Council Members Thank City Workers' Snowstorm Efforts

Tuesday's meeting was a roller coaster of emotions as aldermen shared numerous notes of thanks to city workers for their efforts in last week’s snowstorm, as well as concerns about the workings of the Economic Development Commission.

Part of the evening's agenda included renewing approvals for four community members currently serving on the Economic Development Commission. Eighth Ward Alderman Rosemary Argus said that she was worried about the commission’s lack of transparency.

 “It is very important that they haven’t had elections or lived by their bylaws for 10 to 15 years,” Argus said. “Why is this commission not following the rules?”

The Economic Development Commission’s purpose is to advise city council members and help foster business development, according to the Des Plaines City website.  Commissioners recommend areas for revitalization and act as a go-between for developers and city officials.

Fifth Ward Alderman James Brookman echoed Argus’ concerns, noting that the “lack of public input” is hindering the commission.

At times, Mayor Martin Moylan cut off discussions and interrupted Brookman as they engaged in a heated debate.

Other council members simply noted their appreciation of commissioners, adding that they were hard working volunteers willing to donate their time to the city.

“They have experience, they want to serve, and we should approve them tonight,” said Third Ward Alderman Matthew Bogusz.

Opponents wanted to wait to approve the commissioners until after they were questioned about their practices.

The council did approve the four appointments that will last until 2014, and the Aldermen tentatively agreed to have a meeting with commissioners in coming weeks.

Various city workers and departments also received declarations of appreciation for their hard work in last week’s blizzard.

A snowstorm that delivered 20.8 inches of snow in 18 hours to Des Plaines last week was described as “historic” throughout Chicagoland.  Snow removal service workers plowed around the clock, and other departments helped stranded residents find refuge in the Prairie Lakes Shelter.

The city spent about $35,000 in overtime for workers to remove snow, said Public Works and Engineering Director Tim Oakley. 

City Council members expressed gratitude to their constituents for calling in concerns about their streets. Eighth Ward Alderman Rosemary Argus said that she received about 100 calls last Wednesday.

Des Plaines’ website will also likely be receiving a makeover this year as the city partners with Kansas-based CivicPlus to design, host and maintain www.desplaines.org.

The new system will be a content management system, allowing city employees to upload information to the website directly and independently.  It is estimated that this contract will cost the city about $15,000 a year to maintain, or about half of what it had budgeted for 2011.