Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met Dec. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A special meeting of the Village of River Forest Board of Trustees was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room of Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue – River Forest, IL.
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: President Adduci, Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, Vazquez
Absent: Village Clerk Jonathan Keller
Also, Present: Acting Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Assistant to the Village Administrator Jonathan Pape, Management Analyst Sara Phyfer, Management Analyst/Deputy Clerk Elijah Bebora, Acting Fire Chief Robert Nortier, Police Chief James O’Shea, Police Commander James Greenwood, Finance Director Rosemary McAdams, Director of Public Works and Development Services Jeff Loster, Village Attorney Greg Smith
Motion by Trustee Bachner to permit Trustee O’Connell to participate in the Village Board meeting remotely due to travel for work. Second by Trustee Vazquez.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
Trustee O’Connell joined the meeting.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mindy Credi, 1452 Park. Ms. Credi stated that the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group has not reached its goals. She requested that the Village Board provide clarity and direction on how the Advisory Group should proceed.
4. ELECTED OFFICIAL COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustee O’Connell stated that he met former Village Administrator Eric Palm at a conference he was attending. He remarked that Mr. Palm sends his regards to the Village Board and Staff. He commented that he would like to congratulate the Fenwick High School Football Team on winning the State Championship.
Trustee Johnson stated that residents can file an appeal of their property taxes from now until January 8.
Trustee Brennan stated the holiday light displays around the Village are making the Village look beautiful this holiday season.
Trustee Vazquez stated he would like to congratulate the Fenwick Football Team on their State Championship.
Trustee Gillis stated that she has no announcements.
Trustee Bachner started with a Land Acknowledgment statement that this land was once and still inhabited by indigenous people and River Forest continues to be a place that people from diverse backgrounds live and gather. She stated that she urges residents to proceed with caution with the new COVID-19 variant arising.
Village President Adduci stated that she has no announcements.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approval of a Resolution declaring the Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures for the Certain Capital Expenditures of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, with the Issuance of Not to Exceed $5,400,000 Bonds or a Loan from a Local Financial Institution -Resolution
b. Approval of an Ordinance Prohibiting the Discharge of Weapons and Explosives as Part of any Film or Photo Production in the Village - Ordinance
c. Approval of an Ordinance Waiving the Eight Foot Setback Requirement for a Sign on Village of River Forest Owned Property at 7787 Lake Street
Trustee Gillis made a motion, seconded by Trustee Johnson, to approve the Consent Agenda Items A - C
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
6. CONSENT ITEMS FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
None.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES None.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Appointment of Brian Murphy to the Offices of Village Administrator, Zoning Administrator and Budget Officer for a Term Through May 12, 2025 and Until His Successor is Appointed and has Qualified
Motion by Trustee Vasquez to appoint Brian Murphy to the Offices of Village Administrator, Zoning Administrator and Budget Officer for a term through May 12, 2025 and until his successor is appointed and has qualified. Seconded by Trustee Johnson.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
b. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Employment Agreement for the Village Administrator (Brian Murphy)
Motion by Trustee Vasquez authorizing the execution of an employment agreement for the Village Administrator (Brian Murphy). Seconded by Trustee Johnson.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
c. Swearing in of Village Administrator Brian Murphy
Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner swore in Village Administrator Brian Murphy. 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Vasquez made a motion, seconded by Trustee Johnson, to enter into Executive Session to discuss: the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the Village.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
The Village Board returned to regular session at 8:00 p.m. with the following members present: President Adduci, Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
11. GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP
The Village Board participated in a brainstorming workshop to state the short and long-term goals they envision for the Village.
Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner stated that that the workshop is facilitated to assist the Village Board in determining what they envision as their short and long-term goals to align these with daily operations of the Village.
President Adduci stated she envisions an inclusive town for all people. She stated she would like to see housing and transportation accessible to all people. She commented that she hopes to see the Village further diversify its property tax base through economic development. She stated she would like to see more intergovernmental cooperation on programs such as early childhood education. She remarked that residents are concerned about traffic density and hopes to see the Village place measures to reduce traffic density.
Trustee O’Connell stated he envisions the Village strengthening its economic development and increasing support to Village business owners. He commented that he would like to see the Village provide new residents with welcome packets that provide important information to new residents. He stated people are attracted to the Village because of the quality of the schools, and he would like to know whether the school district is doing everything they are supposed to do.
Trustee Johnson stated he hopes to see programs to assist residents with property tax appeals and finances. He remarked that he would like to see mixed-use residential units along the North Avenue and Madison Street corridor. He stated he would like to see collaboration between the Village, Dominican, and Concordia Universities and Triton College on different educational programs. He commented that he would like to see the Village obtain more state and federal grants for Village infrastructure projects.
Trustee Brennan stated that she would like to see more affordable housing units for seniors and low-income residents. She remarked she envisions the Village offering incentives for historic preservation. She stated she would like to see a diverse mixture of housing units and architecture. She stated that she would like to see a waste pickup structure that incentivizes residents to reduce waste and supports climate goals. She remarked that she would like to see restrictions on the highest decibel gas leaf blowers, to reduce air, noise pollution, greenhouse gases, increased safety for operators, and make River Forest more work-from home friendly.
Trustee Vazquez stated he would like to see the Village conduct a traffic light study because the traffic lights change too quickly, making it difficult for senior and disabled residents to cross the street. He commented that the Village should consider installing more benches throughout the community. He stated the Village should cooperate with the Public Library to incorporate more educational programs.
Trustee Gillis stated she envisions the Village expanding the number of sustainability initiatives they offer residents. She commented she hopes for additional sustainability education, financial incentives for residents to move away from natural gas, and subsidies for permeable surfaces. She stated she would like to see how federal infrastructure dollars can be applied to the Village’s goals. She commented she would like to see more communication between the Village and universities to support each other in different community initiatives.
Trustee Bachner stated she would like to see the Village Board incorporate an equity decision-making matrix. She commented that she envisions an openness to new ideas to execute change. She commented she would like to see the green line stop can be extended to reach the Village. She remarked she would like to know what the transportation barriers are for people to visit the Village. She stated she would like to see the Village infrastructure keep up with Village population changes.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Vazquez made a motion, seconded by Trustee Johnson, to adjourn the special Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/12-06-21_River_Forest_SVBOT_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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