Council Approves River East, Honors Charity

The St. Charles City Council met on October 10, 2022, for a brief 14-minute session to address city operations, charitable recognition, and development projects. Highlights included a proclamation honoring Big Hearts of Fox Valley, approval of a Dell computer contract, and the enactment of ordinances for the River East development project.

Key Decisions from the Meeting

• Minutes Approval: Approved minutes from the October 3, 2022 meeting.

• Dell Computer Contract: Authorized award of a $109,677 contract to Dell Marketing LP for desktop computers.

• River East Development: Approved ordinances for a reduced right-of-way vacation and a Planned Unit Development (PUD), enabling the construction project while preserving city green space.

Action Items:

• Execute the Dell Marketing LP contract.

• Implement the approved River East ordinances and finalize the subdivision plan.

• Process license agreements for private improvements, including a raised patio and walkway.

Proclamation for Big Hearts of Fox Valley

Mayor Laura Vitek recognized the volunteer organization Big Hearts of Fox Valley, designating October 10–16 as “Big Hearts of Fox Valley Week”. Representatives Jennifer and Minor Mowgli highlighted their work assisting over 16,500 children in the D-303 school district, providing essentials such as holiday gifts, coats, and toiletries. The St. Charles City Police Department was acknowledged for extra patrols to safeguard donated items.

City Operations: Dell Computer Contract

A resolution was passed authorizing staff to award a desktop computer contract to Dell Marketing LP for $109,677. This ensures city departments are equipped with updated technology for administrative and operational efficiency.

River East Development Project

The core of the meeting focused on the River East development, involving a reduced right-of-way vacation for Second Avenue and Indiana Avenue, along with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance.

City staff explained that the right-of-way vacation had been reduced and shifted to preserve city-owned green space while accommodating the building footprint and a raised patio within the vacated area. Any private improvements outside the vacated right-of-way, such as walkways or patios, require separate license agreements approved by the City Council.

Council members praised the compromise, emphasizing that the revised plans addressed community concerns while allowing the development to move forward. Both ordinances were approved unanimously.

Community Announcements

The meeting concluded with brief announcements:

• Birthday wishes to Council Member Brian Barnyard.

• Recognition of Emma Rodriguez, a high school student job shadowing city government.

• Upcoming community events, including the Kickathon fundraiser and Scarecrow Fest.

Conclusion

The October 10 meeting reflects the Council’s focus on supporting local charities, maintaining city operations, and managing development responsibly. With the River East project moving forward under carefully balanced ordinances, the city preserves its green space while fostering community growth. Recognizing organizations like Big Hearts of Fox Valley reinforces St. Charles’ commitment to civic engagement and volunteerism.

FAQs

What charity was honored by the St. Charles City Council on October 10, 2022?

Big Hearts of Fox Valley was recognized for assisting over 16,500 children in the D-303 school district with gifts, coats, toiletries, and essential support.

What technology upgrades were approved during the meeting?

The Council authorized a $109,677 contract with Dell Marketing LP to provide updated desktop computers for city departments, ensuring operational efficiency.

What decisions were made regarding the River East development project?

The Council approved ordinances for a reduced right-of-way vacation on Second and Indiana Avenues and a Planned Unit Development (PUD), balancing building needs with preservation of city green space.

How did the Council handle private improvements in the River East project?

Any private walkways, patios, or other improvements outside the vacated right-of-way require separate license agreements, ensuring proper oversight and city approval.

Were there any community announcements during the meeting?

Yes, the Council recognized Council Member Brian Barnyard’s birthday, acknowledged high school student Emma Rodriguez for job shadowing, and highlighted upcoming events like the Kickathon fundraiser and Scarecrow Fest.