West Cook News

Village of River Forest Board of Trustees Met Oct. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 7:01p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:

Present: President Adduci, Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, Henek, O’Connell, Vazquez

Absent: Village Clerk Kathleen Brand-White

Also Present: Village Administrator Eric Palm, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Assistant to the Village Administrator Jonathan Pape, Management Analyst Sara Phyfer

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Roxanne Bajo, 821 Bonnie Brae. Ms. Bajo requested the Village’s help in raising the fence at the Chicago and Harlem development to ensure privacy for abutting neighbors.

Administrator Palm reviewed the conversation Staff has had with the developer and explained that there is nothing the Village can do to require them to construct a taller fence. He noted the developer has offered taller landscaping and cash payments to homeowners in lieu of the fence for the residents to install their own landscaping.

President Adduci stated they will find a time where the residents and developer can talk through this to find a good solution.

Trustee Henek stated the Village needs to do whatever it can because the residents are the ones who have to live with this every day and that most of the people who have been involved in the decision-making process do not.

3. CONTINUED DISCUSSION AND ACTION: 2020 HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING

Administrator Palm reviewed the Board’s previous discussions and stated that what has changed is that the Illinois Department of Public Health and City of Chicago have issued guidance. Mr. Palm reviewed the guidelines and noted the Village can provide signage for households.

Trustee Brennan commented that the CDC guidelines are in line with the IDPH guidelines and stated she would be open to modified trick-or-treating if the Village includes the guidelines in communications.

Trustee Bachner stated she believes the Village should discourage trick-or-treating in general and that the ability to social distance is going to be difficult. She stated if people want to take a moderate risk, they can but under the strict guidelines. She expressed concerns about the schools going back to in-person learning and the potential for trick-or-treating to disrupt programming. She also suggested making the signs available on the Village website.

Trustee Cargie stated the best the Village can do is issue guidelines. He commented that there cannot be an expectation that the Police Department could enforce trick-or-treating. He also suggested changing the hours.

Trustee Vazquez agreed with Trustee Cargie’s statement regarding the hours for trick-or- treating and stated that if the Village is going to extend by an hour, to do it during daylight hours.

Trustee Henek stated she appreciated wanting to have guidelines but that when guidelines are not followed, that results in spikes. She concurred with Trustee Bachner about discouraging trick-or-treating but having guidelines available for those who choose to participate. She stated she recognized the Police Department would not be out there enforcing them. Trustee Henek suggested having tables out would help with social distancing and make it easier to see which homes are participating, and questioned whether a sign would be necessary. She stated the Village needs to do whatever it can to discourage people from going up to doors. She reiterated her agreement with discouraging trick-or-treating and stated people outside the community would be less likely to visit.

Trustee O’Connell echoed Trustee Vazquez and suggested shortened hours from 3pm-6pm so trick-or-treating would occur during daylight. He also agreed that the Village should have signage available.

In response to a question from Trustee O’Connell about a plan in the event of a snowstorm like last year, President Adduci stated more people would be staying home and it would not change the guidelines.

Trustee Cargie stated a sign is the best approach because there will be people wanting to participate in the traditional way.

Trustee Brennan concurred with the 3pm-6pm hours. Regarding the tables, she stated she did not imagine someone would be at the table handing out candy.

Trustee Henek stated people would need to space out the pieces and monitor.

President Adduci summarized the discussion and stated that the Village would discourage trick-or-treating but that it would be allowed from 3pm-6pm under the IDPH guidelines. She stated signs will be available for residents and that there will be an emphasis on ensuring parents are responsible for following the guidelines.

4. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Cargie made a motion, seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to adjourn the special Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 7:35p.m.

Roll call:

Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, Henek, O'Connell, Vazquez

Absent: None

Nays: None

Motion Passes.

https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/10-05-20_River_Forest_SVBOT_Meeting_Minutes.pdf