Village of Oak Park President and Board of Trustees met May 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. Call to Order
Village President Abu-Taleb called the Meeting to order at 6:34 P.M.
II. Roll Call
Present: 6 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia
By Phone: 1 - Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
Absent: 0
III. Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss Litigation
It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) - litigation. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.
V. Reconvene to Regular Meeting in Council Chambers and Call to Order
The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:36 P.M.
VI. Roll Call
Present: 6 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia
By Phone: 1 - Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
Absent: 0
VII. Agenda ApprovalVillage Trustee Boutet requested that Items O, P and R be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda.
It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, to approve the Agenda as amended. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.
VIII. Minutes
A. MOT 19-71 Motion to Approve Minutes from the April 15, 2019 Regular Meeting, May 6, 2019 Regular Meeting and May 13, 2019 Special Meeting of the Village Board.
May 20, 2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, to approve the Minutes. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.
IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment
Jodi Walker, representing Race Conscious Dialogues. Ms. Walker invited the Board and Village Manager to participate in the Race Conscious Dialogues Program.
Jenna Leving Jacobson, representing Moms Demand Action. Ms. Leving Jacobson spoke about the Be SMART program, which promotes reducing the number of gun deaths of children by storing firearms responsibly.
Village Trustee Boutet suggested that the Village put that information on their website to help promote gun safety. Village President Abu-Taleb agreed.
X. Proclamation
B. ID 19-152 Resolution in Memoriam Roberta “Bobbie” Raymond
Retired Village Clerk Sandra Sokol read the Resolution aloud. A copy of the Resolution was presented to the family of Bobbie Raymond.
It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that this Resolution be adopted. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.
XI. Village Manager Reports
C. ID 19-150 Review of the Village Board Meeting calendars for May, June and July.
Village Manager Pavlicek referred to the calendars in the Board packets and asked that she be advised of any conflicts, particularly for next Tuesday.
D. ID 19-151 Village Manager’s Monthly Measures Report for March 2019
Village Manager Pavlicek stated that this report regarding activities within the administrative departments will be presented to the Board monthly.
Village Trustee Boutet described the information as "outputs" and would like more information regarding "outcomes". She also noted that there was no information from the Village Clerk's Office.
Village Manager Pavlicek commented that she discussed this with the Clerk and will incorporate that department in future reports; her initial direction from the Board was to include only the departments under her purview. She and the department directors would like to move to more outcome information; however there needs to be monthly measure reporting as the foundation. She discussed going to a performance management system.
Village Trustee Boutet commented that there are 57 staff vacancies.
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla agreed with Village Trustee Boutet regarding adding the Clerk's Office to the report and with Village Manager Pavlicek regarding the performance outputs. However, she would like to see a report more in line with the Board
May President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes 20, 2019 goals.
XII. Village Board Committees
There was nothing to report.
XIII. Citizen Commission Vacancies
There was nothing to report.
XIV. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments
There were no appointments.
XV. Consent Agenda
Approval of the Consent Agenda
It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Taglia, to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: 7 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
E. ORD 19-48 An Ordinance Approving a Highway Authority Agreement and an Environmental Indemnity Agreement between Howard M. Munyon, as Trustee of The Howard M. Munyon Revocable Living Trust and the Village of Oak Park for the Property Located at 6801 North Avenue and Authorizing their Execution
This Ordinance was adopted.
F. RES 19-109 A Resolution Approving a 5-year Programmatic Agreement with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Officer for Certain Programs of the U.S. Department of House and Urban Development (HUD) and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Administered by the Village of Oak Park and Authorizing its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
G. RES 19-133 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement between Konica Minolta and the Village of Oak Park to provide Document Imaging Services for the Village’s microfiche cards, microfilm rolls and related papers in an Amount Not to Exceed $83,838 and Authorizing its Execution.
This Resolution was adopted.
H. RES 19-135 A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Bulletproof Vest Partnership Village of Oak Park (BVP) Grant Application with the United States Department of Justice with an Anticipated Funding Amount of $7,700
This Resolution was adopted.
I. RES 19-139 A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Grant Application to Provide Funding for the Police Department’s Tobacco Enforcement Program (TEP)
This Resolution was adopted.
J. RES 19-148 A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with CDW Government LLC for the Acquisition of Certain Computer Equipment in an Amount Not to Exceed $51,893.52 and Authorizing Its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
K. RES 19-149 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement With Revcon Technology Group Inc., an Illinois Corporation, for the Service and Maintenance of Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems at Village Parking Garages in an Amount Not to Exceed $35,000 and Authorizing its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
L. RES 19-152 A Resolution Approving a Contract with Lindahl Brothers Inc. for Project 19-15, Resurfacing of Various Streets, in an Amount not to Exceed $1,143,903 and Authorizing its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
M. RES 19-155 A Resolution Approving a Contract with Electric Conduit Construction Co. for Project 19-13, Lake Street and Forest Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements in an Amount not to Exceed $426,660 and Authorizing its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
N. RES 19-156 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with M.E. Simpson Inc. for Technical Support with the Village’s Water Loss Control Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $115,760.00 and Authorizing its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
Q. RES 19-170 A Resolution Approving an Employee Leasing Agreement for a Temporary Assistant Village Manager/Human Resources Director with GovTemps USA, LLC and Authorizing its Execution
This Resolution was adopted.
S. RES 19-171 A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in Workers’ Compensation Case Number 2016 WC 25612
This Resolution was adopted.
T. RES 19-172 A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in Workers’ Compensation Case Numbers 2015 WC 41824 and 2016 WC 21903
This Resolution was adopted.
U. RES 19-182 A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in Workers’ Compensation Case Number 2017 WC 34222
V. MOT 19-62 A Motion to Refer an Application by Fenwick High School Inc. for Major
Modifications to a Planned Development Located at 505 Washington Boulevard Granted Pursuant to Village Special Use Permit Ordinance Number 19-16 to the Plan Commission for Public Hearing
This Motion was approved.
W. MOT 19-35 A Motion to Direct Staff to Establish a Village of Oak Park Volunteer 2020 U.S. Census Complete Count Committee
This Motion was approved.
X. MOT 19-53 A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $3,071,749.59 from April 10, 2019 through May 7, 2019
This Motion was approved.
Y. MOT 19-56 A Motion to Approve the April 2019 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for All Funds
This Motion was approved.
XVI. Regular Agenda
O. RES 19-158 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and the Park District of Oak Park for Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance and Authorizing its Execution Items O, P and R were discussed and voted on together.
Village Trustee Boutet stated that these services to our governmental partners should be provided at cost, rather than adding a surcharge.
Village Trustee Andrews disagreed, as by taking on those costs it artificially raises the Village's budget. It is also not an accurate representation of the other entities' costs.
Director of Public Works John Wielebnicki stated that the surcharge is an administrative cost for the use of the Village's facilities and employees.
Village Trustees Walker-Peddakotla and Taglia asked if the Village's cost of fuel was lowered by adding governmental partners. Mr. Wielebnicki clarified that the Village is the biggest user and explained how partner costs were determined.
It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 6 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 1 - Village Trustee Boutet
ABSENT: 0
P. RES 19-160 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Public Library for the Purchase of Fuel at the Village’s Fueling Facility and Authorizing its Execution
It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 6 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 1 - Village Trustee Boutet
ABSENT: 0
R. RES 19-174 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and the Park District of Oak Park for the Purchase of Fuel at the Village’s Fueling Facility and Authorizing its Execution
It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
Z. RES 19-179 A Resolution Adopting Updates to the Diversity Statement
Village Manager Pavlicek stated that in response to requests from the Village Board, the Community Relations Commission held a meeting on May 15 to further refine their updated Diversity Statement, which was presented but not adopted by the Board at their May 6 meeting. Their further refined version, as well as an alternate version, is being presented tonight for the Board's consideration.
Linda Francis. Ms. Francis shared her expectation for all to be heard and considered with respect.
Yoko Terretta. Ms. Terretta expressed her disappointment in the changes in the alternate version, as they have weakened the statement.
Cheree Moore, representing the Community Relations Commission (CRC). Ms. Moore summarized the process of the commission in gathering feedback to create their original and refined versions. The commission does not agree with the alternate version or the process in which it was done.
John Duffy. Mr. Duffy stated that the alternate version was not prepared with the same transparency that was used in the Community Relations Commission's original and refined versions. He urged the Board to either adopt the CRC's version or table the Item.
Jameel Rafia. Mr. Rafia commented that the progressive stance of Oak Park is in name only. He does not understand why this is such a challenge.
Cate Readling. Ms. Readling urged the Board to follow the recommendations of the CRC or do not vote.
Terry Kelleher. Mr. Kelleher thanked the CRC for their process. The Village needs to practice the values of inclusion in a different way. The community is asking the Board for their leadership and to take these words seriously.
Kitty Conklin. As a comparison, Ms. Conklin reported that the D200 Board decided to reprint their yearbook due to some material that could be considered racially offensive. The students who worked on it were extremely upset. While one group was protected, another group was harmed. This is a difficult situation.
Steve Krasinsky. Mr. Krasinsky expressed concern regarding the removal of "breaking down systems of oppression" in the alternate version. He spoke about an actual racial inequity occurrence he witnessed, which he discovered is not atypical.
Village Trustee Boutet thanked the CRC for their timely and professional process regarding gathering public input. She suggested either voting on the refined statement that resulted from the CRC process or table the Item.
Village Trustee Andrews suggested that the CRC version does not represent the opinion of all. Many of his constituents do not know the meaning of some of the language used and he would like the statement to be clearer in that regard.
Village Trustee Moroney also thanked the CRC for their work and commitment. Not all people are comfortable talking about this issue. Everyone comes to this discussion with different perspectives. He believes the majority of the community is very supportive of a diversity, equity and inclusion statement but it is important to preserve parts of the original Diversity Statement. He supports the alternate version.
Village Trustee Buchanan found it ironic that in the same meeting honoring Bobbie Raymond, this Board is challenging the statement submitted by the CRC. She feels it is the right thing to do and is fine with some feeling uncomfortable.
Village Trustee Taglia feels that the Board needs to get on the same page regarding this. He is happy to table it if that is the will of the Board. He appreciates the changes that the CRC made and read aloud additional language proposed by Village Trustee Boutet, who commented that her suggested language was for clarification purposes. Village Trustee Boutet reiterated her wish to vote on the statement created by the CRC.
Village Trustee Walker Peddakotla commented that the CRC did exactly what they asked them to do, yet the Board created their own version out of discomfort. If someone does not understand the terminology, then it is not for them. Systems of oppression exist in the Village and if people are unaware of that, it is because they are not affected by it. She was extremely discouraged with changes that happened behind the scenes, without time for community input. She agreed with Village Trustee Boutet that this should be tabled until the Board can come to a consensus to vote on CRC's refined version of the statement.
Village President Abu-Taleb stated that this statement is meant to show the Village's commitment and support of the values and principles that make this community welcoming to all, regardless of race, religion, place of birth, sexual orientation, economic background. etc. He spoke about his understanding of oppression. As leaders of the community, the Board has an obligation not to shame one another and make one more righteous than another. It is the job of the Board to debate and discuss in order to make a good decision and it is beneficial to all not to rush through this. He urged all to be respectful of one another. He agreed that this should be tabled, as it is important for the full Board to approve of the statement. He suggested one or two Study Sessions to gather more public input.
It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Resolution be tabled. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 7 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
AA. MOT 19-68 A Motion to Concur with the Environment and Energy Commission (EEC) Related to Creating a Single-Use Plastic Reduction “Plastic Free July” Campaign Program
Village Manager Pavlicek stated that this is modeled after a national program to reduce single use plastic products during the month of July.
Environment and Energy Commission Chair Nick Bridge stated that the commission has already begun marketing this campaign at various events in the community. He referred to the campaign logo and asked that Village staff approve it in order for them to include it with their marketing materials. He would eventually like to see an ordinance mandating that restaurants offer plastic straws upon request only.
Stephen Morales of the Environment and Energy Commission stated that this is a concrete plan within the current budget and is basically educating the public. The commission is looking into a recognition program that includes coupons, which is intended to be helpful to restaurants that are being eco-friendly.
Mr. Bridge stated that he has already met with the Chamber and Downtown Oak Park, who have endorsed the campaign, and plans to meet with Business Council.
Village Trustee Andrews thanked the commission and likes that this is educational and voluntary. It is a good first step and depending on the outcome, he would be interested in looking at legislation down the road.
Village Trustees Taglia and Boutet expressed support for the project.
It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Motion be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 7 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
AB. RES 19-150 A Resolution Approving the Rejection of Bids for the Village Wide Refuse/Recycling Container Pick Up Services and Authorizing Staff to Prepare a Budget Amendment for these Services to be Performed by Adding In-House Staff
Director of Public Works John Wielebnicki stated that his department is responsible for emptying approximately 300 garbage and recycling containers throughout the Village. Since 2009, this task has been outsourced to Advanced Disposal. Their current contract ends at the end of May and the Village issued a call for bids. The only response was from Advanced Disposal, and their bid was significantly higher than the previous year, as well as the amount budgeted. Mr. Wielebnicki discussed possible reasons for the increase and noted that Advanced Disposal did provide some alternatives, which he described. Staff looked at what past in-house costs were and found that it would cost less to add a staff person. He is recommending that the bids be rejected and that a staff person be hired.
It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 7 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
AC. MOT 19-45 A Motion to Concur with the Public Works Director’s Recommendation to Install 3,000 Kelvin LED Lighting as Part of the Village’s Residential Street Lighting System Replacement Project
Mr. Wielebnicki stated that this is a three year project and involves approximately 2,500 light poles on the north-south blocks with the ornamental fixtures. The lamps currently being used are not available any longer. He discussed the benefits of the LED lamps. Four different options were installed in a test area last year in order to get feedback from the community on their lighting preference. In addition, a survey was conducted with the majority of respondents preferring the 3000 Kelvin lamp. He discussed next steps and that contracts will be brought to the Board.
Village Trustee Taglia asked what the time frame is for payback on investment. Mr. Wielebnicki stated that at a savings of 75 kWh per lamp, it would typically take three to five years.
Mr. Wielebnicki confirmed that this is completely funded through the Sustainability Fund.
It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that this Motion be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 7 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
AD. MOT 19-63 A Motion to Concur with the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation’s (Oak Park EDC) Recommendation to Provide Financial Incentives in the Amount of $50,000 to CMV Development LLC (“CMV”) to Complete Two Development Projects Located at 6555 and 6545 North Avenue and Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Documents
Executive Director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC) John Lynch stated that the developers have already started work at the 6555 North Avenue location, which will include ten residential units and retail space (cigar shop). Unanticipated costs of building on North Avenue, as well as uncertainty of rental rates, drove the developer to request financial assistance from the Village in order to move forward. The second project, 6545 North Avenue, will be financially unfeasible without the incentive.
Village Trustee Andrews asked what the unanticipated costs are. Developer Craig Volpe explained the additional engineering and permit fees associated with building on North Avenue because it is a state highway.
Village Trustee Boutet wants to support North Avenue, but would like an explanation for giving taxpayer dollars to a private investor. She does not want this to set a precedent.
Village President Abu-Taleb discussed the challenges of attracting investment on North Avenue in Oak Park.
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla acknowledged the great work of the North Avenue Steering Committee and that this project will be the catalyst for other development in that area. She asked if affordable housing will be available in these developments and what the targeted rents are. Mr. Lynch said there will not be affordable housing; the targeted rents will be an average of $2,200; approximately $2 per square foot. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla expressed concern that this use of taxpayer money will only benefit the developer.
Village Trustee Taglia asked what the approximate property tax would be to benefit the Village. Mr. Lynch projects approximately $57,000-$58,000 per building per year, and $8,000 in sales tax for the retail portion. He discussed how the OPEDC has been trying to promote North Avenue, despite the lack of a formal program to assist developers.
Village Manager Pavlicek explained other projects that will help North Avenue, including opportunities for funding. Village Trustee Boutet reiterated her desire for North Avenue development. She would feel more comfortable with a tool in place rather than ad hoc funding in the future.
Village Trustee Moroney asked about the timeline for funding. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that the benefit will be received by the developer upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy for both buildings. Village Trustee Moroney asked if this project would qualify for the commercial improvement facade grant. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that staff would work with Mr. Volpe to look into whether the cigar shop was eligible. Village Trustee Moroney expressed enthusiasm for this development, despite any risk.
Village Trustee Taglia understands the need to be cautious and is not looking to set a precedent. However, he appreciates the benefit to the community, which exceeds the cost.
Village Trustee Andrews believes this can be a catalyst for more development on North Avenue.
It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that this Motion be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:
AYES: 7 - Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 0
AE. RES 19-176 A Resolution to Adopt the 2019-2021 Village Board Protocols
Village President Abu-Taleb stated that he would like this Item moved to the next meeting.
It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Resolution be tabled. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.
XVII. Call to the Board and Clerk
There were no comments.
XVIII. Adjourn
It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, to adjourn. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 10:07 P.M.
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