Access Point, Spring 2021

Spring 2021

See Page 5 for an update on the Des Plaines Theatre!

Access Point

News and Information for Residents from the City of Des Plaines

Inside: • Welcome

to Our Newly Elected City Leaders

• Message

from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski

•

City Responds to COVID‐19 Pandemic

•

Meet Des Plaines’ New Chiefs

• And,

more!

Phone: 847-391-5300 Web: desplaines.org Address: 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines IL Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM

WELCOME & GOODBYE

Welcome to Our Newly Elected City Leaders

We Say Goodbye and Thank You to Several Outgoing Officials

Mayor Goczkowski, Alderman Lysakowski and Alderman Brookman are familiar faces on the City Council, all serving in aldermanic seats previously. Goczkowski most recently in Ward 8 for two years, Lysakowski in Ward 1 since 2017 and Brookman in Ward 5 from 2017 to 2021 and from 1997 to 2009. Clerk Mastalski, Alderman Oskerka and Alderman Smith are newcomers to elected office.

On behalf of the Des Plaines community, the City Council expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to four long-serving elected leaders for their service and commitment to the community. They include:

We are excited to welcome six newly elected officials to the City. On May 3, Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, City Clerk Jessica Mastalski and four alderman – Mark Lysakowski (Ward 1), Sean Oskerka (Ward 3), Carla Brookman (Ward 5) and Patricia Smith (Ward 7) – all took the oath of office and officially started their new leadership positions.

Meet Your Des Plaines Elected Leaders

Mayor Matt Bogusz Mayor 2013 - 2021 Ward 3 Alderman 2009 - 2013

Connect with your elected officials by visiting desplaines.org.

City Clerk Jennifer L. Tsalapatanis 2017 - 2021 Alderman Denise Rodd (Ward 3) 2013 - 2021 Alderman Don Smith (Ward 7) Sept. 2014 – 2021, 1997 – 2009

Mark Lysakowski Ward 1 Alderman Term: 2021 – 2024

Colt Moylan Ward 2 Alderman Term: 2019 ‐ 2022

Andrew Goczkowski Mayor Term: 2021 – 2024

Sean Oskerka Ward 3 Alderman Term: 2021 – 2024

Artur Zadrozny Ward 4 Alderman Term: 2019 ‐ 2022

Jessica Mastalski City Clerk Term: 2021 – 2024

Carla Brookman Ward 5 Alderman Term: 2021 – 2024

Malcolm Chester Ward 6 Alderman Term: 2019 – 2022

Patricia Smith Ward 7 Alderman Term: 2021 – 2024

*The Alderman for the Eighth Ward will be appointed shortly.

Connect with Us!

E-News: You can now sign up for City news and information delivered right to your email inbox. It’s easy!

Web: Desplaines.org

1. Go to www.desplaines.org/mycity.

2. Choose the topics you’re interested in.

3. Receive emails from the City, including: emergency information, City Council updates, general news, events, police bulletins and more.

City and Police Department are on Facebook DP311 Resident Service Center at desplaines.org/DP311, or download the DP311 App from your preferred app store. Report what you need and when you need it.

DPTV Channel 17 (Comcast and WOW) and Public Access on AT&T. Watch City Council meetings, videos about City services and programs, community news and more!

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We want to hear from you! Please visit desplaines.org or scan this QR code to take a short survey about how we communicate and engage with you. We will use the survey results to help shape our plan so that it meets your needs.

Message from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski Hi neighbors!

I’m thrilled to be your new mayor. I am deeply honored and proud to serve the community where I was born and raised and where my wife and I are now raising our two young children. I have spent my entire professional career working on behalf of Des Plaines residents, and I am going to continue working on your behalf each and every day in this new role.

Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines Gets New Home After many years of service at their Algonquin Road location, the Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines relocated to a larger and more visitor friendly facility in the fall of 2020.

The City purchased the property, which was previously a bar and restaurant, and the space was transformed thanks to the help of Des Plaines Alderman Colt Moylan and volunteers from trade organizations and local vendor donations.

I am 100% committed to working in partnership with our City Council, our staff and all of you over the next four years to build a better Des Plaines. I’m energized and excited to get to work!

As the Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines celebrates its 50th Anniversary, we encourage our residents to visit selfhelppantry.org to learn more about their services or how they can support this organization.

City Garage Update One of my top priorities as mayor is enhanced communication and engagement through tools like this newsletter, City website, our annual community calendar, DPTV Channel 17, social media, in-person and virtual meetings and much more.

I truly believe by investing in these efforts, we will improve transparency, raise public awareness, and most importantly, build trust and relationships between the City and its residents, businesses and visitors.

And, please remember to shop and dine in Des Plaines. Not only are you supporting those businesses, but you’re also supporting our local economy and jobs.

Sincerely, Andrew Goczkowski Des Plaines Mayor Phone: 847-391-5301 agoczkowski@desplaines.org Access Point | 2

Construction on the City’s new parking garage behind City Hall is nearly complete. The facility will provide secure parking for the Police Department, employee parking for both City Hall and Police Department employees, visitor parking and parking for the patrons of the remodeled theatre. It has 274 spaces on four levels, including the basement. Construction also included underground stormwater volume control and detention.

MEET DES PLAINES’

NEW CHIEFS

Fire Chief Dan Anderson and Police Chief David Anderson both joined the City of Des Plaines in 2020.

DAVE ANDERSON POLICE CHIEF

DAN ANDERSON FIRE CHIEF

In addition to starting in the same year and sharing the same last name, they share a few other things too.

ABOUT CHIEF DAVE ANDERSON

They both came to the City for similar reasons and have the same end goal in mind, which is to be known as a premier “public safety group.” They are focused on strengthening the team mentality for Des Plaines police and fire personnel, and they’re committed to building and growing community relationships and earning public trust.

• Chief of Police, City of Des Plaines Dec. 2020 – Present • Chief of Police, Benedictine University Oct 2019 – Dec 2020 • Chief of Police and Police Officer, Lisle Police Department, 1991‐2019

Leaning on their nearly three decades of professional experience, their strategy is already becoming reality.

Police Chief Anderson said, “We are training together. We are sharing police and fire radios, allowing for enhanced interoperable and instantaneous communication during emergency events. We want to have the infrastructure and technology in place so we can have the best possible outcomes.” He added, “We want people to decide to live here and have a business in Des Plaines because of our fire department and police department.”

EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION • Doctor of Philosophy, Organization Development (In progress), Benedictine University • Master of Science, Organizational Behavior Studies, Benedictine University • Bachelor of Science, Business, Criminal Justice Management, Aurora University

Fire Chief Anderson added, “We are taking a broader overall public safety and services approach together. I don’t subscribe to the silo effect. The philosophy shouldn’t be two departments operating separately. We have to have interaction. We rely on them. They rely on us. We are part of the same team.”

Since January 2020 when Fire Chief Anderson joined the team, he’s focused on maximizing efficiencies of fire service operations. DPFD added a fourth ambulance, which reduces reliance on neighboring communities for emergency medical services. Another win is that they negotiated a new fire union contract before it expired, the first time this was achieved in 20 years.

COVID‐19 has prevented the chiefs from being out in the community as much as they would like. They look forward to when they can meet and engage with residents and businesses. Police Chief Anderson has begun meeting virtually with community groups, including participating in a panel discussion on the Illinois Police Reform legislation with Speak Des Plaines.

When asked why they wanted to come to the City, their top reasons were the same. Both agreed that Des Plaines is a great community with an elected body and a management team who are very supportive and forward‐thinking. And, they appreciate the City’s fiscal stability.

The chiefs plan to also focus on developing the next tier of leaders, and essentially train their replacements.

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ABOUT CHIEF DAN ANDERSON EXPERIENCE • Fire Chief, City of Des Plaines, Jan. 2020 • Fire Chief, Village of Roselle Fire Department, 2015 ‐ 2019 • Deputy Fire Chief, Lisle‐Woodridge Fire District, 1997 ‐ 2015

EDUCATION • Master of Science, Management and Organizational Behavior, Benedictine University • Bachelor of Arts, Management, Benedictine University • National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer

CITY RESPONDS TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, City government has continued to deliver services to meet the needs of our residents and the community as a whole.

The City quickly adapted to the new normal last spring, holding City Council meetings to Zoom instead of in-person. We shifted to more online services, including building permits and virtual inspections. We tried to ease the financial burden on our residents by waiving late fees.

We provided financial assistance to struggling businesses and restaurants. We adjusted our codes to allow for outdoor dining. We consistently communicated and shared important updates with the community.

And, as designated essential workers, City employees were provided the opportunity to receive vaccinations in late February 2021. Our public safety personnel and others who interact with the public on a daily basis were thankful to get the vaccine to not only protect themselves, but protect others in our community. The City continues to take actions daily in response to COVID-19 in order to keep Des Plaines healthy and safe.

Old K‐Mart Site Transformed into COVID‐19 Vaccination Center

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Health CEO Israel Rocha Jr., Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, Alderman Artur Zadrozny, Former Alderman Denise Rodd

Thank You Des Plaines for Doing Your Part to Stop the Spread of COVID‐19 While more and more people are getting vaccinated, public health officials warn to not let your guard down. Please continue to follow public health and safety measures.

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In early March, Des Plaines Aldermen joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other local and state officials to announce the opening of the new vaccination site at 1155 E. Oakton Street in Des Plaines, and tour the facility.

This was the first large‐scale vaccination site in Illinois to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Des Plaines location was chosen to ensure that Cook County is providing vaccine access in communities that were hit hard by the virus.

Walk‐in vaccination appointments are being accepted, however appointments are still recommended. Visit vaccine.cookcountyil.gov to sign up or call the hotline at 833-308‐1988 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Cue the Lights!

It’s (Almost) Showtime If you’ve had the chance to walk or drive by the historic Des Plaines Theatre downtown recently, you’ve likely noticed the marquee is on, and construction activity is bustling.

Operator, Ron Onesti, CEO and founder of Onesti Entertainment, hopes to be able to open the theatre this summer (under the COVID-19 guidelines in place at that time).

The newly lit marquee generated some excitement amongst residents on social media with folks asking, “Is it showtime?”

The answer is…almost.

"I look forward to bringing world-class entertainment and a unique dining experience to such a historic landmark," Onesti said. I can’t wait until we announce our opening date and can book phenomenal live acts."

First, let’s take a look back at how we got here.

After sitting vacant for many years and changing ownership hands, City leaders started eyeing the theatre about five years ago. They recognized how it can serve as a vital anchor to downtown revitalization and a magnet to attract people, restaurants and more to downtown.

The theater has the capacity for nearly 800 people. It will include a speak-easy – Bourbon 'N Brass – on the second floor that will feature a 1920s decor that reflects the Prohibition Era origins of the legendary venue. It will also offer food and more than 100 bourbons and whiskeys.

In 2016, then-Mayor Matt Bogusz announced that Rivers Casino had agreed to contribute $2.2 million to improve the building and another $50,000 per year for five years to host educational-related performances.

Onesti said, “We really tried to maintain the historic nature of this vintage building and the splendor and the magic of the theatre. That’s what I’m most proud of.” He added, "The City has worked tirelessly on the infrastructure, literally utilizing every square inch.”

With that, the City officially purchased the theatre in 2018 and the transformation immediately started.

On the first floor, visitors will be able to enjoy wood-fired pizza at DesPizza.

“We really rebuilt it from the ground up,” City Manager Michael Bartholomew said.

Michael and his team are overseeing the construction project.

“The theatre was built in 1925, so you can imagine all the work that needed to be done. The building was structurally sound, but we needed to do major upgrades to comply with city safety codes, including fire suppression, adding an elevator, and other necessary repairs.”

Like most construction projects underway in early 2020, the pandemic delayed this one, as well. Construction paused for a while during the spring months, but then continued with masking and social distancing.

Theatre Construction

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Mayor Andrew Goczkowski is eager for people to return to downtown Des Plaines to enjoy the theatre and restaurants, which will provide a real economic boost to the city.

“Estimates show that for every $1 spent on a ticket for a live performance, $12 goes back into the local economy. That’s significant. If we can get hundreds of people coming downtown multiple nights a week to these shows, we're going to have a built-in base of people who are going to look for places to eat before the show, places to spend time before and after the show. It will have a positive impact on our local economy.”

Goczkowski added, the City also plans to "supercharge" municipal grant programs to stoke business growth in the area.

This year, the Des Plaines Theatre turns 96! We can’t think of a better birthday celebration than to cut the ribbon on our historic theatre and schedule that first show!

Theatre Construction Facts 13,668 total square feet Lowered basement 2’ from original Seating for nearly 800 (652 new seats in auditorium and balcony, plus temporary seating in front of stage) Decorative terra cotta on the exterior and interior kept Old film projectors and other vintage materials kept

New elevator and dumbwaiter (small freight elevator for food) New washroom facilities New Marquee New windows and doors, various flooring All new plumbing

Theatre History Originally opened by local entrepreneur Barney Winkelmann in August 1925, the Des Plaines Theatre was the first cinema in town. Some live vaudeville acts also performed on the stage. The architecture is a mixture of Spanish Baroque decorative ceramics with modern elements such as the neon marquee. As other cinemas developed later in the twentieth century, this theatre was a popular alternative for second showings and classics. It survived a three-alarm fire in 1982, but struggled in recent years to stay a viable business.

- Courtesy of the Des Plaines History Center Access Point | 6

PUT YOUR $$ WHERE YOUR

HEART

IS

#ShopDesPlaines Think Local First - Our Restaurants and Businesses Need Our Support While shopping online may be more convenient, local Des Plaines businesses are the threads that hold our economic fabric together. They help strengthen the local economy, create close-knit communities, provide great customer care, and so much more.

So why should you support small businesses and shop local?

When you shop local, you are making a personal investment in Des Plaines. Money spent locally is often invested back into the community because locally‐owned businesses are likely to source locally.

You are also supporting jobs for our friends and neighbors.

Small businesses help our tax base, which helps fund projects like schools, parks, roads, and other local programs that benefit your friends, family, and community.

Local businesses help to preserve our distinctive charm and character. Whether it’s a bakery or pizza joint, shopping locally helps to connect you with members of the community and creates strong social ties. Not to mention, the great customer service and local expertise!

We encourage you to think local first and #ShopDesPlaines. Whether it’s services, retail or restaurants, there are resources available to help you find what you need in Des Plaines. Check out the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry local business directory (business.dpchamber.com/list) to find a service provider or a local shop.

And when you support local businesses, be sure to spread the word by taking some photos and sharing with friends and family. Use the hashtag #ShopDesPlaines!

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jwattsart.com

Enjoy Summer in Des Plaines COVID‐19 related closures may have forced us to postpone some of our traditional summer activities, once again. And for the safety of our residents, the City Council decided to cancel the Taste of Des Plaines and Friday Nights Live concert series. We know residents enjoy our hometown events and miss them, as we all do. We very much look forward to holding these events again when it’s safe to do so.

Still, there are plenty of fun things to do in Des Plaines while abiding by public health guidelines.

Take a walk (or ride) in the park.

Visit the Forest Preserves of Cook County right here in Des Plaines, and explore the Des Plaines Park District, including dozens of parks, swimming facilities and golf centers.

Improve your green thumb.

It’s the perfect time of year to prepare your yard for a summer veggie garden. Check out a gardening class online through the Des Plaines Public Library.

Volunteer with the kids.

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen our community come together to help neighbors in need. Whether it’s adopting some older adults through a local nursing home or collecting food for the Self Help Closet and Pantry, this summer, involve the whole family in volunteering.

Online Calendar The City’s website offers an interactive calendar on its homepage that is easy to use. Dates and times for City Meetings, Community Events, and City Services are all available by visiting desplaines.org.

Our local not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to submit their community events for posting to the calendar by visiting desplaines.org/PSA (Public Service Announcement) to fill-out a simple submission form.

Business & Economic News

Rivers Casino Plans Major Expansion Rivers Casino has plans to expand as early as this year. The City Council gave the green light for the expansion this spring.

The proposed two-story addition will house a poker room, additional gaming areas, a ballroom for events, and a new restaurant, adding 78,000 square feet to the 140,363-square-foot casino building. Also, once complete, the casino will house 2,000 gaming positions, up from 1,485 positions.

Downtown Update: Ellinwood Apartments If you have been downtown over that last several months, you will have seen the major construction project currently underway at Lee Street, Ellinwood Street and Graceland Avenue. The City Council approved this new, luxury mixed-use development in 2019, and the project officially broke ground in late 2020.

This strategically located, 1.9-acre development takes advantage of being adjacent to the downtown Des Plaines Metra platforms and is just steps from shops, restaurants and the new Des Plaines Theatre. The mixed-use building will include 212 luxury rental apartment units, over 10,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, and more than 400 indoor parking spaces. It is anticipated major construction will take one year to conclude with apartments ready for occupancy in August 2022.

Construction at Ellinwood Apartments

Assistance Available to Des Plaines Small Businesses The City of Des Plaines takes pride in supporting its small businesses to grow and thrive. Small business owners may apply for three grant programs:

Small Business Assistance Program

Small Business Safe Reopening Grant

This long running small business assistance program provides up to $50,000 spread out over four categories: awnings, facade rehabilitation, interior buildout and outdoor dining.

In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, funds are available of up to $2,000 to local small businesses to assist in defraying the costs of reopening in a safe manner. The grants are reimbursements to business owners for costs associated with a safe reopening, including, but not limited to: Plexiglas shield, facemasks for employees or customers, hand sanitizers, floor decals, and the purchase or rental of outdoor tables, tents, umbrellas, fencing or other equipment for outdoor dining areas.

Economic Development Small Business Assistance Program This grant focuses on the immediate financial needs of Des Plaines small businesses with 20 or fewer full‐time employees meeting certain low and moderate income limits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about these programs, visit desplaines.org/businesses/assistance.

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BUDGET INFORMATION

View the FY2021 Budget: DesPlaines.org/Budget

Licenses, Permits & Fines 1% Taxes 46%

ABOUT THE BUDGET

WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM

7% Transfers In Other Revenues 9%

Inter-governmental Charges for 22% Services 15%

Debt Services 2%

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

6% Transfer Out 6% Other Expenses 10%

Salaries & Benefits 36%

Defines service levels, program sizes & capital projects Management tool that also measures success Balanced budget of $164 million

About $8M less than FY20 Decreased revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic General fund revenues (main operating fund) $2.8M less than 2020 No increase in the City property tax levy Reflects cuts from across departments

Capital Overlay 22%

Des Plaines Library 3% Miscellaneous 4% Water Reclamation Dist. 4%

*PROPERTY TAX SUMMARY

Sets policy & financial course; influences every City activity

BUDGET TAKEAWAYS

Contractual Services 18%

Commodities

One of the most important City Council actions

Cook County 5% Park District 5% Des Plaines 12%

High School District 207 28%

Continued hiring freeze and holding vacant positions

STRATEGIC GOALS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL Municipal Excellence

Re-imagined Growth

• Funding of Police and Fire Pensions

• Oakton Train Station Future Development

• Maintain a 25% fund balance in the General fund • Intergovernmental cooperation through funding the Senior Center

• Expansion of municipal parking • Increased transit oriented development in downtown

• Social Service Agency Funding

Infrastructure and Mobility School District 62 39%

Community Character

• Police Department Addition

• Des Plaines Theatre Renovation

• Funding for Sidewalk Replacement

• Funding for Special Events *Maine Township Tax Bill

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• Expansion of Bike Path accessibility through grants

Des Plaines Provides Services

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

1:00 AM Fire Department responds to 911 call with a medical emergency.

5:00 AM Police Department investigator interviews witnesses.

4:00 AM Public Works removes debris in road.

6:00 AM Public Works responds to water main break.

7:00 AM The City’s hauler (LRS) collects trash and recycling.

8:00 AM Police Department crossing guard assists children safely across the street.

9:00 AM The City Manager meets with senior staff.

11:00 AM Finance Department calculates and produces utility bills.

10:00 AM Finance Department clerk accepts water bill payment at City Hall.

12:30 PM Community & Development announces small business awards.

1:00 pM Mayor and alderman attend a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate a new local business.

2:00 pM Health & Human Services connects a senior citizen with community resources.

3:00 pM Community & Development Inspector reviews onsite construction for permit.

5:30 pm

4:30 pM City Clerk’s Office provides public records in response to a FOIA request.

Police Department officer pulls someone over for speeding.

6:00 pM Media Services preps for broadcasting and streaming of Council meetings.

7:00 pM City Council meets virtually and at City Hall.

11:00 PM Someone applies for a City job through the HR Career Page.

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9:00 pM Resident reports a neighbor’s tall grass through the DP311 system.

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID DES PLAINES, IL PERMIT #5

Summer Means Construction Season. Here’s What You Can Expect in Des Plaines: The City will conduct the following construction improvements this summer. Additional information, including specific schedules and other project updates will be shared with affected residents prior to the start of construction activities.

PROJECT NAME: 2021 CIP ‐ Contract A Church St (Bellaire Av to Good Av) ‐ Reconstruction, 12” Water Main, Storm Sewer Danbury Ln (Dover Dr to Roxbury Ln) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Forest Av (Margret St to Lee St) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Margret St (Forest Av to Wicke Av) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Mark Av (Wolf Rd to Madelyn Dr) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Woodland Av (River Rd to East End) ‐ Reconstruction, 8” Water Main, Storm Sewer PROJECT NAME: 2021 CIP, ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION MFT 21‐00000‐01‐GM Alles/Oak (Harding to South End) ‐ Alley Reconstruction White/River Rd (Henry to Campbell) ‐ Alley Reconstruction

Phone: 847-391-5300

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Web: desplaines.org

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PROJECT NAME: 2021 CIP ‐ Contract B MFT 21‐00225‐00‐RS Craig Dr (Patton Dr to Pratt Av) ‐ Resurface Dover Dr (Pennsylvania Av to Mt Prospect Rd) ‐ Resurface Heather Ln (Kingston Ct to Kingston Ct) ‐ Resurface Joseph Ave (David Dr to Fox Ln) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Locust St (Everett Av to South End) ‐ Resurface Northeast Pl (E Grant Dr to E Villa) ‐ Reconstruction, 8” Water Main Northeast Pl (E Grant Dr to Thacker St) ‐ Resurface Pearle Dr (David Dr to Fox Ln) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Pine St (Howard Av to Highland Dr) ‐ Rehabilitation, 8” Water Main Princeton St (Radcliffe Av to Cambridge Rd) ‐ Resurface Prospect Ave (White St to Maple St) ‐ Resurface Second Ave (Golf Rd to S Golf Cul De Sac) ‐ Resurface South Ln (Sunset Av to North End) ‐ Resurface Sunset Ave (Stillwell Dr to Scott St) ‐ Resurface Walnut Ave (Margret St to Jeannette St) ‐ Resurface

Find construction project details at desplaines.org/construction, and sign up for construction updates at desplaines.org/MyCity.

Address: 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines IL

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Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM