Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met April 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A regular 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 7:05 p.m. Upon roll call, the following persons were:
Present: President Adduci, Trustees Bachner, Brennan, Gillis, Johnson, Vazquez, O’Connell, Village Clerk Keller
Absent: None
Also, Present: Village Administrator Brian Murphy, Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner, Management Analyst/Deputy Clerk Elijah Bebora, Fire Chief Thomas Gaertner, Police Chief James O’Shea, Finance Director Rosemary McAdams, Director of Public Works and Development Services Jeff Loster, Village Attorney Greg Smith.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Village Resident Phyllis Ruben of 411 Ashland Avenue stated that she thinks that the refuse contract looks wonderful. She stated that she thinks it is terrific that in the proposed refuse contract, electronics will be picked up twice a year. She commented that she would like to know what kind of plastic recyclables will be accepted. She remarked that she would like to see how the plastic is collected and how it is processed.
4.ELECTED OFFICIAL COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trustee Bachner began with a land acknowledgment, stating that this land was once and still is inhabited by Indigenous people and that River Forest continues to be a place that people from diverse backgrounds live and gather. She stated that she is excited that the first black female Supreme Court Justice Kentanji Brown was confirmed and that it is a pivotal moment for our nation. She commented that on March 24, she joined other Trustees in Springfield to speak with State legislators on the Local Government
Distributive Fund, infrastructure, and other Village related topics. She remarked that she attended the annual Unity Day organized by the Latino Policy Forum to discuss issues affecting the Latino community and it was a wonderful event.
Trustee Gillis stated she would like to wish everyone a happy Easter, Passover, and Ramadan. She stated on April 9, she attended the River Forest Bike Exchange. She stated that 45 bikes were registered and the event raised $1900 for District 90’s Green for Good program. She stated that she met with a Village Resident about trees and the need for a strong tree canopy.
Trustee Vazquez stated that on March 31, he attended a meeting hosted by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus on behalf of President Adduci. He remarked that the meeting was on the topic of how to maximize AARP resources and whether to pursue the AARP regional group member approach. He commented that and it was decided that the Village would pursue the group member approach. He stated that there was also a discussion during the meeting on how detailed a proposal should be that would be submitted to the AARP. He stated on April9, he attended the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group. The topic of the meeting was on strategies to get a more diverse group of candidates. He stated that he is thankful for the hard work Village staff did to get the red light camera permit approved.
Village Clerk Keller stated he had nothing to add to the public record.
Trustee Brennan stated that she attended the Truth and Racial Healing, and Reconciliation meeting hosted by Dominican University. She stated that she continues to forward Village Staff different events and is thankful to Staff for posting the events on Village publications. She stated that her and her leadership cohort and working on Juneteenth events in the greater West Villages area including the Juneteenth Parade and the flag raising.
Trustee Johnson stated the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group met on April 4. He commented that the group broke up into 7 subgroups to being their group work. He remarked that he, Trustee Bachner, and Mr. Murphy have noticed that there is a lot of excitement now that subgroup work has begun.
Trustee O’Connell stated he would like to wish all a happy holiday. He remarked that he attended the River Forest Bike Exchange and he congratulated the group for the event success. He commented that he would like to thank the Public Works Department for their work clearing the streets with the street sweepers.
President Adduci stated that she attended and spoke at the Dominican University Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Temple. She remarked that she made a presentation to a District 90 third grade class on local government at the Village. She commented that she attended the Illinois Municipal League lobby day event and gained a lot of great ideas on grants that address environmental concerns. She stated that the Lake and Lathrop groundbreaking event is taking place on Thursday, April 14 and the public is invited to attend.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - FY 2023 VILLAGE OPERATING BUDGET
President Adduci opened the public hearing
Village Administrator Brian Murphy stated that The Fiscal Year 2023 budget was presented at the Committee of the whole earlier this evening. He commented that pursuant to state law, the Village is required to hold a public hearing on its annual budget prior it’s adoption. He remarked that the notice of the Public hearing was published on March 30, 2022. He stated that notice must be published at least one week prior to the hearing. He commented that the budget is available to the public for inspection at Village Hall and on the Village website. He remarked that he invites the public to make comments at this time. He stated that The Board will consider final approval of the budget at the April 25th 7:00pm meeting Village Board meeting.
Motion by Trustee O’Connell to adjourn the public hearing. Second by Trustee Johnson. The public hearing adjourned at 7:32.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Village Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - March 14, 2022
b. Support of the Local Government Distributive Fund - Resolution
c. Tax Increment Financing - Resolution
d. Approval of a Contract in the Amount of $580,331.10 to Capitol Cement Company, Inc. for the Green Alley Improvement Project (Phase 1) and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement
e. Approve an Agreement with Thomas Engineering Group to Perform Construction Engineering Services for a not-to-Exceed Cost of $55,991.52 and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement
f. Approval of a Payment in the Amount of $23,117.22 to SpringbrookHolding Company LLC for Annual Maintenance for the Period from May 1, 2022 to April 30,2023
g. Approval of a Payment in the Amount of $26,117.41 to Klein, Thorpe and Jenkins, Ltd. for Legal Services
h. Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute a Right-of-way Encroachment Waiver and Agreement for an Irrigation System in the Public Right-of-Way with the Property Owners at 1138 Park Avenue
i. Authorization of Sale by Internet Auction of Municipal Property Owned by the Village of River Forest - Ordinance
j. Monthly Department Reports - March 2022
k. Financial Report - March 2022
l. Accounts Payable - March 2022 - $1,941,948.83
m. Village Administrator’s Report
Motion by Trustee O’Connell to approve consent agenda items A - M. Second by Trustee Johnson.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Gillis, Brennan, Johnson, O’Connell, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
7. CONSENT ITEMS FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
a. Accounts Payable from the General Fund to McDonald’s-Karavites totaling $58.60 (Trustee O’Connell Common Law Conflict of Interest)
Motion by Trustee Vazquez to approve Accounts Payable from the General Fund to McDonald’s-Karavites totaling $58.60 (Trustee O’Connell Common Law Conflict of Interest). Second by Trustee Brennan.
Roll call:
Ayes: Trustees Bachner, Gillis, Brennan, Johnson, Vazquez
Absent: None
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
a. Traffic and Safety Commission - Recommendation to Install Temporary Bollards at the Limits of the Parking Lanes in the Eastbound/Westbound Directions of Washington Boulevard at its Intersection with Keystone Avenue.
Public Works/Development Services Director Jeff Loster stated that a resident expressed concern regarding traffic volumes, speeds and erratic driver behavior at the intersection of Keystone and Washington. He remarked that anecdotal evidence suggests that oftentimes impatient drivers will use eastbound and westbound parking lanes to circumvent traffic that may be stacked at the stop signs in addition to some drivers that disregard the stop signs altogether. He stated that this leads to dangerous situations with multiple vehicles entering the intersection at the same time and occasionally at perceived high rates of speed. He remarked that although enforcement actions appear to be productive in reducing this cut-through traffic, the Police Department is unable to station equipment/personnel at these locations for extended periods of time as there are numerous other areas in River Forest that require similar attention. He remarked that in lieu of added Police Department enforcement efforts, a recommendation was made to install temporary bollards (during non-winter months) at the limits of the parking lanes to prevent vehicles from using them as driving lanes. He commented that curb bump-outs were also discussed, however, the Commission felt that this intermediate step was a better attempt at solving this issue in a more efficient manner.
Mr. Loster stated that the Traffic and Safety Commission recommends that temporary bollards be installed at the limits of the parking lanes in the eastbound/westbound directions of Washington Boulevard at its intersection with Keystone Avenue. He remarked that the implementation would be consistent with another recommendation recently made for Chicago Avenue at its intersection with William Street.
The Village Board reached a consensus to accept the recommendations from the Traffic and Safety Commission.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Authorization to Execute an Agreement for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services Between the Village of River Forest and Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC - Resolution
Village Resident Susan Charrette stated that she has been a Village resident of River Forest for the past 23 years. She commented that there are several elements of the waste haul contract under consideration that concern me, but I would like to focus tonight on the cost. She remarked that when she moved to River Forest and until 2007, the refuse collection fee was $135.50 per year. She commented that since 2007, the fee has increased to $363.50 or 2.7 times that amount or a 268% increase compared to core inflation of 36% over the same period. She stated that the Village refuse collection fees have increased 10 times more than the inflation rate over the past 15 years. She commented that the proposed contract incorporates an even higher rate of yearly fee increases than the past five years, 3% beginning next year which could be locked in for the next ten years if the Village exercises the option included in this contract to extend for another five years. She remarked that one of the main reasons River Forest’s refuse collection is so expensive is because of the special white glove “walk up” collection service “not commonly offered in the industry today” according to LRS. She stated that River Forest residents pay this higher rate whether or not they benefit from it. She commented that the agenda packet states that 434 residences are on an alley where a much labor-intensive collection service is employed, and yet they are charged the same rate as their non-alley neighbors. She stated that when she asked Village staff why our rate under negotiation is significantly higher than Oak Park’s recently negotiated contract with LRS at $316.70 a year, she was told it was due to the white glove service some residents receive. She remarked that using Oak Park’s rate as a comparison, alley residences currently pay $46.80 more per year than Oak Parkers despite not benefitting from this service. She stated that over the 5-year period covered by the proposed contract, this amounts to over a $100,000 cross subsidy from alley residences to their non-alley neighbor. She commented that some of the most affordable homes in the Village are located on alleys, making the cross subsidy a completely regressive policy. She remarked that the Village offers different rates for basic and unlimited service, and there’s no reason it could not offer a different rate for people living on alleys with a much less labor-intensive collection route.
She stated that she proposes the Village Board reject the $100,000 cross subsidy and charge alley residences Oak Park’s current fees which would result in only a $0.50 increase per month for non-alley residences who benefit from and rely on custom white-glove walk-up service.
Public Works and Development Service Director Jeff Loster stated that there are major components in the proposed contract that are not provided in the current contract. He remarked that there would rates are frozen in the first year of the contract and 3% thereafter. He commented that household hazardous waste and electronic waste would be eligible for refuse collection. He stated that these options are not in the current contract. He commented that a lot of resident communications and brochures will be sent to residents on general refuse information.
The Trustees reached a consensus and requested Staff make amendments to The “51%” language in appendix F regarding Opt-Out Composting and section 12 of the overall contract regarding Unlimited Household Waste Removal Day.
10. NEW BUSINESS
a. Police Department Training - Presentation
The Police Department Crime Prevention and Community Policing Officer Benjamin Ransom and Police Department Training Supervisor Sergeant Michael Swierczynski presented to the Village Board of Trustees on their Police Officer training program. Sergeant Michael Swierczynski began the presentation by stating that Officers have attended over 111 different training courses, over 7,000 hours of training, 700 hours of community policing and crisis intervention training, 200 hours of medical and wellness training and over 550 hours of training geared towards legal updates. He remarked that Village Police Officers undergo training such as procedural justice/human rights/cultural competency/implicit bias, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, domestic violence, emergency medical response, and much more. Officer Benjamin Ransom spoke on the Active Bystander for Law Enforcement(ABLE) program. He remarked that the goal of the program is to prepare Police Officers to successfully intervene to prevent harm and create a law enforcement culture that supports peer intervention. He commented that the program offers certification and training portals for instructors to teach their agencies, ongoing implementation and technical assistance, and adds additional transparency and accountability for all stakeholders. He remarked that currently, the Police Chief has prepared a letter of support and intent to adopt the Georgetown University ABLE program, letters of support have been received from Dominican University and River Forest Public School District 90 as part of the application process. He stated the final step is a letter of support from the Village President which is being drafted at this time. He concluded by stating that the Village President and Board of Trustees will be provided with status updates on this initiative.
b. Amendments to the Ethics Ordinance - Discussion
Village Attorney Greg Smith stated that the in the fall of 2021, the Commission began a review of the ethics ordinance and discussed potential improvements to it. He commented that over the course of several meetings, in conjunction with Village Staff and the Village Attorney, the Commission prepared an amended ethics ordinance. He remarked that on March 9, 2022, the Commission voted to recommend that the Village President and Board of Trustees adopt the attached ordinance making the Commission’s recommended amendments.
He stated that the substantive changes proposed by the Commission include the following:
1. Expanding the scope of the ethics ordinance to include Village contractors. 2. In Section 1-23-1, adding a preamble expressing the Village’s intent that its ethics ordinance is meant to meet or exceed ethics requirements in State and Federal laws, and listing significant State ethics laws
3. In Section 1-23-2, expanding the scope of prohibited sources to include lobbyists and agents, spouses and immediate family members of prohibited sources. 4. In Section 1-23-3, changing the standard for prohibited political activities from “intentionally” to “knowingly.”
5. In Section 1-23-4, expanding the scope of the gift ban to immediate family members of Village covered individuals.
6. In Section 1-23-5, expanding the scope of conflict of interests to include financial interests of immediate family members and an anti-nepotism clause.
7. In Section 1-23-6, adding a duty to report violations of the ethics ordinance.
8. In Section 1-23-8:
a. Allowing the Commission to consider anonymous complaints.
b. Requiring the Commission to keep complaints confidential to the extent permitted by law until and unless the Commission determines that the complaint is supported by sufficient evidence and there are reasonable grounds to establish a violation of the ordinance.
c. Adding a new “screening” review step for complaints received by the Commission, with a list of potential dismissal criteria.
9. In Section 1-23-9, allowing the Village Board to bar a contractor who violates the ethics ordinance.
c. Contract Amendment with SAFEbuilt for Professional Plan Review Services – Approval
Public Works/Development Services Director Jeff Loster stated that since 2011, the Village has consistently utilized B&F Construction Code Services, Inc. to supplement Village Staff’s permit review efforts. He remarked that they have regularly provided plan review for building, plumbing, electrical and HVAC reviews as designated by Village Staff. In addition to these reviews, they perform the majority of all inspections associated with Village-issued permits. He commented that beginning in 2021, the Village entered into an additional contract with SAFEbuilt to supplement. He stated that in 2021, the Village implemented new online permit software in an effort to streamline the overall permit process. He remarked that in a focused effort to optimize the review portion of the permit process, Staff has also discussed ways in which review times can be minimized. He commented that by working more closely with SAFEbuilt, it is Staff’s belief that permit review times can be substantially reduced which will result in a much shorter “submittal-to-issuance” timeline. He remarked that based on the attached contract, SAFEbuilt has provided review timelines that would improve upon those currently being met. He stated that, Staff recommends engaging with SAFEbuilt for all reviews pertaining to building, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and engineering. He remarked that Staff will continue to assess departmental needs and explore all opportunities to minimize permit review times and improve customer service for our residents.
Public Works/Development Services Director Loster stated that Staff is seeking consensus to move forward with a 1-year renewal of the contract with SAFEbuilt to perform permit reviews as designated by Village Staff.
The Village Board provided consensus for Staff to move forward with a 1-year renewal of the contract with SAFEbuilt.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
12. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Trustee Vazquez, seconded by Trustee Johnson, the Village Board of Trustees Meeting at 9:20 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/4-11-22_River_Forest_Regular_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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