Village of Forest Park City Council met Oct. 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hoskins led all assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call. Mayor Hoskins announced that all members are attending remotely via video teleconference and he is present in the Council Chambers due to Social Distancing regulations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the minutes from the September 28, 2020, Regular Meeting of the Village Council be approved without reading as each member has received a copy thereof.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The Ad Hoc Cultural Park Committee gave their recommendations for the future use of the village owned Altenheim property and offered to discuss their findings and conclusions with the Village Council.
Mr. Mark Boroughf expressed his comments about the vacant positions on the village’s various committees, boards and commissions and questioned why 2 commissioners recently voted no on filling a board position.
COMMUNICATIONS:
None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
The Police Department submitted its July and August, 2020 report
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Byrnes that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The Commissioner of Accounts and Finance has reviewed the bills as applicable to each department and found the aggregate amounts to be correct and recommends payment when funds are available. The bills totaled $1,183,591.38
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously
R-61-20 RESOLUTION FOR THE PAYMENT OF BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,183,591.38 APPROVED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing and ratifying approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Forest Park and School District 91 for Remote Learning by District 91 Students at Mohr Community Center be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
R-62-20 RESOLUTION RATIFYING IGA WITH DISTRICT 91 FOR REMOTE LEARNING APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for the provision of Environmental Health Inspectional Services be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously
R-63-20 RESOLUTION APPROVING IGA WITH COOK COUNTY FOR HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICES FOR 2021 APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing and ratifying approval of the prior execution of an Investigative Services Letter Agreement by and between the Village of Forest Park and R. E. Walsh & Associates Inc. be adopted. It was discussed that, in lieu of a cap on the cost of services, Administrator Gillian will provide monthly check-ins regarding ongoing costs.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously
R-64-20 RESOLUTION RATIFYING INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH R. E. WALSH & ASSOCIATES APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing the execution of Pay Request #2 for the 2020 Circle Avenue Sewer Separation Improvements Project to Swallow Construction be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
R-65-20 RESOLUTION APPROVING PAY REQUEST #2 FOR CIRCLE SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT TO SWALLOW CONSTRUCTION APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing the execution of Pay Request #2 (Final) for the 2020 Elgin Avenue Resurfacing Project to Lindahl Brothers Inc. be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
R-66-20 RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAY REQUEST FOR ELGIN RESURFACING TO LINDAHL BROTHERS APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing the waiver of the Hiring Freeze for IMRF employees regarding the hiring of a full-time Chauffeur be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
R-67-20 RESOLUTION WAIVING IMRF HIRING FREEZE RE: HIRING FULL-TIME CHAUFFEUR APPROVED
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Byrnes to approve the 2021 Village of Forest Park Council Meeting Schedule as presented.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Novak, Byrnes, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously
2021 VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE APPROVED BY MOTION
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Gillian reported that after several months of trying to determine the ownership of a tract of property along the train tracks around the CTA Station at 1 S. Harlem, it was concluded that Cook County owns the property. Commissioner Brandon Johnson’s office assisted the village in successfully convincing the county to clean up the area, which is being used as a homeless encampment/drug den. The clean-up has been completed and the county is planning to cut down all of the vegetation tomorrow and then add a fence and a gate to prevent this from reoccurring. Next the administrator reported that, after collaborating with other local agencies, the village is happy to report that we will be permitting trick-or-treating in Forest Park this year, in spite of the pandemic. Guidelines and information about other Halloween events will be on the village’s website.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:
Commissioner Novak congratulated retiring Fire Lieutenants T.J. Janopoulos and Russ Nelson, adding that they have provided more than a combined 50 years’ service to the village. The Commissioner further thanked them both for their years of dedication and service.
Commissioner Byrnes echoed Commissioner Novak, congratulating Fire Lieutenants Janopoulos and Nelson, and displayed trick-or-treat signs that he received from the Village of LaGrange, indicating whether or not your house is open to trick-or-treaters this year.
Commissioner Nero reported that Illinois Department of Transportation is taking longer than expected to make the repairs on the Circle Bridge and the new estimated date of completion is mid-November.
Commissioner Voogd reported that she has been receiving many calls and emails about a large X painted on various trees. This X indicates that the tree has to be cut down due to its death, disease, or damage beyond our control. The trees have been evaluated by a certified arborist and the Public Works Director. The village is still planning to plant 17 new trees this fall and hopes to get back on track with 25 trees next spring as well. Information on the forestry program can be viewed on the village’s website. In addition, the Commissioner pointed out that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and encouraged residents to be mindful about their health and recommended screenings.
Mayor Hoskins reported the following:
• the Firefighters union is raising money to support Breast Cancer Awareness by selling masks for $10.00 each. Anyone wishing to purchase masks can go to www.local2753.com. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to Gilda’s House.
• The village is partnering with Walgreens and holding an outdoor Flu Shot Clinic this Thursday, October 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Community Center. Priority will be given to Senior Citizens and there will be a limited quantity of vouchers for free shots.
• October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the purple ribbons you see around town signify this awareness. Sarah’s Inn is now headquartered in Forest Park and they provide help to victims of domestic violence.
• Core Strength is celebrating being in business in Forest Park for 5 years by holding a reception this Thursday at 5:30 at their Madison Street location.
• Chris Everett of Everett Wealth Solutions is holding a book signing event at Lathrop Café on Thursday from 5-8:00 p.m.
• The Forest Park Police has reclassified vandalism crimes from “damage to property” crimes to Hate Crimes, as prescribed by the Illinois Hate Crimes Statute.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Voogd moved and Commissioner Byrnes seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 P.M.
https://www.forestpark.net/dfp/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Minutes-101320.pdf
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