VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
Monday, May 3, 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board meeting was conducted live remotely
via telecommunications.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gaffino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Mark Gaffino, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Todd Niedzwiedz, Trustee Carolyn Salazar
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel, Public Works Director John Laskowski, Police Chief Dave Fisher.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None
DISCUSSION
1. July 3rd Fireworks
Administrator Bosco opened the discussion in regard to the July 3rd fireworks, he reminded the Board that last year’s July 3rd fireworks display had been canceled. The Village had paid half of the cost ($12,500) last year to Melrose Pyrotechnics and when the show was canceled last year, the company held the funds as a deposit for this year. Since the Village has decided to move forward with the July 3, 2021 fireworks Administrator Bosco asked the Board to select a location and offered the idea to continue to host the fireworks at Riverfront Park, which if the state is in the bridge phase, can accommodate up to 3,000 people. He added that an additional option would be to host the fireworks at the Jewel Middle School.
Trustee Guethle expressed that he would prefer to leave the fireworks along the riverfront.
Trustee Curtis and Trustee Carroll were in agreement to leave the fireworks along the riverfront.
Trustee Carroll suggested incorporating the silo in the event, while Trustee Curtis asked if the Village could project an image on the silo.
Administrator Bosco explained that the lights projected on the silo can be programmed with Fourth of July themed color schemes and may be able to be manipulated to simulate a flag waving.
Trustee Salazar asked if we have not yet moved in to the bridge phase how would the Village address the crowd control situation. Administrator Bosco stated that traditionally there is much unutilized space during the July 3rd fireworks and he believed that there would be ample space for people to spread out.
Trustee Salazar then stated that she was in agreement that the fireworks should stay along the riverfront.
Trustee Niedzwiedz stated that he believed that there may be some residents in the Jewel Middle School area that may have complaints about the fireworks being relocated there and was in agreement to keep the fireworks along the riverfront.
Trustee Lowery and Mayor Gaffino also expressed agreement that Riverfront Park is the best place to have the fireworks display.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Carroll. All in favor. Motion approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – Personnel
VILLAGE BOARD RETURNS FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gaffino called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Mark Gaffino, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Mark Guethle, Trustee Mark Carroll, Trustee Todd Niedzwiedz, Trustee Carolyn Salazar
Staff in attendance: Village Attorney Kevin Drendel
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Curtis. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jessi Watkins
Village Clerk
