Village of Forest Park Village Council met Dec. 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Hoskins led all assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the minutes from the November 22, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Council be approved without reading as each member has received a copy thereof.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Nero
The motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the minutes from the November 7, 2021, Special Meeting of the Council be approved without reading as each member has received a copy thereof.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Nero
The motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
COMMUNICATIONS:
None
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
None
APPROVAL OF BILLS:
R-99-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $858,643.13
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The bills totaled $858,643.13.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
O-41-21
ANNUAL TAX LEVY ORDINANCE
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Annual Tax Levy Ordinance of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2022 be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-100-21
RESOLUTION FOR SEPARATE LIMITING RATES FOR TAX LEVY
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution directing the County Clerk to calculate separate limiting rates for the Tax Levy of the Village of Forest Park, Illinois for the 2021 Tax Levy year be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
O-42-21
ORDINANCE SPECIFYING FUNDS TO BE REDUCED IN 2021 TAX LEVY
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the Ordinance specifying those funds to be reduced by the County Clerk in the event that the Village Annual Tax Levy exceeds a statutory tax limitation be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-101-21
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING QBS OF BURKE ENGINEERING FOR COMMUTER BIKE FACILITIES PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing the Qualified Bidding Selection (“QBS”) of Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. For Phase I/II/III Engineering services for the Forest Park Commuter Bike Facilities Project be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-102-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR SOUTH WATER TANK PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution ratifying and approving Change Order No. 1 to the contract with Tecorp, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the South Water Tank Project be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-103-21
RESOLUTION AWARDING NORTH WATER TANK REHAB CONTRACT
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution rejecting all bids, waiving bidding requirements and authorizing the award of the contract for the Rehabilitation Project of the North Water Tank in the Village of Forest Park be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-104-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR NORTH TANK REHAB PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving Change Order No. 1 to the contract with Tecorp, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the North Water Tower Tank Project be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
DISCUSSION FOR DIRECTION ON BIDDING PROCESS FOR PARKING LOT AT 510 DES PLAINES
Administrator Amidei facilitated a discussion regarding the partnership award received from MWRD for the installation of permeable pavers in the employee parking lot located at 510 Des Plaines. The original estimate was $280,000. MWRD provided $201,000, leaving $79,000 contribution by the village. The soil study revealed an additional $25,000 cost to remove and dispose of contaminated soil. Material and excavation costs have risen significantly and the current engineer’s estimate for the project is $471,000, with the village’s share being $270,000. The village has expended approximately $50,000 thus far in engineering and other costs. There was support for the village to commence the bid process (approximate cost of $1,000-$1,500), to give the village enough information to decide whether to go forward with the project or postpone and reapply to MWRD at a later date.
R-105-21
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAY REQUEST #3 FOR ALTENHEIM DEMOLITION PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution authorizing the execution of Pay Request #3 for the Altenheim Demolition Project to KLF Enterprises be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-106-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 6 FOR ALTENHEIM DEMO PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving the execution of Change Order No. 6 to the contract with KLF Enterprises, Inc. for the Altenheim Buildings Demolition Project be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-107-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING PAY REQUEST #1 FOR 14TH STREET REHAB PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution approving Pay Request #1 (Final) for the 14th Street Resurfacing Project (CDBG Project 2006-086) from Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Nero
The motion carried.
APPROVED
R-108-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING PAY REQUEST #4 FOR 2020 WATER MAIN PROJECT
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution authorizing the execution of Pay Request #4 (Final) for the 2020 Water Main Project (Thomas and Monroe) to Uno Construction Co., Inc. be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-109-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING RANDOM DRUG TESTING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH EDWARD-ELMHURST
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving a Calendar Year 2022 Agreement with Edward-Elmhurst Occupational Health Services for a Substance Abuse Random Management Program in the Village of Forest Park be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
O-43-21
ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING CODE
It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Byrnes that the Ordinance amending Title 9, entitled “Forest Park Zoning Ordinance,” of the Village Code of Forest Park (Live Music and Dancing) be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS DIRECTED TO APPOINT ONE POLICE LIEUTENANT, ONE SERGEANT AND THREE PROBATIONARY OFFICERS
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Maxham to direct the Forest Park Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to appoint one candidate from its current Police Lieutenant Eligibility List, one candidate from its Police Sergeant Eligibility List and three candidates from its Probationary Police Officer Eligibility List to fill vacancies.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED BY MOTION
OAK PARK WINDMILLS RAFFLE LICENSE
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Voogd to approve the raffle license application submitted by the Oak Park Windmills for their fundraiser to be held at the Windmills facility in Forest Park on January 31, 2022.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED BY MOTION
R-110-21
RESOLUTION APPROVING RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT RE: GOMEZ V. VILLAGE OF FOREST PARK
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the Resolution approving the execution of a Release and Settlement Agreement be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
R-111-21
RESOLUTION TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL MULTISTATE OPIOID SETTLEMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Byrnes that the Resolution authorizing the Village of Forest Park to participate in the National Multistate Opioid Settlement and authorizing execution of related settlement agreements be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Amidei reported that there is a “Build Illinois” grant for capital improvements to public property and he is looking for input and ideas in order to develop our capital improvements program. In addition, ARPA Funds are also available for infrastructure and a plan will be presented in the near future. Mr. Amidei stated that he is looking forward to 2022 and expressed his gratitude for the hospitality, patience and warm welcome he received in his 7 months with Forest Park. Last, staff is working alongside the Chamber, planning events to build the community.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:
Commissioner Byrnes reported that he attended the Mayor’s Toy Drive for Forest Park’s needy families, in addition to the annual toy drive coordinated by Rich “Chubbs” Polfus at Doc Ryan’s.
Commissioner Maxham expressed her sympathy to the families of the two Police Officers who passed away recently, as well as to the “Forest Park Police Department Family.” This was a profound loss for the village.
Commissioner Nero stated that he would like to see the camera system back on the agenda so it can move forward. The Commissioner further echoed Commissioner Maxham and offered his sympathy to both the Kozak and Flores families. Last, Commissioner Nero urged all to slow down and be cognizant of the people we’re with and the time we have together and wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Commissioner Voogd expressed her sympathy to the family, friends, community and the Police Department staff on the loss of Officers Kozak and Flores. The commissioner gave a narrative about the Public Works Department’s year in review, including:
∙ Electronic Recycling event in May
∙ Planted a lilac tree at Field Stevenson School on Arbor Day
∙ Submitted an application for Tree City USA, which was accepted
∙ Managed significant weather events with aging fleet
∙ Implemented a Fleet Management Software System
∙ Transitioned the management of our Pocket Parks to the Park District (looking forward to upcoming improvements).
∙ The Recreation Board is looking for more members and are working on updating their duties and purpose.
∙ There will be an update on the village’s website with regard to the future of the Altenheim property.
Last, the Commissioner thanked the chamber for hosting the recent Holiday Walk and Menorah Lighting and wished all Happy Holidays.
Mayor Hoskins commented that it has been a tough year, especially with the passing of Officers Kozak and Flores, adding that 52 jurisdictions participated in Officer Kozak’s funeral and that Officer Flores’ funeral is tomorrow. The mayor thanked all who partnered with the village’s efforts to provide vaccinations, including the Illinois and Cook County Departments of Public Health, as well as the Living Word Christian Center, who provided space for the mass vaccination center, the Park District who provided vaccinations at the July 4th celebration as well as the District 91, the Library, the Chamber and the American Legion. We have had many new businesses open this year, such as Play it Again Sports, Francesca’s and Table and Lain. There will be Police Lieutenant and Sergeant promotions and a new Firefighter taking the oath of office on December 30th at 11:00. The Police Department rolled out officer body cameras this year, and a new Deputy Fire Chief, Police Chief, Lieutenant and Deputy Chief were appointed this year as well as a new Village Administrator.
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
10:06 P.M.
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Byrnes to recess into closed session to consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and to review closed session minutes.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
RECONVENE OPEN SESSION
10:06 P.M.
It was moved by Commissioner Byrnes and seconded by Commissioner Maxham to reconvene to open session.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
TERMINATION OF TANZLA DAVIS-RODRIGUEZ UPHELD BY MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Maxham to uphold the termination of Tanzla Davis-Rodriguez, effective November 9, 2021.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Byrnes, Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins
NAYES: None
ABSENT: None
The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Nero moved and Commissioner Byrnes seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried.
Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 10:09 P.M.
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