Westmont board approves multiple permits, finance ordinances and development changes

The Westmont Village Board on Jan. 9 approved a package of ordinances and permits that included two finance ordinances and purchase orders, special-use permits for two downtown businesses, an amended planned development for Westmont Yard, and authorization for construction‑phase engineering on a water‑main extension.

The items were adopted by roll call vote after staff presentations and brief trustee discussion. The consent agenda included Finance Ordinance No. 18 for $2,000,000,158.97 and Finance Ordinance No. 1 for $1,228,047.24, for a combined amount of $3,228,206.21, plus purchase orders and simultaneous payments that brought the total listed on the consent agenda to $3,788,760.05. Purchase orders cited in the packet included DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau ($46,538.20), Community Unit School District 201 (a TIF payment, $267,702.64) and Curry Motors ($127,413) for a Ford F‑600 chassis.

The board also approved two zoning actions recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission: a special‑use permit and development permit for PostNet to operate at 36 N. Cass Ave., and a special‑use permit for Amalgam Martial Arts Academy to occupy 27 E. Chicago Ave. Director Hennerfein told the board both items received unanimous positive recommendations from Planning & Zoning.

Trustees discussed delivery and package‑drop logistics for the PostNet location on Cass Avenue, with Trustee Barker noting the need to manage UPS and FedEx stops on the street. The PostNet owner said he intends to work with drivers and add signage to direct deliveries to the alley and the rear parking area.

For 233 W. 63rd St., the board approved an amended and restated planned development and related site and landscape plan to formalize expanded outdoor uses tied to the property known as Westmont Yard. Community development staff said the amended plan clarifies which outdoor areas the childcare/daycare operation may use, and adds temporary fencing and play areas required by the state for licensed outdoor play. Bill Gust, a representative for the property, described the site as a long‑running, popular operation and the board discussed its parking needs and weekday/weekend usage.

The board authorized an engineering services agreement with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for phase 3 construction services on the Lincoln and 41st Street water‑main extension project. Director Reese said the work will cover construction administration, field inspection and documentation for the water main extension near Liberty Park.

The board also adopted a resolution supporting the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference legislative action program for the 2025 session; Mel Karski presented the resolution as Westmont’s representative on that countywide committee.

All motions listed above were adopted by roll call. Where a specific vote tally was recorded, trustees present voted “yes” and the motions passed; the board did not record any “no” votes on the items covered here.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (minutes; Finance Ordinance No. 18 — $2,000,000,158.97; Finance Ordinance No. 1 — $1,228,047.24; three purchase orders including DuPage CVB $46,538.20, CUSD 201 $267,702.64 (TIF 2 payment), Curry Motors $127,413): Approved (roll call: Trustees Parker, Berry, Guzzo, Barker, Little, Nero, Scales — recorded as yes). Notes: total on consent listed as $3,788,760.05. - Confirm appointment of John Simpson to Planning & Zoning Commission: Approved (motion Nero; second Little; roll call yes). - Special‑use permit and B1 development permit for PostNet, 36 N. Cass Ave.: Approved (motion made and seconded; roll call yes). Staff noted Planning & Zoning recommended approval; trustees discussed delivery access and signage. - Special‑use permit for Amalgam Martial Arts Academy, 27 E. Chicago Ave.: Approved (motion Little; second Guzzo; roll call yes). Staff noted unanimous Planning & Zoning recommendation. - Amended and restated planned development, amended site and landscape plan for Westmont Yard, 233 W. 63rd St.: Approved (motion Scales; second Nero; roll call yes). Staff explained the amendment formalizes outdoor play areas and bus/van circulation for daycare operations. - Engineering services agreement, Baxter & Woodman, Inc., Lincoln/41st water main extension (phase 3 construction services): Approved (motion Berry; second Barker; roll call yes). Item covers construction administration, inspection and documentation. - Resolution supporting DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference legislative action program (2025): Approved (motion Little; second not specified; roll call yes).

What trustees asked for follow up or clarification - The board asked staff to monitor and, if needed, coordinate parking/delivery controls for the new PostNet franchise on Cass Avenue. - Trustees requested continued clarity about how TIF revenues are shared with Community Unit School District 201; staff explained the CUSD 201 payment is a share of increment from Central Business District TIF No. 2.

Why it matters The packet of approvals touches village finances, downtown business activity and a high‑profile mixed‑use property (Westmont Yard) that houses events and childcare. The water‑main engineering contract moves forward an infrastructure project in the Lincoln/41st/Liberty Park area. The TIF payment listed on the consent agenda highlights ongoing interactions between local redevelopment financing and school district revenue shares.