Downers Grove Council to Discuss High Priority Items for Long-Range Plan

The Downers Grove Village Council will hold a public planning session Tuesday to continue work on its Long-Range Plan.

The plan, introduced May 21, is designed to obtain policy direction from the 2013-15 village council by combining elements of the village's Long Range Financial Plan (LRFP) and Strategic Plan, which have guided financial strategies and actions, respectively.

The Long-Range Plan is intended to combine elements of the existing LRFP and Strategic Plan into a comprehensive document that is "outcome drive and also addresses financial issues and constraints," according to the preliminary report.

"The village has relied both on the LRFP and Strategic Plan for guidance. These plans have worked well together but have resulted in two separate sets of strategies, solutions and actions that require the village to coordinate the plans," the report states.

Although the planning process is designed to cover a variety of topics, the preliminary report identifies three key issues facing Downers Grove over the next two years: a potential reduction in state shared revenues, a gap in infrastructure maintenance funding, and a village facilities sustainability plan, which would address the below average condition of Village Hall and the police station.

On Tuesday, the village will hold its second public planning meeting, this time focusing on "high priority action items and continued discussion on facilities." The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Fire Station 2, 5420 Main St.

A preliminary report has listed several "on-going high priority action items," including the creation of a facilities sustainability plan, improved resident engagement and communication, and partnerships with local school districts, the park district and other governing bodies.

The village has also listed several potential new items for consideration, including an update to the new sidewalk construction plan, completion of sidewalks on Ogden Avenue, a new public art initiative, an emergency response volunteer corps, gateway signs, a green energy project, and amendments to stormwater management regulations.

The village could also consider changes to its current fowl ordinance and OASIS program, both of which were topics of debate in recent months.

Tuesday's meeting is intended to assist in the process of creating a final list of action items that are categorized into high, medium and low priority for 2013-15, according to village officials.

The Long-Range Plan preliminary report can be viewed online at www.downers.us/govt/long-range-plan. Residents can provide feedback by emailing LRP@downers.us or posting to Twitter using the hashtag #DGLRP.