West Cook News

Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met May 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m. President Adduci welcomed the larger crowd to Village Hall. Clerk Brand-White did roll call. Upon roll call, the following persons were:

Present: President Adduci, Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Cargie, O’Connell, Vazquez, Village Clerk Kathleen Brand-White

Absent: Trustee Henek

Also Present: Acting Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Assistant to the Village Administrator Jonathan Pape, Management Analyst Sara Phyfer, Police Chief James O’Shea, Police Commander James Greenwood, Finance Director Rosemary McAdams, Fire Chief Kurt Bohlmann, Public Works Director John Anderson, Village Engineer Jeff Loster, Village Attorney Greg Smith

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.

3. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Dawn Mizgala, 1503 Forest. Ms. Mizgala stated she is a 17-year resident of River Forest and would like to recognize Trustee Tom Cargie. She stated he provided leadership and experience on the ad-hoc deer management committee, which was an issue affecting the community. She stated he encouraged all members of committee to speak their points of view on a difficult topic. She stated Trustee Cargie should be commended for his leadership and commitment to the community.

Jan Saeger, 435 William. Ms. Saeger thanked Police Chief O’Shea for the scam and fraud protection presentation and for the Quarterly Community Safety Meeting. She noted she attended the Sheridan ribbon cutting ceremony and tour, and that she was impressed with the facility. She stated she believes it will be a huge success for the community. She thanked

the Board for their efforts and support for the process from start to finish. 

4. ELECTED OFFICIAL COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trustee O’Connell stated he hoped everyone had happy Mother’s Day. He reminded residents who have remodeling projects going on that they are still responsible for maintaining their landscaping. He stated the Village has a code enforcement officer patrolling the neighborhood making sure residents are complying. He also stated he received a marketing report from a national real estate company on the Priory Property. He reported that there is nothing going on with it and the zoning is in place, but it is officially on the market.

Trustee Brennan stated the Police Department hosted another Quarterly Community Safety meeting and that it is available on video. She noted that a sergeant from the Addison Police Department spoke on resources available in regards to autism awareness and how families and law enforcement officers can enhance safety. She stated the River Forest Police Department has sensory kits to aid officers in dealing with the community. She stated she also learned that nearby Riveredge Hospital is the largest freestanding psychiatric hospital in Illinois and there is a lot of information on their website. Trustee Brennan thanked the developer at Lake & Lathrop for their helpful presentation at the last Board meeting. She reiterated the request for monthly updates and stated she looked forward to that for the May 24th meeting. She requested that the slide deck from the presentation be posted on the project page on the Village website.

Trustee Vazquez greeted everyone and stated that it is great to see an audience again. He echoed Trustee Brennen’s thanks to Chief O’Shea for Quarterly Safety Meeting. He congratulated the incoming officers being sworn in tonight. He reported he also attended the Sheridan River Forest ribbon cutting ceremony with staff. He noted that the Sheridan staff were gracious and commented that working with the Village went very well. He also thanked the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce for co-sponsoring the ceremony at the Sheridan. He stated he is personally pleased with the Sheridan as part of the Village’s Age In Place efforts. He also wished all the moms and grandmothers a happy belated Mother’s Day. He also wished the Hispanic/Latin community a happy Mother’s Day as it is celebrated on May 10th.

Trustee Cargie congratulated his son on graduating college and welcoming him home soon.

Trustee Bachner read a statement to acknowledge that this land was once inhabited by indigenous people and stated that River Forest continues to be a place that people from diverse backgrounds live and gather. She welcomed everyone who attended the meeting in person and asked everyone to remain mindful as we get back into spaces and everything that entails with facemasks and social distancing. She stated the Pfizer vaccine is now available to 12-15 year olds and that parents are receiving survey notices from District 90 on interest in having their children vaccinated. She urged those parents to fill out the survey. She acknowledged the board members who have participated in Race Conscious Dialogues and stated new sessions will pick up on July 10th. She encouraged those interested to sign up. Trustee Bachner also noted the Harlem Avenue sidewalk upgrades regarding ADA compliant specifics.

President Adduci thanked Trustee Vazquez for stepping in her shoes and attending the ceremony at the Sheridan.

Mr. Pape announced that all mass vaccination sites in Cook County are taking walk-ins and the two sites nearest to the Village are in Forest Park at the former HOBO site on Roosevelt Road, and Triton Community College. He stated locations in River Forest for vaccinations by appointment are at Jewel, CVS, Walgreens and that walk-ins are now available. He also noted that the Cook County Department of Public Health is now offering homebound residents in home appointments.

Trustee Bachner asked if there are walk in appointments for ages 12-15?

Mr. Pape stated not yet but that a change to that may be announced as early as this Wednesday that 12-15 year olds will be allowed.

President Adduci encouraged everyone to sign up for the e-newsletter as many of the things mentioned tonight are also in the newsletter. She stated she heard that the supply of the vaccine is now higher than demand, which is good news.

5. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING ELECTED OFFICIALS KATHLEEN BRAND-WHITE, TOM CARGIE, PATTY HENEK

President Adduci stated there are plaques for each outgoing member of the Board.

Trustee O’Connell acknowledged the outgoing trustees, clerk, and citizen volunteers. He stated it is important to give back to community. He stated he met Clerk Brand-White at the bocce ball court and convinced her to participate. He recognized Trustee Henek and her neighbors on Bonnie Brae for creating the LemonAid Stand charity event for the victims of 9/11. He thanked her for her service and her commitment to the community. He recognized Trustee Cargie’s long term service to the community, noting his six years on the Park Board followed by eight years on the Village Board, along with many years of coaching youth in the Village. He stated that although you may not always agree with Trustee Cargie, his commitment has always been to the betterment of River Forest.

Trustee Brennan stated that with Trustee Cargie, they are losing the trustee with the most years of experience. She stated she always valued his perspective and his historical perspective. She stated that his having served as Park Board chair provided additional knowledge of and a new perspective from another taxing body. She stated she appreciated

his knowledge and points of view, his passion, and his sense of humor. She stated she is sorry that Trustee Henek is not at the meeting tonight. Trustee Brennan stated that Trustee Henek set the bar high for her preparation and her study of all the issues before the Village Board meetings. She stated she admired how she listened, took residents’ concerns seriously, and considered all possibilities before making a decision. She stated Trustee Henek never took the easy way out and that she appreciated that and is thankful for her passion for village. Trustee Brennan stated it was always a pleasure to work with Clerk Brand-White. She stated she was a calm and caring individual and a real professional in every way. Trustee Brennan thanked her for her dedication and time. She stated she knows that there was a lot more that she did behind the scenes that nobody ever knew.

Trustee Bachner said to Clerk Brand-White that she did not realize one could bring heart to the role of Clerk. She stated it has been wonderful to sit with her around that table and that she appreciated all the work she does. She thanked Clerk Brand-White for her service. She stated she is also sad that Trustee Henek is not here tonight. She noted that Trustee Henek made sure she heard all aspects of every issue and brought thoroughness and insightfulness

to everything in front of the Board. She stated she doesn’t know where Trustee Henek got all the energy and time to do it and that she was amazing in that work. Trustee Bachner thanked Trustee Cargie for his historical perspective and the ability to find past examples of issues that helped guide the Board. She thanked him for his insight.

Trustee Vazquez stated that he knows Clerk Brand-White has been in River Forest for a number of years, but that he shared with her an educational background. He thanked her for all the tedious work she had to do for the Board. He thanked her for keeping them on task. He stated he will miss her and wished that she had run again, but that he will see her around town. Regarding Trustee Henek, he stated they were elected the same year and shared Leadership Lab together. He recognized the LemonAid stand work that she did and stated that he is sure she will continue her efforts on that. He stated Trustee Cargie has run for a number of offices. He stated it was a pleasure sitting next to him the last four years and watching him work. He stated he will be missed and that he hopes Trustee Cargie will still provide his expertise, opinions, and advice. He stated he considered Trustee Cargie an alum of the Village Board.

President Adduci acknowledged and echoed the sentiments about Trustee Henek. She stated she brought good information and good process to the Village Board. She thanked her for making communications better and for her efforts in the community with the gift baskets and the LemonAid stand. She stated she hopes Trustee Henek will continue to be involved. President Adduci thanked Trustee Cargie for his eight years on the Village Board, and the six years on the Park Board. She stated she was always amazed at his deep understanding of municipal law and valued his perspective on community projects from a legal stance. She stated he took on responsibilities that were hard and controversial, starting with the Collaboration Committee. She stated his ideas on the Community Calendar won accolades across the country and was a great example of municipal governing. She acknowledged his leading the Deer Committee, noting it has been difficult and emotional, and she stated she appreciates his work to that end and thanked him for his leadership. President Adduci thanked Clerk Brand-White for being the best clerk as her voice and comments were clear and constructive. She stated she always reminded the Board of the good they are trying to do.

Trustee Cargie thanked his wife Cheryl noting he has been doing this for fourteen years and thanked his kids for his first term. He thanked Village Staff, stating Eric Palm knew the nuts and bolts and had the heart and soul of being a village manager. He stated that if he had his choice, he would pick Lisa Scheiner as Village Administrator. He thanked Sara Phyfer for the Deer Committee and for understanding the dynamics of working with the group. He stated he wanted to tip his hat to President Adduci, noting that she has more institutional memory than he, and that her dedication to the Village is what was so important. He stated he is really proud of the accomplishments over past eight years. He stated he always tried to figure out what was best for the Village and not for him and that he strived to do that to the best of his ability. He stated that at the end of the day, it can be a difficult decision. Trustee Cargie stated that it has been an honor to serve and represent the community. He thanked everyone.

Clerk Brand-White stated it was a pleasure to serve with Trustee Henek and Trustee Cargie. She stated that while watching them both consider each vote thoughtfully, they were wonderful examples of what it means to walk the walk. She stated it has been a privilege to sit at this table the last four years. She thanked Lisa Scheiner and all of Village Staff. She thanked Village Attorney Smith and all the trustees she has had the pleasure to serve with.

She stated they have inspired her with their commitment, service and passion. She thanked President Adduci for sitting by her side all these years. Clerk Brand-White thanked the residents who have come to speak before the Board, stating their willingness to give up their time and to speak to them is what makes this Village great. She stated she will treasure her memories as Village Clerk.

President Adduci stated that concludes Board remarks.

Village Clerk Brand White asked for a motion to adjourn the Village Board Meeting for the last time for Trustee Cargie, Trustee Henek, and Clerk Brand-White.

6. ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE

Trustee Vazquez made a motion seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting Sine Die at 7:44 p.m.

Village Clerk Brand-White administered the Oath of Office to newly elected officials, Ken Johnson, Respicio Vazquez, Lisa Gillis, Catherine Adduci, and Jonathan Keller.

7. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 7:56 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:

Present: President Adduci, Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez

Also Present: Village Clerk Jonathan Keller, Acting Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Assistant to the Village Administrator Jonathan Pape, Management Analyst Sara Phyfer, Police Chief James O’Shea, Police Commander James Greenwood, Fire Chief Kurt Bohlmann, Public Works Director John Anderson, Finance Director Rosemary McAdams, Village Attorney Greg Smith

8. ELECTED OFFICIALS COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trustee Gillis thanked the community.

Trustee Johnson thanked the community and his wife and children. He stated he planned on practicing on the tenants of his campaign – transparency and inclusion of thought.

Clerk Keller thanked the community and expressed his pleasure to be here.

Trustee Vazquez welcomed the new members of the board.

President Adduci expressed that there is work to do that will focus on three broad principles – safety for all residents, strengthening our quality of life, and stabilizing our property taxes. She promised to work hard, be transparent, and welcome all residents.

a. Police Department Officer of the Year Troy Fields

Chief O’Shea presented the Officer of the Year Award to Corporal Fields. b. Swearing in of Sergeant Michael Fries

Village Clerk Keller swore-in Sergeant Fries.

c. Swearing in of Officers Megan Drake and Lane Niemann

Village Clerk Keller swore-in Officers Drake and Niemann

9. CONSENT AGENDA

a. Proclamation Designating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month – Proclamation

b. Proclamation Designating National Bike Month – Proclamation

c. Father John Szmyd Day – Proclamation

d. Resolution Honoring Outgoing Elected Officials Kathleen Brand-White, Tom Cargie, Patty Henek – Resolution

e. Monthly Department Report

f. Accounts Payable – April 2021 – $1,727,755.60

g. Village Administrator’s Report

Trustee O’Connell made a motion, seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to approve the Consent Agenda items A-G.

10. CONSENT ITEMS FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION

a. April Accounts Payable from the General Fund to McDonald’s-Karavites for $83.12 (Trustee O’Connell Common Law Conflict of Interest)Trustee Brennan made a motion, seconded by Trustee Johnson, to approve payment from the General Fund to McDonald’s-Karavites for $83.12.

11. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

a. Board and Commission Appointments

i. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group: Appointment of Ken Johnson, Co-Chairperson

Trustee Vazquez made a motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to concur with the recommendation of the Village President to appoint Ken Johnson as Co-Chairperson to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Group, and Helen Kwan and Barbara Mirel to the Age Friendly Advisory Ad Hoc Committee.

Trustee Bachner asked about the difference between a motion to concur versus approve recommendation.

Attorney Smith commented that there is no difference.

Trustee Bachner commented that she is looking forward to working with Trustee Johnson and Ms. Scheiner.

President Adduci commented she is looking forward to working with the appointees. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

13. NEW BUSINESS

a. 735 Lathrop – River Forest Library – Planned Development (Introduction)

Ms. Scheiner reviewed the process for Planned Developments. She stated the first step in the process is that the project is brought before the Board for introduction. She stated the Library Board is here tonight to introduce their Planned Development.

Library Board President Deborah Hill introduced Emily Compton-Dzak to speak on this project.

Director Compton-Dzak introduced the need for more public conference room space. She explained that the present air handler unit is in an interior room at the Library and that it could be moved outdoors, freeing up interior space. She stated the air handler is due for replacement and they are looking to relocate the unit to an exterior space. She stated this has been worked out with the Park District.

Trustee Brennan asked whether this new structure will impact the baseball field. Director Compton-Dzak stated there is no impact on the baseball field.

President Adduci stated there was consensus to allow the Library to move forward with the DRB process.

b. Discussion and Direction: Block Parties

Trustee Bachner made a motion, seconded by Trustee O’Connell, to concur with Staff's recommendation to permit block parties in the Village of River Forest.

Ms. Scheiner reviewed this item. She stated that block parties were suspended in March of 2020. She stated that with the progress made with COVID and that Phase Five is on the horizon, it was appropriate that this policy be reviewed. She noted Staff is asking the Village Board to allow modified block parties and continuing to suspend village personnel at the events.

Trustee Johnson asked if the participation number capped.

Ms. Scheiner stated that Phase Four is 50 people, 100 in the Bridge Phase, and there are no limitations in Phase 5. She stated they would continue to ask people to wear masks and use good judgment.

Trustee Bachner asked people to consider smaller gatherings. She asked for the flyer that goes out to residents regarding block parties to include those kinds of acknowledgments.

Ms. Scheiner stated they would leave that up to permit applicants and they would make the flyer available to them.

Trustee O’Connell commented that they would leave these regulations up to the residents and operate on the honor system.

Trustee Vazquez asked about the timeline for requesting permits. He suggested the permit can state CDC guidelines at the time the permits are requested.

Ms. Scheiner stated two weeks is the standard timeline. She noted that Police and Fire personnel would not attend modified block parties and they would also prohibiting inflatables such as bounce houses.

President Adduci stated this seemed reasonable and that the Bridge Phase is coming up soon.

15. ADJOURNMENT

Trustee O’Connell made a motion seconded by Trustee Vazquez, to adjourn the regular Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 8:42 p.m.

https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/05-10-21_River_Forest_VBOT_Meeting_Minutes.pdf