Wheaton City Council Highlights
Meeting: Nov. 7, 2011
Residents Reappointed to Commissions
The Council reappointed George Paulson to a three-year term on the Community Relations Commission and Laura Christensen to a three-year term on the Planning & Zoning Board.
Council Approves Amendment Allowing Hair Salons in C-2 District
The City Council received a report from the Planning and Zoning Board denying a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow hair salons to become a permitted use in the C-2 Zoning District. The report also denied a hair salon’s request to receive approval as a special use in the Central Business District. The Council initially voted 3-4 in favor of a motion that would amend the Zoning Ordinance to make hair salons a permitted use. The Council then voted 1-6 in favor of allowing hair salons to be a special use in the C-2 Zoning District. After a discussion noting the applicant would be required to bring their request back to the Planning & Zoning Board for approval if salons were made a special use, the Council made a motion to reconsider its original motion to make hair salons a permitted use in the C-2 Zoning District. The Council unanimously voted in favor of amending the Zoning Ordinance to make hair salons a permitted use in this district.
Developer Presents Luxury Apartment Proposal
Developer Morningside Equities Group Inc. presented to the Council its project proposal to build a luxury apartment development at the vacant site bounded by Front, Scott, Wesley and Cross streets. The developer sought input from the Council regarding their proposal and the possibility of using tax increment financing to fund aspects of the development. The City will be conducting an analysis to determine the need for TIF assistance and the appraised value of the property. The Council was generally supportive of the plan and, after reviewing the analysis, felt they could find ways to work with the developer on their request for TIF assistance.
City Commends City Attorney for Receiving Award
City Manager Rose congratulated City Attorney Edward Walsh for being recognized as the “Lawyer To Look Up To” by the DuPage County Bar Association Civil Practice Committee based on nominations submitted by DuPage County judges.
City Honors Veterans Day
Mayor Michael Gresk presented a proclamation to VFW Post #2164 Quartermaster John Finn and other members of the post in honor of Veterans Day, which will take place on Friday, Nov. 11. Originally called Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the day now serves as a time to honor all who have fought in various American wars. The City encourages residents to honor and remember those individuals who died in service and to support those who have served or continue to serve.
Marine Corps Celebrates 236th Birthday
On Nov. 10, 2011, the U.S. Marine Corps will celebrate 236 years of protecting citizens and guarding their freedom. To recognize this milestone, Mayor Gresk presented a proclamation to Commandant John Olejnicki and other members of the Marine Corps League of DuPage County making Nov. 6-12, 2011 Marine Week in Wheaton. Olejnicki encouraged the community to support its Rose Program, which supports veterans at Hines Hospital.
Wheaton Expresses Appreciation for Toys for Tots
Don Kenyon accepted a proclamation from Mayor Gresk expressing the City’s appreciation for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Since its inception in 1947, the program has collected more than 500 million toys for less fortunate children nationwide so they can experience the joy of Christmas. The Council encouraged the community to support the program with the donation of toys.
Proclamation Honors Knights of Columbus
Mayor Gresk presented a proclamation to the Wheaton Knights of Columbus Council 2601 in honor of their more than 85 years of service to the community. The organization is part of an international family oriented, fraternal and charitable society dedicated to service to the community, the church and to its members. The Council honored the group for its charitable work for the community.
Wheaton Recycles Day is Nov. 15
Wheaton’s Environmental Improvement Commission accepted a proclamation from Mayor Gresk making Nov. 15, 2011 Wheaton Recycles Day. The day celebrates the cause of recycling to save energy, conserve valuable natural resources, protect the environment, reduce landfill needs and have a positive economic impact. Over the past five years, Wheaton has had a 92-percent resident participation in its curbside recycling program.