Yorkville gets high marks in NIU study

YORKVILLE - The city's government came under increased scrutiny this summer - but officials here say that's a good thing.

As part of a pilot program, the Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies looked at how Yorkville works from its City Council deliberations to its winter snow removal.

What they found - according to the report - was a well-managed city with dedicated employees that is doing a good job of planning for the future.

But like any organization, there is room for improvement.

Yorkville was one of four communities included in the Illinois Municipal Assistance Program (IMAP), a grant program funded through the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The program's goal is to help communities improve government services and enhance economic development opporunities.

As part of the process, NIU researchers interviewed some two dozen elected officials and city employees beginning in April.

Growth and traffic congestion were identified as among the top issues facing city leaders.

"Residents of Yorkville see it as a small, friendly town with good access to larger nearby cities: however, there is a concern that with the increase in new residents municipal service expectations will change as will the feel of the community," the report states.

Mayor Art Prochaska said he believes the study can be a good tool for the city as it grows. he noted that many of the recommendations on long-range planning are in the works.

"We'll all see that there are many things that we've already talked about," Prochaska said of the document.

Greg Bielawski, amn IMAP advisor who formerly was a city official in Carol Stream and Naperville, said Yorkville has demonstrated an ability to look ahead to prepare for growth.

"You do have a proclivity for planning," Bielawski said.

Bielawski said the City Council should consider reducing the amount of committees it has and delegate more clear-cut authority to the city administrator.

"I think a more streamlined structure might suit you better," Bielawski said.

The committee suggestion met some resistance from alderman who said much of the valuable discussion of city business is at that level.

"I feel that we really get a lot of discussion done in committee," Alderman Rose Spears said. "We try to discuss at length."

The City Council has a number of standing committees, including Administration, Economic Development, Public Safety, Public Works and Committee of the Whole. In addition, Prochaska this spring added ad hoc committees on Technology and Tourism.

Among the other IMAP recommendations in the report: