West Cook News

Village of Forest Park Village Council met Feb. 26.

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 Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call.

Commissioner Nero was not in attendance.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the minutes from the February 12, 2024, Regular meeting of the Council be approved.

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the February 12, 2024, minutes be amended to include language stating the open positions will be advertised on the village’s website and on LinkedIn.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

The clerk called the roll call on the approval of the February 12, 2024, minutes, as amended.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

COMMUNICATIONS:

None

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

The Fire Department submitted its January, 2024, report.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

R-14-24APPROVAL OF BILLS INTHE AMOUNT OF$659,169.02 

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The bills totaled $659,169.02.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

MARKETING AND ACTIVITY PRESENTATION BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ms. Laurie Kokenes and Mr. Neil Rembos of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce gave a presentation and a detailed breakdown of the activities the Chamber has engaged in with the funding provided by the Village of Forest Park. To date, spending has been $19,918. The funds are used to promote the unique character of the village and to promote the events held, including professional photography at the events. In addition, the Chamber is working on a New Resident Welcome Book, that will be distributed to new residents in Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest.

R-15-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECIFICATIONS AND BIDDING OF FILLMORE STREET BRICK PATCHING 

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution approving the specifications and authorizing the advertising of bids for the Village of Forest Park Fillmore Street Brick Patching Program.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

R-16-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING ENGINEERING FOR 2024 WATERMAIN AND RESURFACING PROJECT 

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Resolution to approve and authorize the execution of a Professional Engineering Services Proposal Supplement for Phase II design engineering services by and between Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. and the Village of Forest Park for the 2024 Watermain and Resurfacing Project (400 and 500 Blocks Ferdinand) be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd

and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

R-17-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT 

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Resolution approving the execution of a Release and Settlement Agreement re: Apollo v. Stasinopoulos, et al., Case No. 1:18-CB-6475 be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

R-18-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH METRO PARAMEDICS 

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Resolution approving the execution of a Settlement Agreement by and between the Village of Forest Park and Metro Paramedic Services be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

O-11-24 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SECOND AMENDMENT TO COMMUNICATIONS SITE LEASE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of the Second Amendment to Communications Site Lease with Option between the Village of Forest Park and T-Mobile Central LLC be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

O-12-24 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE TO BORROW FUNDS

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and seconded by Commissioner Voogd that the Ordinance authorizing the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois to borrow funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program (Lead Service Line Replacement Project) be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BANNER REQUEST

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin to approve the request from the 150th Anniversary Committee of Pilgrim Congregational Church to display banners promoting their free concert to be held on April 21, 2024.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Nero

The motion carried.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Administrator Entler reported that the Town Hall Meeting with Representative La Shawn Ford regarding the issue of funerals traveling through Forest Park causing disturbances had to be cancelled. It will be rescheduled in the near future. The administrator reminded residents that vehicle sticker renewal is in progress and can be purchased in person, through the mail and online. In addition, Administrator Entler is working on an updated Emergency Operations Plan with key members of staff. Cook County ARPA funds are assisting in covering the cost. Last, the Administrator complemented Fire Chief Chiappetta and the Fire Department on the great job they did handling the house fire on the 500 Block of Circle Avenue today.

COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:

Commissioner Maxham complemented the Clerk’s Office staff, who is working hard processing the vehicle sticker renewals this year. The Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the Fire Department for the great job handling the house fire today. Last, Commissioner Maxham congratulated Ed Nutley on his retirement and the highly attended street naming ceremony honoring him.

Commissioner Melin-Rogovin expressed her appreciation to Director, Sal Stella, for following up on the activity and recommendations of the Safety and Traffic Commission. The members of the Commission are learning a lot about the issues at hand and have reached out to IDOT regarding street painting and some of the recommendations they have. The Commissioner expressed her gratitude to the great work these volunteers are doing.

Commissioner Voogd echoed Commissioner Maxham and congratulated Mr. Nutley and the Nutley family. The Commissioner further met with Scout Troop 107 leaders, and thanked them for inspiring the young people of Forest Park.

Mayor Hoskins expressed his gratitude to the Chamber for their leadership and the presentation tonight, adding that the village values its relationship with the Chamber. The mayor further reported that the property at 1527 Harlem will soon be a fine dining restaurant. The opening is expected by Spring. Mayor Hoskins complemented Commissioner Melin-Rogovin for holding Union Pacific Railroad’s feet to the fire regarding the issue of idling trains disturbing nearby residents. The mayor also expressed his pleasure with the Police Department as he received two complementary emails regarding specific officers and appreciates hearing the positive feedback.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Maxham moved and Commissioner Melin-Rogovin seconded to adjourn into closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2) and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) to consider collective negotiation matters and to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. The motion carried.

Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 7:32 P.M

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