West Cook News

Village of Forest Park Village Council met Aug. 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, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call. Commissioner Melin-Rogovin was not in attendance.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the minutes from the August 12, 2024, Regular meeting of the Council be approved.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Dan Riley requested the village install a jersey wall at the end of the 1100 block of Marengo at the alley to deter traffic from traveling the wrong way on the block. Mr. Riley further complemented the Police Chief and staff for their professionalism and coordination with the Oak Park Police when searching for a suspect recently.

Mr. Mark Boroughf reported on his activities with the Historical Society and the Arts Alliance, including the Garden Walk, Garage Galleries, and the upcoming Scarecrow Invasion. In addition, Mr. Boroughf thanked the Fire and Police Departments for attending his recent block party.

Ms. Johnnie Misfer expressed her concerns about recent rat sightings in the area near her house.

Ms. Misfer was instructed to follow up with the Department of Public Health and Safety.

COMMUNICATIONS:

None

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

None

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

R-72-24 APPROVAL OF BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $499,056.22

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The bills totaled $499,056.22.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS:

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2024 MARKETING OVERVIEW

Ms. Laurie Kokenes and Mr. Neil Rembos gave an overview of the Chamber’s activities with respect to the village’s funding. The report covered the period from February 1 through August 1, 2024. Activities included the Next Stop Branding Campaign, a “Welcome New Resident” booklet, which was distributed to 2,800 new residents in the area, monthly blogs, paid social media boosts. There is also a plan to hold a one-day Fall Shopping and Dining event. The chamber expressed their gratitude for the designated funds and their commitment to working with the village. It was discussed that a Special Service Area (SSA) may be desirable to the property owners and the village at some point.

ALTENHEIM PROPERTY PURCHASE PROPOSAL PRESENTATION

Ms. Simone Boutette and Mr. Mark Zinning discussed the prospect of the Altenheim purchasing some of the property back from the village. They provided plats and options for the Village Council to consider. Currently part of their property has a zero lot line. They would like to establish a buffer around the property, provide additional parking and potentially add a bike path.

O-25-24 ORDINANCE GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE FOR A CANNABIS DISPENSARY AT 7216 CIRCLE AVE.

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Maxham that the Ordinance granting a conditional use permit for a Cannabis Dispensary in the B-2 District in the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois re: PZC 2024-06: 7216 Circle Avenue be adopted. It was discussed that the applicant currently has a state dispensary license, and they expect to be open for business by the end of January, 2025.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

R-73-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING SPECS AND BIDDING FOR FERDINAND WATERMAIN AND STORM SEWER REPLACEMENT AND FERDINAND AND ADAMS RESURFACING

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving the specifications and authorizing the advertising of bids for the Village of Forest Park Ferdinand Avenue Watermain and Storm Sewer Replacement and Ferdinand Avenue and Adams Street Resurfacing Project be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

R-74-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING IEPA LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY GRANT AGREEMENT

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution authorizing acceptance and execution of a State of Illinois, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Lead Service Line Inventory Grant Agreement for FY 2024 be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

R-75-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING PAY REQUEST FOR WILCOX AND FERDINAND RESURFACING

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving Pay Request #3 (Final) for the 2023 Wilcox & Ferdinand Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Resurfacing Improvements Project to A-Lamp Concrete Contractors, Inc. be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

R-76-24 RESOLUTION APPROVING PAY REQUEST TO LPS PAVEMENT COMPANY

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution approving Pay Request #1 (Final) for the Fillmore Street Brick Patching Program from LPS Pavement Company be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

R-77-24 RESOLUTION WAIVING IMRF HIRING FREEZE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution authorizing the Waiver of the Hiring Freeze for IMRF Employees regarding the hiring of a Full-Time Parking Enforcement Officer and a Full-Time Police Records Clerk be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

COMMUNITY CENTER AGREEMENT WITH DRURY LANE THEATRE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Voogd to approve the execution of an agreement with Drury Lane Theatre, associated with events organized by the Community Center.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

BANNER REQUESTS SARAH’S INN AND HOUSING FORWARD

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Maxham to approve the requests from Sarah’s Inn and Housing Forward to display banners promoting Domestic Violence Action Month (October) and the Housing Forward 14th Annual Compete to Defeat Homelessness fundraiser.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

RAFFLE LICENSE APPLICATION HOUSING FORWARD

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the Raffle License Application from Housing Forward for their Compete to Defeat Homelessness fundraiser on September 5, 2024, at Robert’s Westside.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

LIVING WORD AND ARTS ALLIANCE REQUEST FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAY PERMITS

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the application for use of the Public Way from Living Word Christian Center, for their  October 26, 2024, 5K race and from Forest Park Arts Alliance to hold their Fiber Flash Event in Constitution Court from November 1, 2024, through November 01, 2024.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

GIRL SCOUTS FUNDRAISING REQUEST

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero to approve the request from the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to hold their annual Fall Product and Cookie sale, beginning September 20, 2024, through January 25, 2025.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

BANNER REQUESTS

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin to approve the request from the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to display banners promoting their sidewalk sale and to ratify the request from the Forest Park Theatre to display banners promoting their production of Pericles, which is occurring August 9-11 and August 16-18, 2024.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

PROCLAMATION LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST

It was jointly moved and seconded by the Village Council to approve the Mayor’s Proclamation celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the League of Women Voters Oak Park and River Forest. Clerk Belmonte read the proclamation aloud

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Voogd and

Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Commissioner Melin-Rogovin

The motion carried.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Administrator Entler reported that for the first time ever, she was able to attend the Garage Galleries, adding that the event was fantastic and so was the media coverage. Administrator Entler congratulated the Arts Alliance on the success of the event.

COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:

Commissioner Maxham commented on her attendance at Garage Galleries and what a success the event was. In addition, the commissioner expressed her thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and Mark Boroughf.

Commissioner Nero reported that the Department of Health and Safety and the Village Administrator have been busy working with new businesses to grow Forest Park. The commissioner further warned about the excessive heat expected in the next couple of days, reminding residents to check on their neighbors and the elderly. Last, Commissioner Nero commented about rodents in Forest Park. The answer lies with the property owners, who need to be sure to maintain the upkeep of their property, remove brush and debris, and to be sure to keep trash containers closed. The Building Department will help work with residents to curb the rodent population.

Commissioner Voogd echoed the sentiments regarding the Garage Galleries event, adding that our Public Works crews contributed by running the street sweeper through the alleys that were hosting artists in advance of the event. The commissioner further announced that the Fall Clean Up event will be held on Saturday, September 21, and information and signup links will be posted soon. Last, the commissioner acknowledged that today is Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the signing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, giving Women the right to vote. Commissioner Voogd expressed her thanks to those who fought and to the women leaders in Forest Park.

Mayor Hoskins expressed congratulations to the Bloc Dispensary, for their successfully obtaining a conditional use permit for a cannabis dispensary at 7216 Circle Avenue. In addition, the mayor announced that Parkway Dispensary on Madison passed their final inspection from the state last week and should be open in September. Last, the mayor announced that the Village Council is not going to have a closed session meeting this evening, due to the absence of Commissioner Melin-Rogovin.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Nero moved, and Commissioner Maxham seconded to adjourn. The motion carried.

Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 8:02 P.M.

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