Village of River Forest Board of Trustees met June 27.
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, O’Connell, Village Clerk Keller
Absent: Johnson, Vazquez
Also, Present: Village Administrator Brian Murphy, Assistant to the Village Administrator Matthew Walsh, Management Analyst/Deputy Clerk Elijah Bebora, Fire Chief Thomas Gaertner, Police Commander James Greenwood, Finance Director Rosemary McAdams, Director of Public Works and Development Services Jeff Loster, Village Attorney Greg Smith.
MOTION by Trustee Gillis to allow Trustee Vazquez to participate telephonically due to work responsibilities. Second by Trustee Bachner.
Roll call:
Ayes: Bachner, Gillis, Brennan, O’Connell
Absent: Johnson, Vazquez
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Adduci led the pledge of allegiance.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Cary Mclean, resident at 1010 Keystone Avenue stated that she is a Commissioner on the Sustainability Commission. She commented that she would like to thank the Village Board for initiating the single-use food ware ordinance. She stated that the Sustainability Commission strengthened the proposed ordinance to include drive through’s because it is the right thing to do. She remarked that future generations on this planet should be thought of when considering the ordinance. She commented that McDonalds agrees with the position of the Sustainability Commission as stated on their company website. She stated that McDonald’s restaurants in Canada have switched to wooden cutlery and smaller napkins. She commented that the ordinance should be passed as written to show a commitment to mitigating the human impact on the environment.
Diana Lauber stated that she is reading on the record an email she received from the Village of River Forest Mcdonald’s owner, Nick Karavites . She remarked that the letter stated that Mr. Karavites commends the Village of River Forest on their efforts on sustainability. She commented that the owner fully agrees with the proposed ordinance. She stated that Mr. Karavites wrote that getting rid of plastic foodware is not viable for him at this time. She stated that Mr. Karavites is required to purchase his food ware from McDonald’s company-approved distribution centers. She remarked that at this time the distributor he uses does not provide non-plastic food ware. She commented that he would like more time for his business and the Mcdonald’s corporation to adequately transition to a more sustainable food ware option. She commented that Mr. Karavites would like to still offer straws to customers who use the drive-through. She stated that the owner states that statistically, 65% of drive-through customers consume their food in their car and it is dangerous to consume a beverage while driving without a straw. She remarked that the owner stated that small concessions in the ordinance would make the difference to satisfy his customers while also adhering to the proposed Village of River Forest sustainability ordinance.
Phyllis Rubin, resident at 411 Ashland Avenue stated that she hopes that the ordinance passes as strongly as possible. She commented that she is willing to accept giving McDonalds additional time to comply with the ordinance. She remarked that Canada and California have substituted plastic food ware and McDonald’s can too.
Sheila Redford-Hill, resident at 414 Clinton Place stated that she has been a resident of River Forest since 2015. She commented that she is the former Chief Diversity officer at Dominican University. She remarked that currently, she is semi-retired. She commented that she works on passion projects including teaching as an adjunct at Dominican. She stated that recently, she was asked by Trustee Brennan to participate in a small committee to plan a Juneteenth Flag raising for the Village. She remarked that Trustee Brennan is the Village’s representative to the Dominican Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Committee. She stated that she serves on the same committee through her ongoing relationship with Dominican University. She commented that she became acquainted with Trustee Brennan because of the Village’s Community Partnership with Dominican University’s goal to fight Racial and Social Injustice, which President Adduci played a leading role in establishing in 2020. She commented that the flag-raising event held at the River Forest Library was an amazing success. She remarked that Village residents, the Library, the Police and Fire Departments, elected officials, and invited guests enjoyed an hour of education, celebration, and honor. She commented that she is here to thank Trustee Brennan for inviting her to participate and thanks Trustees Bachner and Johnson for their gracious participation in the project. She stated that she is also here to advocate for ongoing support for the Juneteenth Flag raising. She commented that the event could build momentum toward the Village’s participation in the West Villages Parade. She commented that Forest Park, Oak Park, and other Villages have their own flag raisings and the people she talked to at these events really enjoyed learning about Juneteenth through community participation. She commented that at the River Forest flag raising, residents were excited to learn about the West Villages Parade and thrilled to know that Juneteenth is a federal and state holiday--a time for all Americans to celebrate and educate each other about a part of our history we did not learn in school. She stated that the Juneteenth flag raising was a win-win for the Village. She stated that first, the Flag raising supported the previously mentioned Community Partnership with Dominican, second, the flag raising supported the aims of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee ably led by Trustees Bachner and Johnson. Third, the flag raising provided River Forest residents with an opportunity to build community partnerships and to participate in other West Village celebrations including those held in the Villages of Forest Park, Oak Park, and Maywood and finally, the flag raising provided River Forest with a strong blueprint for annual Juneteenth activities that begin with the River Forest Flag raising and culminate in the West Villages Parade. She commented that conceiving of the Flag raising as an event sponsored by each Village in the run up to the West Villages parade sends a clear message that the Village is welcoming to all groups and is promoting racial justice by cooperating with our neighbors to pursue common goals. She commented that she is respectfully asking for all members of the Village Board to participate in next year’s Juneteenth events, and also asks each of the Trustees to vote on a resolution to include the Juneteenth Flag Raising in the Village Budget for Diversity and Inclusion work. She commented that supporting the Juneteenth Flag raising as a Village says that River Forest’s commitment to its previously passed anti-racist resolution is unwavering. She remarked that funding events that educate our neighbors and celebrate the histories and cultures of those living in our community is a winner. She stated that it will not cost much to invest in our cultural infrastructure, which includes the celebrations of Black, Biracial, Indigenous and People of Color and those of non minority communities in the Village, but the investment will garner massive returns in an improved quality of life and economic opportunities for businesses and organizations in River Forest. She stated that the strength of River Forest lies in the willing hands of its people. She commented that she hopes each of the Trustees will support willing hands by allocating funds for an annual Juneteenth Flag raising as part of the Village budget.
4.ELECTED OFFICIAL COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Cross Community Collaborative (C4) Memorandum of Understanding - Proclamation
President Adduci read the Proclamation stating that WHEREAS, the Village of River Forest is committed to promoting and creating a more sustainable environment through a variety of programs and initiatives; and WHEREAS, the Village of River Forest believes intergovernmental cooperation to be an effective and efficient method of sharing ideas and resources; and WHEREAS, the Village of River Forest has joined several collective municipal efforts aimed at building sustainable communities, including the Greenest Region Compact and the Chicago Climate Charter; and WHEREAS, the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative (C4) is designed to bring together BIPOC and non-minority communities across income lines to achieve emissions reductions, equity, and sustainability goals; and WHEREAS, the C4 project supports disinvested and resourced communities in a unique collaboration that places a focus on substantive goals and metrics; and WHEREAS, the Village of River Forest continues to foster relationships with nearby west suburban communities, including Oak Park and Broadview. Now, therefore, I, Catherine Adduci, village president of the village of river forest, do hereby proclaim support for the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative and encourage cooperation and participation from other municipalities and community groups. In witness, thereof, I have hereto set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the seal of the Village of River Forest, this 27th day of June 2022.
c. Elected Official Comments and 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 where people from diverse backgrounds live and gather. She commented that she wishes everyone a happy 4th of July and hopes everyone will be safe on the roads and celebrating. She stated that she is happy to see all the Juneteenth events in the community and looks forwards to them in the following years. She remarked that she participated in the District 90 pride walk at Village Hall. She commented that the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group is on track and there should be a request for proposal draft in the coming weeks.
Trustee Gillis stated that she participated in the Juneteenth event at Dominican University. She stated that she wishes Sara Phyfer the best on her new position in another community and thanks her for her work on the Sustainability Commission and the Village. She commented that she would like to wish everyone a happy 4th of July.
Trustee Vazquez stated that he attended Juneteenth events at Elgin Community College. He commented that he encourages everyone to go out and vote on June 28th. He remarked that on May 27th, he attended the age guide public hearing which focused on what their senior services grants were and provide input. He commented that he attended the Village Memorial Day which was well attended by the community. He stated that on June 2nd, he attended the Mayor’s Metropolitan Caucus Age-Friendly Communities Collaborative with President Adduci. He stated that on June 8th, there was an Age-Friendly Ad Hoc Committee meeting which focused on completing the age-friendly survey analysis and will begin drafting a report that will be presented to the Board with the Committee’s findings and recommendations. He remarked that on June 10th, he attended the Leadership Lab and thanked the Village Board for being a sponsor in Trustees attending the Leadership Lab training. He stated that on June 23rd, he attended the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce breakfast which Trustee Brennan also attended. He commented that he wishes Sara Phyfer the best of luck in her new position.
Trustee Brennan stated that she would like to thank Sara Phyfer for her professionalism and she will be missed. She commented that she would like to thank Sheila Redford-Hill for her participation in the Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony. She commented that the event was well received and is in line with the Village’s stated mission of promoting social and racial equity. She commented that she urges the Village to continue with the flag raising and make it an annual event. She stated that in attendance were River Forest Mayor Hoskins, Maywood Trustees Jones and Brandon, elected officials from the Township and Library, Principals of District 90, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. She stated that she would like to thank Trustee Johnson for being the event MC, the Fire Department, the Boy Scouts, Trinity High School, and the Juneteenth Planning Committee. She commented that she attended the Chamber of Commerce luncheon which had excellent content on how businesses are data-driven. She commented that she attended the Oak Park and Forest Park Juneteenth flag-raising ceremonies, and the Dominican University Juneteenth event. She stated that the West Villages Juneteenth Parade and expo was planned in 67 days. She stated that she was in the planning committee with Police Commander James Greenwood and Management Analyst/ Deputy Clerk Elijah Bebora who took strong roles in planning. She stated that she anticipates making the Juneteenth parade and expo an annual event.
Trustee O’Connell stated that he participated in the Memorial Day parade which was well attended by residents. He commented that he would like to congratulate Sara Phyfer on her new position. He stated that he has noticed that there has been some construction work in the Village on Sundays, which is against Village Ordinance. He stated that he hopes that everyone would be mindful of their neighbors on Sunday so that they may rest. He stated that residents can call the police non-emergency number to report construction work they witness on Sundays.
President Adduci stated that Sara Phyfer will be missed and wishes her the best. He stated that she would like to thank Village Staff on their work on the Village Memorial Day Parade. She commented that she led and attended the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4). She remarked that 13 mayors signed the agreement. She stated that the agreement is specifically for the black, indigenous, people of color, and those from disadvantaged communities. She stated that she is thankful for all who worked hard on the Juneteenth parade and flag raising. She stated that she participated in the Juneteenth parade and was on the float.
Village Clerk Keller stated he has nothing to add to the public record.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Village Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes - May 23, 2022
b. Village of Trustees Executive Meeting Minutes – May 23, 2022
c. A Right-of-Way Encroachment Waiver and Agreement for an Irrigation System in the Public Right-of-Way with the Property Owners at 217 Franklin Avenue.
d. A Right-of-Way Encroachment Waiver and Agreement for an Irrigation System in the Public Right-of-Way with the Property Owners at 935 Thatcher Avenue.
e. A Right-of-Way Encroachment Waiver and Agreement for an Irrigation System in the Public Right-of-Way with the Property Owners at 1110 Jackson Avenue.
f. Award a Contract to Chicagoland Paving in the Amount of $79,758.15 for the 2022 Street Patching Program and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
g. Award a Contract to Davis Concrete Construction Co. in the Amount of $80,262.50 for the 2022 Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
h. Award a Contract to Denler, Inc. in the Amount of $54,410.00 for the 2022 Asphalt Pavement Crack Sealing Project and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
i. Award a Contract to Denler, Inc. in the Amount of $46,800.00 for the 2022 Pavement Preservation Project and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
j. Award a Contract to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. in the Amount of $503,290.46 for the 2022 Street Improvement Project and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
k. Motion to Award the Contract to Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC in the Amount of $213,687.75 for the 2022 Sewer Lining Project and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
l. Award a Contract to Copenhaver Construction, Inc. in the Amount of $2,114,227.01 for the Green Alley Improvement Project (Phase 2) and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
m. Approval of an Agreement with Thomas Engineering Group to Perform Construction Engineering Services for a Not-to-Exceed Cost of $116,648.48 and Authorize the Village Administrator to Execute the Contract Agreement.
n. Authorization to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with Cook County Regarding the Village of River Forest Bicycle Plan improvements – Resolution
o. Master Power Supply Agreement with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC for the Village’s Electrical Aggregation Program and Approval of Master Power Supply Agreement with MC Squared Energy Services, LLC for the Village’s Electric Aggregation Program Extended Term Agreement Amendment No. 1 – Ordinance
p. Approve the Purchase of a Dell ME5024 Storage Array in the Amount of $40,319.19.
q. International Risk Management Agency (IRMA) Alternate Delegate Change - Resolution
r. Monthly Department Reports
s. Accounts Payable May 2022 - $1,877,142.29
t. Monthly Financial Report – May 2022
u. Village Administrator’s Report
Trustee Brennan requested to pull consent agenda items F-L, and O.
MOTION by Trustee Brennan to approve consent agenda items A-E, and N-U. Second by Trustee O’Connell
Roll call:
Ayes: Bachner, Gillis, Vazquez, Brennan, O’Connell
Absent: Johnson
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
MOTION by Trustee Brennan to approve consent agenda items F-L, and O. Second by Trustee O’Connell.
Roll call:
Ayes: Bachner, Gillis, Vazquez, Brennan, O’Connell
Absent: Johnson
Nays: None
Motion Passes.
6. CONSENT ITEMS FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION
None
7. RECOMMENDATIONS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
a. Development Review Board - River Forest Tennis Club Planned Development – Ordinance
https://www.vrf.us/uploads/cms/documents/events/6-27-22_River_Forest_Regular_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
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