Above / The sign set on Jan. 8, 2018, in front of Old Nichols Library, located at 110 S. Washington Street, gives proper public notice (no more than 30 days and not less than 15) regarding a COA request at the HPC meeting scheduled at 7PM Thurs., Jan. 25, 2018.
Just as other forward-thinking, well-established cities across the nation, Naperville embraces voracious volunteer spirit. In addition to membership in service clubs and serving on boards for nonprofits, many city residents choose to volunteer to serve on boards and commissions, meeting regularly to focus on certain community needs to keep Naperville running smoothly and in touch with its residents.
Folks who actively follow City Council meetings and the work at the City of Naperville are known to throw around titles of boards, commissions and subcommittees by abbreviations, making it sometimes tough to follow in conversation. Some of the abbreviations are initialisms while others become acronyms. Consider the Transportation Advisory Board known as “TAB.”
Local abbreviations & process
This story aims to highlight the meanings of most of those abbreviations all on one page. In addition, this page hopes to provide information about the importance of getting involved with the process regarding local issues prior to their coming to a vote before City Council.
While the Riverwalk Commission needs no abbreviation, the Riverwalk PDC might need an explanation. PDC stands for its Planning, Design and Construction Committee, a working group of volunteer Riverwalk Commissioners that meets with City staff in between monthly meetings of the commission to keep the popular assets of natural treasure properly maintained and moving forward according to its five-year plan, all within the boundaries designated by the City Council from Jefferson Avenue to Martin Avenue.
Then there’s the Historic Preservation Commission, often referred to as “HPC” where commissioners talk about “COAs.”
Property owners with reasons to go before HPC typically are looking for approvals of a Certificate of Appropriateness or COA, granting permission to follow through with proposed work for changes that is compatible with the local preservation ordinance.
New, improved page for City Board & Commission documents online
Earlier this month, Rachel Pruneda in the City Manager’s Office sent an email to members serving on boards and commissions stating that beginning in 2018, meeting info, meeting agendas, packets and minutes for most of these volunteer groups will be available on the City Board and Commission Meeting Documents page. This new link “will make finding and accessing all of your agenda materials super easy,” Pruneda wrote.
Though at first it might take some thought to get accustomed to it, Pruneda is correct. Seeing all recent meetings posted in one place as well as public notification of upcoming meetings will add to the transparency and ease of finding what “we, the public” might want to know.
Commission & board meetings this week, Jan. 23 thru Jan. 25…
This week, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners meets Tues., Jan. 23.
Firefighters Pension Fund Board and the Police Pension Fund Board both meet Wed., Jan. 24.
The Public Utility Advisory Board and the Historic Preservation Commission both meet Thurs., Jan. 25.
Particularly of public interest this week is the HPC meeting. The HPC Agenda package is posted with two applications regarding COAs.
First, the HPC will consider the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to demolish the 1962 addition to the structure located at 110 S. Washington Street (Old Nichols Library) – COA 17-5146.
Naperville Assistant Planner Gabrielle Maddingly (City liaison for the Historic Preservation Commission and Historic District) attached a letter written to members of the HPC from Randy Bernacki, with his thoughts concerned about the often-expressed “Oops!” factor that could occur during demolition of the add-ons south and east of the original building. The City’s new posting makes it simple to click on the link to “Public Comment” where Bernacki’s letter is included.
Second, HPC will consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) request for the property located at 218 North Columbia Street – COA 18-56.
Naperville is served by 23 Boards, Commissions & Task Forces
Meetings! Meetings! And more meetings! The following 23 boards, commissions and task forces keep local citizens busy volunteering and attending meetings with start times that vary from 7:30AM to 7PM on many days every month throughout the year.
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
The following list with even more information also is posted on the City’s website. To save a few online clicks, here we have provided a very brief synopsis of duties of the City’s boards and commissions with their regularly scheduled meetings, most of which must give advance public notice.
Accessible Community Task Force / aka ACTF
To augment the efforts of the Advisory Commission on Disabilities (ACD), the ACTF meets at 7PM on the second Wednesday of each month in the lunch room.
Advisory Commission on Disabilities / aka ACD
The ACD facilitates inclusive city services and events, making them accessible to all residents, and welcoming individuals with special needs. The ACD meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of February, May, August and November at 6:30PM (or as needed) in Lower Level Meeting Room A.
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners / aka BFPC
Responsible for testing, appointing, and promoting Fire and Police Department sworn personnel as well as conducting disciplinary hearings, BFPC meetings are scheduled to be held at 4PM on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Mayor’s Conference Room, unless otherwise noted.
Building Review Board
The Building Review Board is charged to receive, investigate and grant relief from the City’s Building Code in hardship cases. The Board meets at 2PM on the third Wednesday of each month as needed in Council Chambers, unless otherwise noted.
City Council Meetings and Workshops
City Council meetings are held at 7PM on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, unless otherwise noted due to holidays. Workshops are scheduled in advance as needed. Meetings are streamed live online and saved for 24-hour access in the City’s archive.
Downtown Advisory Commission / aka DAC, pronounced “Dack”
The 11-member Commission, intended to guide the physical improvement and development within Naperville’s central business district over a 10-to-15-year period, meets in the NEU Meeting Room. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held from 3:30 to 5PM on the second Thursday of the month.
Emergency Telephone System Board / aka ETSB
The ETSB authorizes disbursement of enhanced 911 surcharge funds and discusses matters pertinent to the 911 system. The Emergency Telephone System Board meets at 3PM on the second Thursday of March, June, September and December in the Community Room at the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Ave., unless otherwise noted.
Financial Advisory Board / aka FAB
The function of the Financial Advisory Board is to respond to City Council financial requests by reviewing audits, investments, and all bond issues. Held quarterly at 6PM, FAB meets in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) room in the lower level, unless otherwise noted.
Firefighters’ Pension Fund Board
The City of Naperville established a firefighters’ pension fund for the benefit of its firefighters and their surviving spouses, children and certain other dependents. Board meetings begin at noon, held quarterly on the fourth Wednesday of January, April, July and October in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) room in the lower level.
Foreign Fire Insurance Board
The Foreign Fire Insurance Board receives and accounts for revenues received from the 2% tax on fire insurance policies sold by foreign (out of state) insurance companies. Meetings are typically held at 8AM on the first Thursday of each month in Lower Level Meeting Room A.
Historic Preservation Commission / aka HPC
The HPC preserves and protects Naperville’s Historic District by fostering and encouraging the preservation of private and public buildings and landmark structures. HPC meets bi-monthly at 7PM in Meeting Room B, unless otherwise noted. Also, standards for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) review for increased property owner satisfaction often find their way into discussions at HPC meetings. Click here to links on a page of definitions, requirements, exemptions, procedures, etc. regarding HPC.
Housing Advisory Commission
The Housing Advisory Commission plays an important role in discouraging illegal and unethical housing practices by promoting and encouraging fair housing to all. Regularly scheduled meetings are held at 6:30PM on the first Monday of every other month in the Lower Level Meeting Room A, unless otherwise noted. If needed, additional meetings may be added to the schedule.
Liquor Commission
The Mayor serves as Liquor Commissioner by overseeing Naperville’s liquor and cigarette licenses and responding to violations of relevant ordinances by local businesses. Meetings of the Liquor Commission are held at 3PM on the first Thursday after the first Tuesday of each month in City Council Chambers, unless otherwise noted.
Naper Settlement Museum Board
Comprised of members of the City Council, the community and members of the Heritage Society Board of Directors, the Naper Settlement Museum Board oversees the development and operations of the City’s outdoor history museum. The Board meets at 8AM quarterly on the third Friday of the month in the Mayor’s Conference Room, unless otherwise noted.
Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees
The 9-member governing board, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, meets at 7PM on the third Wednesday of each month at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. Illinois statutes dictate the responsibilities of the library board that include control over the library’s budget, policies and procedures.
Planning and Zoning Commission / aka P & Z or PZC
Meeting at 7PM on the first and third Wednesday of every month in City Council Chambers, unless otherwise noted, the purpose of the Planning and Zoning Commission is to maintain the city’s Master Plan—a blueprint of future growth needs.
Police Pension Fund Board
The Board meets quarterly at 3PM in the Community Room of the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Avenue, unless otherwise noted, to manage the assets of the Police Pension Fund, accept members into the fund and approve regular and disability pensions during their two-year terms.
Public Utilities Advisory Board
The Public Utilities Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity in matters relating to rates, budgets and capital improvements for Naperville’s electric and water/wastewater systems. Meetings are held at 5PM in the Electric Service Center, 1392 W. Aurora Avenue, Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60540, unless otherwise noted.
Riverwalk Commission
Members of the Riverwalk Commission aim to promote, encourage and guide the development and use of the Riverwalk. The Commission meets at 7:30AM on the second Wednesday of every month in the Lunch Room, unless otherwise noted. Meetings are open to the public.
Senior Task Force
The Senior Task Force, which was established at the direction of the 2014 Naperville City Council, is helping address the unique needs of Naperville’s growing senior population.
Sister Cities Commission
The purpose of the commission is to foster international understanding and friendship by forging personal links through city-to-city affiliations with Naperville’s two Sister Cities: Nitra, Slovakia, formalized on Nov. 17, 1993; and Pátzcuaro, Mexico, formalized on Nov. 13, 2010. The Sister Cities Commission meets at 7PM on the second Wednesday of every month in the Mayor’s Conference Room, unless otherwise noted.
Special Events Cultural Amenities Commission / aka SECA
Though the fund was set in motion in 2005 with adoption of a food and beverage tax, the Special Events Cultural Amenities Commission was established in 2008 to assist, inform and advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the arts, culture, and special events in the city. The SECA Commission sets it annual schedule for meetings and workshops held in Council Chambers, unless otherwise noted.
Transportation Advisory Board / aka TAB
Members of TAB review, inform and advise the City regarding transportation issues—pedestrian safety, traffic, speed limits, and parking. The Board establishes a meeting schedule annually, but meetings typically are held at 7PM on the first Thursday of every month in the Council Chambers. Monthly meetings include a public forum to provide the public an opportunity to comment as well as express concerns related to the agenda.
Apply to serve boards & commissions via the City’s Website
With very few exceptions, appointments to board and commissions are reserved for Naperville residents and are made by the Mayor and City Council based on experience and interest. Anyone interested in serving on a Board or Commission is welcome to download and review the application form, available on the City’s website.
Serving on a board or commission is an important way to become acquainted with the process of how this City works before issues with recommendations go before City Council for deliberation and a final decision.
In addition, appointment to a board or commission is a way for to begin public service for residents eager to get their feet wet if they think they one day would like to run to serve on City Council. It’s a rare individual that gets elected to public office in Naperville without prior experience on one of the City’s boards.
For everything else available on the city’s website regarding City of Naperville boards, commissions and task forces, visit www.naperville.il.us.
To view the list for the year, click here. It just takes a few clicks and a little time and interest.
—PN
UPDATE, Jan. 23, 2018 / OMA or Open Meetings Act is another intitialism that has received inquiries since this page was posted. The above boards and commissions are subject to OMA and a 10-day advance notification (time, date and location) of any meeting that is changed from its regular schedule posted at the beginning of the calendar year. The meeting agenda must be posted 48 hours in advance of the public meeting.
In response to queries regarding the 5th Ave Steering Committee, the City has decided to take the conservative approach and have that group adhere to OMA for enhanced transparency of this project moving forward, officials said.
Thanks for reading.
