit the issue of accepting the property.

Trustee Sebby stated that at last night's Executive Session it was a general consensus

that the Theater and Property is a valuable asset to the Village and moved to accept the

property.

It was moved by Trustee Sebby, seconded by Trustee Kufrin that the Village Board take

no action to prevent the transfer of title of the DuPage Theater and property from Big

Idea to the Village of Lombard on October 1, 2000

Trustee Tross said that there is already Four Million dollars out there to restore or

renovate and if it can't be done for that amount it should be up to the voters.

Trustee Florey said that accepting title is the fist step in restoring the Theater, and the

next finding out how we will pay for the proposal that this Board supports. He said that

he felt that the Board's last discussion was confusing and unclear to the residents. He

recounted that at the last meeting a referendum had been drafted, unprecedented that it

be drafted at the same time it is approved, and thus was hastily prepared. He feels that

to be responsible to constituents a referendum must be carefully done. He said that we

can not ask for an expenditure of funds without taking every step to explore the next

steps as to cost and funding before placing a referendum question on the ballot.

Trustee Kufrin said some say the only salvation for the downtown is the Theater and he

is concerned that the cry against the referendum is by those who don't want the

question to go to the people. He said we should first accept the property.

Trustee Borgatell called for the question.

Trustee Sebby suggested that next step for the Board must be to decide what is to be

done including the option of knocking the Theater down,

Each Trustee gave their various opinions on the referendum some in favor of keeping it

on the November ballot and some not in favor saying that it lacked the necessary

information for voters to be able to make a good decision and that it was not the

preferred way of governing; that it was up to the Board members to make the decision

having listened to their constituents. Some of the Trustees felt that it was the best way

to find out what the people wanted. After much discussion both pro and con the

following motion was made:

Trustee Florey indicated he would like to move that the Village Board adopt a resolution

repealing the resolution adopted on August 17, 2000 calling for a referendum to be

placed on the November 7, 2000 ballot relative to the financing of renovations to the

DuPage Theater property and direct staff to file the necessary paperwork with the

DuPage County Board of Election Commissioners so that the referendum does not

appear on the November 7, 2000 ballot. rustee Borgatell indicated he would second

such a motion

The Trustees expressed varying ideas with regard to the referendum. Some of these

included Trustees Tross and Kufrin's concern about not getting the input of the majority

of the people if a referendum is not held and not wanting to listen to a handful of

residents who favor the restoration of the DuPage Theater. Some of the Trustees

expressed the concern that the referendum resolution was too hastily adopted and

would certainly fail for lack of information to the voters. Trustee Florey also expressed

the opinion that not only was the question too vague, it should never have been done.

He said that the decision to restore the theater is a question not unlike other

expenditures of the Village Budget; decisions the Board must make. He expressed the

opinion that it is up to the Board to listen to their constituents and make the decision.

Trustee Sebby stated that he agrees with a referendum but thinks it was not well done.

He was concerned that if the question goes to referendum at this time it will fail,

then if a decision is later made to restore the Theater, we go against the voice of the

people. After considerable discussion, Trustee Florey called for the Question.

A vote was then taken on repealing the resolution.

Trustee Borgatell said that the number who have appeared to request preserving the

Theater out number those against it. He said that he has always supported the

restoration and that many people he speaks with realize it has to involve tax dollars.

Many have offered to make private donations. He said McCleir may be a starting point

for Lombard to have a cultural center in the downtown close to trains and parking. He

said that no commercial venture is guaranteed. He feels that the Theater and shops

and a large name restaurant with upstairs offices or studios, the rent would be

substantial and adequate. He said that some thing similar to the Paramount with a

dinner theater venue would be successful. Trustee Borgatell then moved that The

Village Corporate Authorities, appoint an ad hoc committee composed of seven citizens.

Each Trustee and the President is to appoint one person, who for the trustee, is a

constituent, and the President any citizen at large who has indicated a desire to restore

the DuPage Theater and Shops. The purpose of the committee is to seek out and

obtain funds from any level of government or their agencies, and to initiate and carry

out a successful program of corporate and individual donations, for the same purpose.

Each member of the committee will vote. The appointee of the President will be

designated as chairperson. The staff personnel to assist the committee will be

appointed by the Village Manager. This Committee shall report to the Village Board on

the progress of the project 90 days after appointment.

TrusteeTross questioned if the purpose of a committee was only to seek funds, and that

those funds will be underwriting one of the commercial developers

Trustee Florey explained that the Committee would be a means to explore other

sources of revenue, but other Government agencies need to know that this is supported

by the Village Board before they consider funding

Trustee Sebby said he does not want to see the Theater sit in its present condition any

longer. He said that he is concerned that it could remain a blight and a liability to the

Village while people are out collecting funds. He will not support the extension past 90

days to restore the Theater. He reiterated that he would like a restaurant or dinner

theater. He supports the motion but will not continue past 90 days.

TrusteeTross was concerned with what plan would be proposed and endorsed by the

Village Board so that the community can raise funds.

Trustee Schaffer said he does not support any more committees, most comments he

had heard are to level the theater. He said that the Board needs to make a decision.

Trustee Kufrin said he has been threatened that if he doesn't support this group they will

find another trustee, but stated that his position is to take the property, knock the

Theater down and sell the property.

President Mueller cautioned we don't have a program and the process will take longer

than 90 days, it could not be funded by the State until their next budget year. He has

spoken to Judith Barr Topinka's office, they confirmed that State money and grants can

not be done in 90 days. The President suggested that it be referred to staff to see what

they can do.

The vote was then taken on the motion regarding the Ad Hoc Committee as moved by

Trustee Borgatell.

It was moved by Trustee Borgatell, seconded by Trustee Florey, that The Village

Corporate Authorities, appoint an ad hoc committee composed of seven citizens.

Each Trustee and the President is to appoint one person, who for the trustee, is a

constituent, and the President any citizen at large who has indicated a desire to

restore the DuPage Theater and Shops. The purpose of the committee is to seek

out and obtain funds from any level of government or their agencies, and to

initiate and carry out a successful program of corporate and individual donations,

for the same purpose. Each member of the committee will vote. The appointee of

the President will be designated as chairperson. The staff personnel to assist the

committee will be appointed by the Village Manager. This Committee shall report

to the Village Board on the progress of the project 90 days after appointment.

The motion failed by the following vote: