Glen Ellyn steps back from picking downtown study firm

Glen Ellyn trustees tabled the decision to pick a downtown study firm after several trustees expressed discomfort with the "rushed" idea.

"We're taking a risk signing this contract," Trustee Sara Lee said during a workshop meeting just minutes before the formal board meeting began. "I'm still not comfortable with this."

The village board was expected to approve a $100,000 contract with Town Builder Studios to conduct a downtown study, which will highlight areas the village needs to focus on, including historic preservation, parking, retail and economic analysis. But after last week's workshop meeting where many residents expressed their discontent with the process and selection, some trustees still stood behind their own opinions, as well as the residents'.

When Lee asked to table the vote Monday night, Trustees Tim Armstrong, Pete Ladesic and Jim Comerford agreed.

Throughout the entire selection process, Armstrong, Lee and Ladesic supported Houseal Lavigne Associates, another firm based out of Naperville. However, Trustees Comerford, Peter Norton and Michelle Thorsell favored Town Builder Studios. President Vicky Hase also was for Town Builder Studios.

"I'm really asking my board to consider whether this is a good expense," Lee said last night. "I think we owe it to all those residents to come up with a plan and get everybody's input."

Ladesic echoed Lee's statement and asked if there's anyone on the board who doesn't have a gut feeling something's wrong.

Comerford said the two-week gap before the next meeting will give everyone some time to evaluate the decision and sort through their thoughts.

He also referenced last week's workshop meeting and said many residents considered the discussions challenging and disturbing.

"At the trustee table, there were comments made by supporters of Town Builders that were inappropriate," Comerford said. "I would hope that as we move forward, regardless of what your role is in this debate or your position, that everyone treats everyone else with a sense of respect."

Trustees now may evaluate Houseal Lavigne's offer and pan out who'll be doing an interactive Web site with surveys and comments that could be submitted by merchants and residents.

The village board is expected to vote on a firm at 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane St.